top of page
Writer's pictureChloe Deutscher

Why the Adamo Method is an Innovation Beyond Sensate Therapy



When it comes to improving sexual health and intimacy, choosing the right method can be crucial. The Adamo Method and Sensate Therapy are two popular approaches, but they differ significantly. Here’s why the Adamo Method stands out.


Understanding Sensate Therapy

Sensate Therapy, developed by Masters and Johnson in the 1960s, aims to reduce performance anxiety and enhance physical intimacy through mindful touch. Couples explore each other's bodies without the pressure of sexual performance, starting with non-genital touching and gradually progressing to genital touch. This helps build comfort and connection between partners.


Understanding the Adamo Method

The Adamo Method, created by Dr. Molly Maloof, Dr. Saida Desilets, and Aaron Michael, is a 9week program designed to improve sexual health by integrating physical, psychological, and emotional elements. It goes beyond just physical touch to include a more complete approach to sexual wellbeing.


Key Components:

  • Psychosexual Preparation: Prepares both mind and body for a healthy sexual experience.

  • Embodied Consent: Techniques to ensure mutual consent and comfort during intimacy.

  • Enhanced Arousal Techniques: Methods to increase arousal and sexual pleasure.

  • SuctionBased Penetration Skills: Innovative techniques to improve sexual function and satisfaction.

  • Deepening Partner Connection: Strategies to strengthen emotional and physical intimacy.



Why the Adamo Method is Different


  1. Complete Approach: The Adamo Method addresses not just the physical act of sex but also the mental and emotional factors that contribute to a fulfilling sexual experience. This ensures that all aspects of sexual wellbeing are considered, leading to more profound and lasting improvements.

  2. Advanced Techniques: Offers detailed techniques such as pelvic floor breathing, hip coordination, and advanced thrusting movements. These skills enhance sexual pleasure and satisfaction, providing practical knowledge that can directly improve sexual experiences.

  3. Focus on Consent and Communication: Embodied consent ensures both partners are comfortable and willing participants. This builds trust and safety in the relationship, crucial for deepening intimacy and connection.

  4. EvidenceBased: Supported by clinical evidence showing significant improvements in sexual satisfaction, communication, arousal, functioning, orgasm quality, and reduction in sexual shame. This ensures the techniques and practices are proven to be effective.

  5. Personal and Partner Connection: Focuses on deepening partner connections. By enhancing emotional and physical intimacy, the method helps couples build stronger, more resilient relationships, often overlooked in other therapies.



Comparing the Adamo Method and Sensate Therapy

Aspect

Adamo Method

Sensate Therapy

Founders/Developers

Dr. Molly Maloof, Dr. Saida Desilets, and Aaron Michael

Masters and Johnson (1960s)

Focus

Combined physical and psychosexual approach to optimize sexual function

Mindful touch and reducing performance pressure

Primary Goals

Resolve sexual concerns, optimize sexual health and pleasure beyond normal function

Resolve sexual concerns, improve intimacy, reduce performance anxiety

Approach to Sex

Sex viewed as a learnable, optimizable skill

Sex initially "off the table" to reduce pressure

Duration

9weeks, selfguided or alongside various therapies

Several weeks to months, average of 14 therapy appointments

Program Design

Phased approach with assessments, psychosexual development, nonpenetrative play, and more

Staged approach focusing on sensations, non-genital and genital touching

Communication and Consent

Emphasizes verbal and embodied consent

Verbal consent emphasized

Breathing Techniques

Pelvic floor breathing and vocalizing

Not specifically mentioned

Journaling Practices

Used to explore erotic minds and enhance communication

Practices are verbal and touch oriented

Follow up

Includes followup assessments

Mentioned but not emphasized


How Each Method Helps


Anxiety or Trauma Related Issues


Adamo Method: Provides structured touch exploration, trust regaining, trauma trigger reframing through embodied consent and nervous system regulation practices.


Sensate Therapy: Focuses on mindfulness, relaxation, and gradual progression to help overcome anxiety related to sexual performance.


Sexual Dysfunction


Adamo Method: Uses non demand touch, pelvic floor breathing, and mechanical skills training to enhance sexual confidence and competence.


Sensate Therapy: Reduces performance anxiety through non demanding physical touch and gradually builds up intimacy.


Low Desire


Adamo Method: Encourages exploration and increase of sexual desire through addressing self sabotage and fostering open communication.


Sensate Therapy: Rekindles interest by removing pressure and creating a safe space for exploration.


Premature Ejaculation and Erectile Dysfunction


Adamo Method: Teaches pelvic floor breathing to help men last longer and maintain erections.


Sensate Therapy: Focuses on non penetrative touch and gradual intimacy buildup.


Arousal and Pain


Adamo Method: Enhances relaxation and transforms discomfort into pleasure through pelvic floor breathing.


Sensate Therapy: Emphasizes relaxation and non penetrative touch to reduce anxiety and pain.



Orgasm and Sexual Pain Disorders


Adamo Method: Redefines orgasm and uses various techniques to transform pain into pleasure.


Sensate Therapy: Uses gradual, non demanding touch to explore pleasure and reduce pain.


Intimacy Issues and Sexual Dissatisfaction


Adamo Method: Promotes both physical and emotional intimacy through new ways of making love and open communication.


Sensate Therapy: Encourages sensual touch and open communication to enhance relationship satisfaction.


Learn more about the Adamo Method https://www.livingadamo.com.


Explore Sensate Therapy  https://amzn.to/3MardgN 

*We receive amazon.com affiliate fees for purchase of this book.



8 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page