Sexuality and Sex Therapy: A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal

Christian Association for Psychological Studies Books

by Mark A. Yarhouse, Erica S.N. Tan

The field of human sexuality is one of ever-increasing complexity, particularly for Christian therapists and psychologists seeking to be faithful to Scripture, informed by science and sensitive to culture. In Sexuality and Sex Therapy , Mark Yarhouse and Erica Tan offer a survey and appraisal of this field from a Christian perspective, which grounds sex therapy in the biblical affirmation of physicality and the redemptive purposes of human life. Integrating the latest research within a Christian worldview, the authors explore sexual dysfunctions as well as various clinical issues and treatments. Not only have Yarhouse and Tan written a standard resource for Christian therapists and counselors, but they also challenge the church to talk more honestly and openly about the blessing of human sexuality. Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS) Books explore how Christianity relates to mental health and behavioral sciences including psychology, counseling, social work, and marriage and family therapy in order to equip Christian clinicians to support the well-being of their clients.

Genres: Counselling, Psychology, Christianity, Nonfiction, Christian

365 pages, Hardcover

First published March 4, 2014

About the author

Mark A. Yarhouse is a professor of psychology and the director of the Institute for the Study of Sexual Identity at Regent University. He is also part of a group practice in the Virginia Beach area, providing individual, couples, family, and group counseling. Dr. Yarhouse received his PsyD from Wheaton College and has worked collaboratively on a number of books. He and his family live in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Reviews

[Blair Guinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource for therapists navigating sexual concerns. It blends clinical expertise with compassionate, faith-sensitive care, offering practical tools and insights. It has helped me grow deeper in my understanding which has allowed me to support clients with empathy, nuance, and professionalism.

[Sarah Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always find Yarhouse so helpful, easy to understand, and a great balance of implementing his Christian faith as well as evidence based research. Must use for sex therapy.

[Jennifer Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything Yarhouse writes is solid, helpful, and hope-filled. Worth a read, even if you aren't a professional counselor.

[Benton Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't necessarily agree with some of their thoughts on sexuality but overall it was worth reading and is a good tool for Christian counselors

[Dena McGoldrick Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors of this book don't shy away from a tough topic. They wrestle honestly with sexuality through a biblical lens, while fully acknowledging its clinical complexity. I appreciated how it's rooted in Scripture, but informed by modern research. They build a thoughtful foundation for understanding sexuality from four angles: theological, sociocultural, biological, and clinical, before diving into topics like sexual disorders and sexual identity.

What I valued most was how the book ends with a reminder that Christian clinicians ultimately have to decide for themselves how their faith and professional ethics will shape their work. This book is honest and balanced, and it is much needed in today's conversations about faith and sexuality.