Talking About Sex in Psychotherapy: A Guide for Every Therapist

Book Details
- Publisher : American Psychological Association
- Published : December 2025
- Cover : Paperback
- Pages : 292
- Category :
Forthcoming - Category 2 :
Individual Psychotherapy - Catalogue No : 98404
- ISBN 13 : 9781433844102
- ISBN 10 : 1433844109
Also by Kathryn S.K. Hall
The Cultural Context of Sexual Pleasure and Problems:...
Price £150.00
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Sexuality is intricately woven into every facet of a person's life, often presenting unique challenges and amplifying other psychological issues. Despite its significance, many therapists shy away from addressing sexual topics in sessions, opting instead to refer patients to specialized sex therapists.
This indispensable guide empowers mental health clinicians to seamlessly integrate discussions of sexuality into their therapeutic practice, dismantling the barriers that often leave this vital aspect of patients' lives unaddressed.
Through compelling case studies, Kathryn S. K. Hall illustrates how core therapeutic skills such as empathy and active listening can be effectively employed to navigate sexual topics with confidence and sensitivity. Clinicians will learn how to introduce and respond to discussions about sex, maintain professional boundaries, and address common issues such as shame, desire discrepancies, sexual trauma, and atypical sexual interests.
Whether the therapy is for individuals or couples, this book equips practitioners with the foundational knowledge and practical strategies necessary to incorporate sexuality into ongoing treatment. By doing so, clinicians can enhance patient outcomes and cultivate deeper, more meaningful therapeutic relationships.
Table of Contents
Introduction: The Importance of Talking About Sex in Psychotherapy
Part I - Foundations
1. The Evolution of the Revolution: Foundational Models of Human Sexuality
2. How to Talk about Sex in Psychotherapy
3. Ethical Boundaries
Part II - Clinical Applications
4. Shame
5. Dilemmas of Desire
6. Working With Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
7. Kinky Sex
8. Sexual Issues in Couples Therapy
9. Problematic Porn
10. Consensual Nonmonogamy
Conclusion - Sex Is Not a Specialty
Appendix A. Women’s Sexual Arousal
Appendix B. Men’s Sexual Arousal
Appendix C. Sensate Focus Instructions for Clients
Appendix D. Resources
About the Author(s)
Kathryn S. K. Hall, PhD, is a licensed psychologist with over four decades of experience in sex therapy.
Dr. Hall has lectured widely and written extensively about human sexuality and has provided training in sex therapy to graduate students and professionals. She is the book review editor for the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy and is a past president of the Society for Sex Therapy and Research.
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