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Sexuality Counseling
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Sexuality Counseling
Theory, Research, and Practice

Second Edition
September 2026 | 519 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
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Providing a comprehensive, research- and theory-based approach to sexuality counseling, Sexuality Counseling: Theory, Research, and Practice, Second Edition 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), authors Amber Pope, Christine Murray, and Ben Willis 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. 
 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Authors
 
Chapter 1: Addressing Sexuality in Professional Counseling
Introduction

 
Defining Sexuality

 
A Contextual Model for Understanding Sexuality

 
Professional Issues in Sexuality Counseling

 
Professional Competence in Sexuality Counseling

 
Ethical Considerations for Sexuality Counseling

 
Interdisciplinary Collaborations for Sexuality Counseling

 
Overview of the Remainder of this Book

 
Keystones

 
Additional Resources

 
 
Chapter 2: General Assessment and Interventions in Sexuality Counseling
Introduction

 
General Assessment Strategies

 
General Guidelines for Sexuality Counseling

 
Review of Treatment Approaches to Sexuality Counseling

 
Summary

 
Keystones

 
Additional Resources

 
References

 
 
Chapter 3: Cultural and Contextual Influences on Sexuality
Introduction

 
The Importance of Cultural Humility in Sexuality Counseling

 
A Multi-Layered Approach to Understanding Culture, Context, and Sexuality

 
Religion, Spirituality, and Sexuality

 
Cultural Influences--Including Race, Ethnicity, and Nationality-On Sexuality

 
Socioeconomic Status and Sexuality

 
Sexuality and Geographic and Regional Variations

 
Sexuality and the Media

 
Counseling Strategies for Addressing Cultural and Contextual Influences on Sexuality

 
Keystones

 
Additional Resources

 
References

 
 
Chapter 4: Lifespan Development and Sexuality
Introduction

 
Sexuality across the Life Cycle

 
Sexuality Assessment

 
Sexuality in Childhood

 
Sexuality in Adolescence

 
Sexuality in Adulthood

 
Summary

 
Keystones

 
Additional Resources

 
References

 
 
Chapter 5: Gender Identity
Introduction

 
Gender Identity, Expression, and Sex Assigned at Birth

 
Historical, Societal, and Cultural Context

 
Gender Dysphoria in the DSM

 
Counseling Considerations with TGD Clients

 
Counseling Strategies

 
Summary

 
Keystones

 
Additional Resources

 
References

 
 
Chapter 6: Affectional and Sexual Orientation
Introduction

 
Affectional and Sexual Orientation

 
Historical, Societal, and Cultural Context

 
Affectional and Sexual Orientation Identity Development

 
Counseling Considerations with LGBQA+ Clients

 
Counseling Strategies

 
Summary

 
Keystones

 
Additional Resources

 
References

 
 
Chapter 7: Diverse Sexual Expressions and Communities
Introduction

 
Historical, Societal, and Cultural Context

 
Consensual Non-Monogamy

 
Kink Communities

 
Systemic Advocacy

 
Summary

 
Keystones

 
Additional Resources

 
References

 
 
Chapter 8: Sexuality and Intimate Relationships
Introduction

 
The Dynamics of Intimate Relationships

 
Counseling Considerations with Intimate Partners

 
Counseling Strategies

 
Summary

 
Keystones

 
Additional Resources

 
References

 
 
Chapter 9: Counseling to Support Clients’ Recovery from Sexual Trauma
Introduction

 
Definitions and Types of Sexual Trauma

 
Prevalence of Sexual Trauma

 
Potential Impacts of Sexual Trauma

 
Counseling Considerations for Working with Clients Impacted by Sexual Trauma

 
Summary

 
Keystones

 
References

 
 
Chapter 10: Sexuality and Mental Health
Introduction

 
General Assessment Strategies

 
Sexual Implications of Mental Health Disorders

 
Sexual Side Effects of Psychotropic Medications

 
Sexual Dysfunctions in the DSM-5-TR

 
Paraphilic Disorders in the DSM-5-TR

 
Compulsive Sexual Behavior

 
Sexual Offending

 
Summary

 
Keystones

 
Additional Resources

 
References

 
 
Chapter 11: Physiology and Sexual Health
Introduction

 
Overview of Physiology as Related to Sexual Functioning

 
General Assessment Strategies

 
Healthy Sexual Practices

 
Common Physiological Issues that Impact Sexual Health

 
Reproductive Health

 
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

 
Summary

 
Keystones

 
Additional Resources

 
References

 
 
Chapter 12: Positive Sexuality
Introduction

 
Revisiting the Definition of Positive Sexuality

 
Revisiting the Contextualized Sexuality Model: Identifying Factors that Support Positive Sexuality

 
Benefits of Positive Sexuality

 
Counseling Strategies to Foster Positive Sexuality

 
Summary

 
Keystones

 
Additional Resources

 
References

 
Key features

KEY FEATURES:

  • Every chapter is comprised of information that is sound, evidence-based, and grounded in current literature to provide readers with the most accurate and up-to-date information.
  • Case studies and application exercises throughout the book bring concepts to life and give students an opportunity to apply what they learn to real-world situations.
  • A new Contextualized Sexuality Model, which presents a framework for understanding sexuality, helps professors plan their courses.
  • The book’s focus on the nature of professional identity, its value to the profession and the professional, and ways to further development of professional identity during professional practice provides students with valuable guidance they can use throughout their careers.