P 代表给予认可，因为许多性问题是由焦虑、内疚感或性禁锢所导致。由此断定性治疗师运用其专业权威完全地对病人的所作所为“给予认可”，这样能够减轻病人的许多不必要的痛苦。(例如：由于手淫所产生的内疚感和焦虑)。

第二步治疗干预措施称为LI或叫规范信息。给予病人正确的性解剖学和性生理学知识常常就足矣，以帮助病人恢复其性机能。也可以常常见到病人就自己的身体有着错误的想法，然后就此成为这种不切实际想法的牺牲品。对于这样的病例，就需要给予较多的有关性知识和性教育辅导。

第三步是SS，即特殊建议，需要针对个人的具体病情给予实用性的提示或性行为练习。马斯特斯和约翰逊推荐了许多诸如此类相互愉悦的性行为练习。

最后一步只是IT或强化治疗，需要针对所导致的病因进行长期的干预治疗。但是，安侬相信达到需要强化治疗的这类病例相对罕见。

P stands for Permission, since many sexual problems are caused by anxiety, guilt feelings, or inhibitions. It follows that a therapist who, using his professional authority, simply "gives permission" to do what the patient is already doing, can alleviate much unnecessary suffering. (Example: Guilt feelings and anxiety because of masturbation)

The next step of therapeutic intervention is called LI or Limited Information. Often it is enough to give patients correct anatomical and physiological information to restore their sexual functioning. It is not at all uncommon that patients have erroneous notions about the functioning of their own body and thus fall victim to unrealistic expectations. In such cases little more than factual information and education is necessary.

The next step - SS, Specific Suggestions, requires practical hints or exercises tailored to the individual case. Many of the exercises of mutual pleasuring recommended by Masters and Johnson belong in this category.

Only the last step - IT or Intensive Therapy, requires a long-term intervention addressing complex underlying causes. Annon is convinced, however, that these cases are relatively rare.