Background/rationale:
Gynecological cancer treatments often lead to profound disruptions in body image, sexuality, and intimate connection, resulting in avoidance of touch, fear of physical closeness, and relational strain. While the sexual health consequences of cancer are well-documented, structured psychosocial interventions targeting non-sexual touch, emotional intimacy, and couple reconnection during or after treatment remain scarce. This pilot program was developed to address the silent distress of altered intimacy and to rebuild safe, sensual connection between women with gynecological cancer and their partners.
Methods:
"Touch Without Fear" is a brief, three-session couples-based psychoeducational and experiential intervention led by a clinical psychologist and psychosexual therapist. The intervention includes guided sensory reconnection exercises (adapted sensate focus), psychoeducation on cancer-related sexual changes, communication tools for emotional expression, and structured home assignments. A pilot group (n=6 couples) participated in weekly 90-minute sessions over three weeks. Pre- and post-program assessments included measures of sexual distress, emotional closeness, and self-reported intimacy-related avoidance. Qualitative interviews captured participant experiences.
Impact on practice:
The program was feasible, acceptable, and described by participants as "liberating" and "restorative." Initial outcomes showed a reduction in avoidance behaviors and improved emotional closeness. The structured yet emotionally safe format enabled couples to explore new forms of touch and intimacy, without focusing solely on intercourse or performance.
Discussion:
This intervention addresses a critical but often neglected psychosocial need in gynecological oncology care. By focusing on emotional safety, mutual exploration, and non-demand intimacy, it offers a replicable, trauma-informed model that can be integrated into survivorship care. Further evaluation with larger samples is warranted. This approach has potential for cultural adaptation and inclusion in multidisciplinary supportive care programs internationally.