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Sexuality Counseling
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Sexuality Counseling
Theory, Research, and Practice

First Edition


March 2016 | 368 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
“Sexuality Counseling:  Theory, Research, and Practice is an important resource for mental health practitioners.  Sexuality is complex and rather than attempting to simplify, this book works within that complexity in a well-organized and comprehensive way.”  
- Alexandra H. Solomon, Northwestern University  

Providing a comprehensive, research- and theory-based approach to sexuality counseling, this accessible and engaging book is grounded in an integrative, multi-level conceptual framework that addresses the various levels at which individuals experience sexuality. At each level (physiological, developmental, psychological, gender identity and sexual orientation, relational, cultural/contextual, and positive sexuality), the authors emphasize practical strategies for assessment and intervention. Interactive features, including case studies, application exercises, ethics discussions, and guided reflection questions, help readers apply and integrate the information as they develop the professional competency needed for effective practice.
 
Series Editors’ Preface: Introduction to the Series, by Richard Parsons and Naijian Zhang
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Authors
 
Chapter 1: Addressing Sexuality in Professional Counseling
Defining Sexuality

 
A Comprehensive, Contextual Framework for Understanding Sexuality

 
Professional Issues in Sexuality Counseling

 
Professional Competence in Sexuality Counseling

 
Ethical Considerations for Sexuality Counseling

 
Interdisciplinary Collaborations for Sexuality Counseling

 
Overview of the Remainder of This Book

 
 
Chapter 2: Assessment in Sexuality Counseling
General Assessment Strategies

 
Dimensions of Assessment in Sexuality Counseling

 
Physiology

 
Appendix: Directory of Selected Instruments for Assessing Sexuality

 
 
Chapter 3: General Interventions and Theoretical Approaches to Sexuality Counseling
General Guidelines for Sexuality Counseling

 
Review of Approaches to Sexuality Counseling

 
Treatment for Specific Sexuality Concerns and Using Unique Treatment Modalities

 
Treatment Outcomes in Sexuality Counseling

 
 
Chapter 4: Physiology and Sexual Health
Overview of Physiology and Anatomy Related to Sexual Functioning

 
Safer Sex Practices

 
Physical Health Issues

 
Reproductive Health

 
 
Chapter 5: Lifespan Development and Sexuality
Sexuality Across the Life Cycle: An Overview

 
Sexuality in Childhood

 
Sexuality in Adolescence

 
Sexuality in Adulthood

 
 
Chapter 6: Sexuality and Mental Health
Sexual Decision Making

 
Sexual Implications of Mental Health Disorders

 
Substance Abuse and Sexuality

 
Sexual Dysfunctions

 
Sexual Trauma

 
 
Chapter 7: Gender Identity and Affectional/Sexual Orientation
Defining Gender Identity and Affectional/Sexual Orientation

 
Historical, Societal, and Cultural Context

 
Traditional Sexual Ideologies

 
Gender Identity

 
Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Affectional Orientations

 
Ethical Concerns in Working With LGBTIQQA Clients

 
 
Chapter 8: Sexuality and Intimate Relationships
The Dynamics of Couple Relationships

 
Integrating Sexuality Counseling With Couples Counseling

 
Sexuality Counseling for Specific Relationship Concerns

 
 
Chapter 9: Cultural and Contextual Influences on Sexuality
An Intersectional Approach to Understanding Culture and Sexuality

 
Religion and Sexuality

 
Race, Culture, Ethnicity, and Sexuality

 
Socioeconomic Status and Sexuality

 
Sexuality and Geographic and Regional Variations

 
Sexuality and the Media

 
Counseling Strategies for Addressing Cultural and Contextual Influences on Sexuality

 
 
Chapter 10: Positive Sexuality: A New Paradigm for Sexuality Counseling
Defining Positive Sexuality

 
Factors Supporting Positive Sexuality: Revisiting the Contextualized Sexuality Model

 
Benefits of Positive Sexuality

 
Counseling Strategies to Help Clients Foster Positive Sexuality

 
 
Epilogue: From the Author’s Chair
 
References
 
Index

Sexuality Counseling:  Theory, Research, and Practice is an important resource for mental health practitioners.  Sexuality is complex and rather than attempting to simplify, this book works within that complexity in a well-organized and comprehensive way.”

Alexandra H. Solomon
Northwestern University

"[This is] a comprehensive, multimodal text that works to provide counseling students and those in the field of social work with practical skills to empower their clients to make positive changes in their sexual lives."

Matthew K. Siemionko
University of Utah

“An inclusive and coherent resource which will prove invaluable in preparing to work with clients concerned with issues of sexuality and intimacy.”

Sue Becker
Teesside University

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1

Chapter 3


For instructors

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