MFT-6711: Sex Therapy: Clinical Applications

Cruz, C., Greedwald, E., & Sandil, R. (2017). Let’s talk about sex: Integrating sex positivity in counseling psychology practice. The Counseling Psychologist, 45(4), 547-569.
This article discusses five recommendations for mental health practitioners to integrate sexuality and sex conversations in their work. The focus is on sex positivity.

Harris, S. M. & Wenner Hays, K. (2008). Family therapist comfort with and willingness to discuss client sexuality. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 34(2), 239-250.
This article shares the results of a survey of AAMFT members in regard to their training and comfort talking about sex and sexuality with clients. Their results stress the importance of education and supervision to increase both comfort and knowledge of sex and sexual conversations.

Ridley, J. (2015). What every sex therapist needs to know. In K. M. Hertlein, G. R. Weeks, & N Gambescia (Eds.), Systemic sex therapy (2nd ed.), pp. 3-16).
Chapter 1 discusses the basic of what a therapist considering sex therapy needs to know. This chapter includes discussion of changing sexual attitudes, and the basics of sexual difficulties.

Timm, T. M. (2009). “Do I really have to talk about sex?” Encouraging beginning therapists to integrate sexuality into couples’ therapy. Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy, 8(1), 15-33.
This article introduces the PLISSIT model, which will be reviewed more in depth in week 4, and how to use it to include conversations about sex and sexuality into couple therapy. The article also includes some specific questions for intake, treatment, and how to increase comfort levels with the topic.