Sexuality Counseling: Theory, Research, and Practice

by Christine E. Murray

"Sexuality   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.

Genres: Grad School, Counselling, Nonfiction, Sexuality

609 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2016

About the author

Dr. Christine E. Murray, Ph.D., is a Professor of Counseling in the Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine. She has over two decades of experience in the mental health field and is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina, as well as an LMFT and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania. She is based in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Dr. Murray is the Founder of Start Here Counseling & Consulting, PLLC, and is a Professor Emerita at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). She retired from UNCG in 2024 after 19 years as a faculty member in the Department of Counseling and Educational Development, including four years as Director of the UNCG Center for Youth, Family, and Community Partnerships.

Her work centers on supporting survivors of domestic violence, strengthening long-term recovery pathways, and improving community response systems. As a survivor herself, Dr. Murray integrates lived experience into her professional scholarship and advocacy. She founded The Source for Survivors and has authored several books, including Triumph Over Abuse: Healing, Recovery, and Purpose after an Abusive Relationship.

Reviews

[Nicole]

So, this is the counselling field I'm going into. I love it.

[Maricarmen]

Sex counseling is weird because I can finally tell people what to do in a counseling setting. It’s weirder because I have to tell people how to have enjoyable sex. Read this for class, will not be becoming a sex therapist any time soon even though it is cool to learn about.

[ella! · Rating 5 out of 5]

let’s talk about sex baby

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As far as textbooks go, this one was great. The chapters weren't super long and it was easy to digest. These readings were assigned as part of a Counselling Psychology: Sexuality and juman development class. The subject was engaging and I agree with the authors that counsellors need to be more comfortable and competent in sexuality counselling, regardless of whether or not they work as sex therapists and I feel that this book provided a great basis of knowledge for that. Highly recommend it!

[Ruth Felt]

This textbook was good overall, but I was very frustrated that there was ONE paragraph on the impact of the internet and social media, and the only sources were from 2002! This was a huge oversight, and I don't know how they got away with it.

[Shermyn Swanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

lots of great info for new counselors looking to expand their scope and knowledge base working with sexuality