Doing Psychotherapy with Patients with Genital Herpes: Issues and Interventions

Abstract

This article presents issues that the psychotherapist is likely to have to deal with in treating patients with genital herpes. A review of medical issues, clinical manifestations and pharmacotherapy of herpes infections is presented. Common psychological reactions and psychopathology related to herpes simplex virus infection, a discussion of the patient's dilemma of disclosing his or her herpes simplex positive status to others and a list of cognitive-logical distortions often encountered in, and negatively affecting, patients with genital herpes are presented in detailed examples. A practical model (SANE) conceptualizing psychotherapy for patients with genital herpes in 4 intervention stages (Stabilization-crisis intervention, Acceptance, Normalization and social-personal Empowerment-evolution) is suggested for use. The use of cognitive-behavioral therapeutic strategies in facilitating the patient's assumption of a healthier psychosocial perspective in each stage is comprehensively detailed. Ethical and legal concerns in working with herpes simplex positive patients are also discussed.