When a female partner reports crying during sensate focus exercises, what should the therapist's next step be?

When a female partner reports crying during sensate focus exercises, the appropriate next step for the therapist is to question her about the nature of her crying. This approach is vital as it allows the therapist to understand the emotional response that is occurring in the moment. Crying can be an expression of various feelings such as sadness, frustration, or even relief, and exploring this response can lead to deeper insights into the partner's feelings regarding intimacy, vulnerability, and the therapeutic process itself.

Addressing these emotions can facilitate healing and promote open communication between partners. By engaging the partner in a dialogue about her feelings, the therapist can provide a supportive environment where the partner feels safe to express her emotions, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment and fostering growth in the relationship.

This approach contrasts with other options that may not adequately address the emotional intricacies at play. For instance, reassessing the entire therapy process may be premature without first understanding the immediate emotional response. Encouraging the partner to ignore her feelings would not only dismiss her emotional expression but could also lead to increased distress. Changing the focus of therapy entirely may prevent the couple from exploring significant emotional content that could be pivotal for their relationship growth. Therefore, questioning the partner about her crying is the most constructive and therapeutic