Using real-feel sex dolls in therapy raises questions about boundaries, ethics, and therapeutic goals. Some practitioners explore doll-assisted scenarios to reduce social anxiety, rehearse intimate communications, or destabilize avoidance patterns in a controlled, non-judgmental setting. The key is to frame the doll as a boundary-testing instrument and not as a substitute for human connection. Clear consent, defined objectives, and ongoing supervision are essential elements.
Boundaries matter deeply. Therapists must establish guardrails around what is permissible in sessions, how much time is spent with the doll, and how clients transition to broader social activities. Safety precautions include hygiene, privacy, and ensuring the client’s actions remain within therapeutic aims. Clinicians should also monitor for any fixation or escalation that could hinder real-world progress.
Ethical considerations extend to consent for use in sessions. If a client’s values or recovery goals shift, therapists should reassess. The goal of therapy is empowerment, healthier relationships, and autonomy. When integrated thoughtfully, a doll can be a supplementary tool—assisting exposure, reflection, and skill-building—without compromising the ethical integrity of the therapeutic process.