1st Edition

Sex, Sexuality and Therapeutic Practice A Manual for Therapists and Trainers

Edited By Catherine Butler, Amanda O'Donovan, Elizabeth Shaw Copyright 2010

    Sexuality is an important area of clients’ lives yet it is often neglected, both in the consulting room and in training.  This book examines issues of sexuality in a positive and affirming light and considers how sexuality-related issues can be introduced into therapy and training. Sex and sexuality are important to consider in psychotherapy, psychology, counselling and health provision across a variety of contexts and are relevant to clinicians and therapists working in health and mental health settings as well as in specialist services such as sexual and reproductive health and HIV. 

    Sex, Sexuality and Therapeutic Practice opens with a general discussion of sex and sexuality before considering how the therapists can think and talk about sexuality in practical and self-reflective ways in different circumstances. Each chapter in the book focuses on a specific topic with areas covered including:

    • sexual diversity across the lifespan
    • health and disability
    • sexual and gender minority issues
    • how culture and sexuality interact.

    The manual provides up-to-date information, further reading, handouts for clients, self-reflective exercises and examples of training exercises for workshops and teaching. It is an essential resource for health professionals, therapists, clinicians, academics and trainers, and will support the practicing therapist as well as those in training.

    Burns, Foreword. Shaw, Introduction. O’Donovan, Butler, Sex: Body, Behaviour and Identity. Stevenson, Talking About Sex. Butler, Health, Disability and Sex. Butler, Sexual and Gender Minorities: Considerations for Therapy and Training. O’Donovan, Sex and Sexuality Across the Lifespan. Butler, Byrne, Culture, Sex and Sexuality.

    Biography

    Catherine Butler is a Principal Clinical Psychologist, trainer and systemic psychotherapist in Adult Primary Care Psychology in City and Hackney Community Health Services.

    Amanda O' Donovan is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist in sexual health and HIV at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London.

    Elizabeth Shaw is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist in sexual health and HIV at St Ann's Hospital, London.

    "This manual is an important addition to the field of understanding and working with human sexuality. It is highly relevant to the sexuality of today as it is expressed and communicated globally." - Jan Burns, from the Foreword

    "...provides a comprehensive and intelligible presentation of the complexity and diversity of sexuality that will benefit clinicians in training, educators, and practicing therapists." - Sarah B. Woods, Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy

    "This excellent resource will quickly become a solid favourite among trainers. Its easily accessible style, comprehensive coverage of sexuality issues, and range of practical exercises designed to foster self-reflection and awareness will make it a resource to which professionals turn with remarkable regularity." - Hannah Frith, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, University of Brighton, UK

    "Sex is everywhere - the media, advertising and the internet... It may be everywhere, but sex and sexuality are rarely discussed in such a useful way. With its copious references, resource dictionary and case exercises, this book deserves to become a well-used resource for trainees, experienced practitioners and trainers alike." - Rosalind Hewitt, Therapy Today, May 2010

    "If you, as a trainer or trainee, are looking for a resource that will provide you with practical knowledg, awareness and understanding of sex and sexuality in today's world, steer you in the direction of more indepth reading, provoke and challenge your own personal values around sex and sexuality, this book will not disappoint!" - Laura McAuley & Roshan das Nair, Psychology of Sexualities Review, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2010