The therapeutic presence need not emanate mystical power and au-
thority. Calmness, openness, and responsiveness to feelings gener-
ally assure the client that help is available. The sexually disturbed
person may initially judge the therapist based on what he or she
has grown to expect from past authority figures. He or she may
scrutinize the dress and mannerisms of the therapist for signs of
sexual bias and attempt to classify or stereotype the therapist sexu-
ally. People with sexual secrets who seek therapy are not sure they
can be helped. The sexually disturbed person has a great deal to
lose if the process is ineffective. The cost includes prolonged suf-
fering, as well as time and money.

At the outset the client may be so distraught by his or her prob-
lem that details of the therapeutic presence are not immediately no-
ticed. As therapy continues and deepens, the sexually disturbed
client becomes increasingly aware of the therapist as a person, a
sexual person. The therapist is thus furnished with an opportunity
to utilize his or her total presence as a positive force for healing.

Therapeutic effectiveness is dependent upon many variables.
Bringing them together in a smooth and harmonious manner is a
combination of art and science. Clinical application of psychologi-
cal theory through the use of developmental charts and maps is a
significant component. The presence and personality of the thera-
pist are equally significant. Therapeutic presence includes such de-

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