Sexuality Counseling
Theory, Research, and Practice

Second Edition

Amber L. Pope - William & Mary School of Education, USA
Christine Murray - University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA
Ben Willis - University of Scranton, USA

Courses:
Couples Counseling | Sexuality Counseling

September 2026 | 528 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

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 that influence how individuals experience positive sexuality. At each level (culture and context, development, gender identity, affectional and sexual orientation, sexual expression and community, intimate relationships, sexual trauma, mental health, physiology), authors Amber L. 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. New features in this second edition include a fully integrated positive sexuality framework, expanded and modernized coverage of identity and diversity, and updated standards, research, and terminology throughout the book.

Available Formats

ISBN: 9781071968154 Paperback Suggested Retail Price: $169.00 Bookstore Price: $135.20

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

NEW TO THIS EDITION:

A fully integrated positive sexuality framework centers sexual health, wellness, and pleasure as core to counseling practice, shifting the focus beyond dysfunction to holistic well-being.
Expanded and modernized coverage of identity and diversity, with intersectionality, cultural humility, and systemic influences embedded throughout, alongside affirming discussions of gender identity, affectional/sexual orientation, and diverse relationships and sexual expressions (including consensual non-monogamy and kink).
A dedicated, trauma-informed chapter on sexual trauma and recovery, offering practical guidance for supporting clients across a range of lived experiences.
More clinically applied, practice-oriented approach, with updated case studies, assessment tools, and intervention strategies that reflect the complexity of real-world counseling settings.
<Greater integration of mental health, physiology, and sexuality, highlighting the dynamic interplay between physical health, psychological well-being, and sexual functioning.
Updated research, terminology, and professional standards, aligning the text with current scholarship, DSM-5-TR criteria, and contemporary clinical guidelines.
Enhanced focus on advocacy and the counselor’s role in systemic change, preparing students to support clients not only in session, but within broader social and cultural contexts.

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.

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