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When Trauma Affects Sex: An integrated and inclusive approach to understanding and treating individual and systemic trauma in sexual health therapy
Not yet published
Expected 19 Mar 27What if the challenges your clients face with intimacy are rooted in trauma they can't yet name? Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Dr Sarah Ashton reviews current research and introduces a groundbreaking, easy-to-use systemic model showing how trauma shapes clients' experiences of sexual identity and sexual relationships. Through in-depth fictionalised client narratives, reflective exercises, practical strategies, and the Sexual Health Integrated Formulation and Treatment (SHIFT) model, Ashton demystifies the connections between past experiences and present challenges.
Unpacking the neurological, psychological, relational, and systemic influences on sexual functioning-and using inclusive, neuro-affirming, LGBTIQA+-friendly language-this book provides a practical roadmap for understanding the "roots" of sexual difficulties. It considers attachment history and traumas from family of origin through to minority stress and sexual trauma, guiding therapists to identify underlying patterns, recognise overlooked factors, and apply techniques that foster healing, resilience, and empowerment.
Written for psychologists, sexual-health practitioners, educators, and clinicians, this resource equips professionals to address sexual symptoms with confidence and compassion.
Unpacking the neurological, psychological, relational, and systemic influences on sexual functioning-and using inclusive, neuro-affirming, LGBTIQA+-friendly language-this book provides a practical roadmap for understanding the "roots" of sexual difficulties. It considers attachment history and traumas from family of origin through to minority stress and sexual trauma, guiding therapists to identify underlying patterns, recognise overlooked factors, and apply techniques that foster healing, resilience, and empowerment.
Written for psychologists, sexual-health practitioners, educators, and clinicians, this resource equips professionals to address sexual symptoms with confidence and compassion.
- GenresNonfiction
Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 19, 2027
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*** Thank you to the publisher/author for providing an ARC through Netgalley ***
Let me start off by stressing that this text is meant for mental health professionals, not for the general public. It's written and formatted more like a textbook than it is a self-help book. If you're hoping this'll be something similar to any of Emily Nagoski's works, try a different book. Even though I'm also not the target audience for this book, it fed my nerdy little brain. I did my undergrad in psychology and minors in anthropology and sociology, with a special interest in social psychology and the culture around sex. I even considered becoming a sex educator at one point, so this field of study is something I'm fascinated by.
The character stories illustrate how one issue someone seeks help for can stem from a combination of numerous complex and interconnected factors, such as the culture the individual was raised in, experiences with certain stimuli, the reactions of others to that individual's exposure to said stimuli, or the individual's unique physiology, to name a few examples.
This book does a good job summarizing the models that provide the frameworks for how it analyzes human sexuality in relation to development and trauma. It also structures how clinicians can help clients through questions that prompt self-reflection and various therapy methods. It compiles related research for quick reference and delves into many aspects that affect human sexuality, focusing particularly on trauma.
Though there aren't a lot of images, the text is broken up nicely using bullet points between titled paragraphs, and character stories. Most chapters end in questions that mental health professionals can ask their clients to reflect on and key learning points that summarize the chapter.
I can't speak to how helpful an actual clinician will find this book, but to my unqualified mind, I think it succeeds in collecting research on human sexuality and trauma, presenting information to deepen understanding and empathy, and providing various methods to tailor treatment to each client.
Let me start off by stressing that this text is meant for mental health professionals, not for the general public. It's written and formatted more like a textbook than it is a self-help book. If you're hoping this'll be something similar to any of Emily Nagoski's works, try a different book. Even though I'm also not the target audience for this book, it fed my nerdy little brain. I did my undergrad in psychology and minors in anthropology and sociology, with a special interest in social psychology and the culture around sex. I even considered becoming a sex educator at one point, so this field of study is something I'm fascinated by.
The character stories illustrate how one issue someone seeks help for can stem from a combination of numerous complex and interconnected factors, such as the culture the individual was raised in, experiences with certain stimuli, the reactions of others to that individual's exposure to said stimuli, or the individual's unique physiology, to name a few examples.
This book does a good job summarizing the models that provide the frameworks for how it analyzes human sexuality in relation to development and trauma. It also structures how clinicians can help clients through questions that prompt self-reflection and various therapy methods. It compiles related research for quick reference and delves into many aspects that affect human sexuality, focusing particularly on trauma.
Though there aren't a lot of images, the text is broken up nicely using bullet points between titled paragraphs, and character stories. Most chapters end in questions that mental health professionals can ask their clients to reflect on and key learning points that summarize the chapter.
I can't speak to how helpful an actual clinician will find this book, but to my unqualified mind, I think it succeeds in collecting research on human sexuality and trauma, presenting information to deepen understanding and empathy, and providing various methods to tailor treatment to each client.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As a previous reviewer has said this is not a self help book it is for trained professionals. I did not find it triggering but I’m imagining it would be for someone who doesn’t not work in this area. A well written, well researched book. Easy to read, despite the topic with straightforward language and relevant case studies. Helpful illustrations throughout and whilst relevant therapies are detailed the book also describes a specific treatment protocol. It feels like a book that would be definitely helpful for sex therapist, I’m think a quick way to update or review, but also for clinicians who work with people who have experienced trauma. Trauma therapy training has so little content about the impact on people’s sexual relationship, even their relationship with themselves let alone with others. I found this book, interesting and helped me to consider the subject further. It also gave me ideas of further reading and issues I could bring to my supervision. There are plenty of references included at the back along with relevant resources to use. Before I requested this ARC I checked the author’s website and while there are courses people could pay for there are also free resources, of good quality, which I think is always a good sign from an author. The book feels inclusive with gender, sexuality and neurodiversity taken into account.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion.
July 1, 2026
Reviewed an ARC of this book from NetGalley
This book is perfect for any mental health professional, but specifically anyone who works with individuals who have experienced sexual trauma of any kind. I love how the book consists of multiple case studies and the various modalities to consider when working with a client with a similar concern.
This book is perfect for any mental health professional, but specifically anyone who works with individuals who have experienced sexual trauma of any kind. I love how the book consists of multiple case studies and the various modalities to consider when working with a client with a similar concern.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews