What Every Mental Health Professional Needs to Know About Sex

by Stephanie Buehler

"This book is a wonderful new resource that bridges sexual health and psychotherapy clearly and confidently. Its clear organization makes it very user-friendly for the non-sex therapist. I look forward to using it in my own work as well as for teaching and training." Douglas Braun-Harvey, MA, MFT and Certified Sex Therapist
Co-Founder, The Harvey Institute: Improving Health Care Through Integration of Sexual Health
Author, "Sexual Health in Recovery" and "Sexual Health in Drug and Alcohol Treatment"

"Dr. Stephanie Buehler is an esteemed clinician in the field of sex therapy who shares her vast knowledge and insights about treating sexual problems in this wide-ranging reference book for clinicians." Wendy Maltz, LCSW, DST
Author of "The Sexual Healing Journey" and coauthor of "The Porn Trap"

Although sexual issues frequently arise in therapeutic practice, mental health professionals are often uncomfortable and poorly equipped to address them. Written by an author who is both a psychologist and sex therapist, this practical guide provides information, tools, and exercises to increase the confidence and comfort of the mental health professional called upon to treat sexual issues during the course of therapy. The book is based on the premise that the therapist must be comfortable with his or her own sexuality in order to offer appropriate treatment.

This guide discusses the characteristics of healthy sexuality-for both client and therapist-and explores the reasons that may underlie a therapist's discomfort with addressing sexual issues. Using case studies and sample dialogues, it covers a multitude of common and unusual sexual problems, couple's issues, questions that parents may have about sex, working with LGBT clients, sex for survivors of trauma, sexuality and aging, sexual pain disorders, and how to assess whether more extensive sexual therapy is needed. The guide demonstrates how therapists in different modalities can incorporate treatment of sexual problems into their practice, and covers relevant ethical issues.

Included is a downloadable set of practitioner's resources that includes worksheets and client handouts that can be immediately put to use. Additionally, the book provides resources for more in-depth information and discusses collaboration with other health professionals. Key Features:

Discusses how to comfortably and effectively discuss, assess, and treat clients' sexual concerns Supported by case studies and therapist/clinician dialogues Includes "Step Into My Office" sidebars taken from the author's own experience Provides downloadable resources including assessments, worksheets, and client handouts

Genres: Counselling, Psychology, Textbooks, Sexuality, Nonfiction, Mental Health, Professional Development

331 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Ietrio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the title is a bit too categorical, the contents is well organized and the quality is very high compared with what's on the market.

"Although the ISSM definition appears accurate, it has also been called problematic, one reason being that early ejaculation is viewed only within the context of heterosexual penis–vagina intercourse; what about oral sex or male-with-male sex?"

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the primary textbook for my grad school course about human sexuality. It astounds me that it was not a required course for my track (which allows me to pursue an LPCC), given that there will likely be many clients in my future practice with the sorts of problems outlined in this book.

It really is a good resource for any mental health professional.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the assigned textbook for my sex therapy class. Good textbook, very 2018-feeling language and approach. I’m not planning to be a sex therapist so some of the values were not quite my own, but I appreciated it as an overview of the field.

[Godhuli B · Rating 5 out of 5]

solid 4.5 stars! a fantastic introduction to conversations surrounding sexuality and personhood in clinical work.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, concise reference book for counselors.

[Saiber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good starting point for therapists and counselors. Some of the views can be updated but it is pretty comprehensive in introducing core topics. Easy to read chapters and brief in information.