Psychotherapeutic Approaches to Sexual Problems

The importance of sex to mental health has been recognized for over a century; it is to be expected that patients will eventually raise the issue with their mental health professionals, whether directly or in the course of discussing other problems. Yet, preclinical and clinical training often skims over the topic.

With Psychotherapeutic Approaches to Sexual Problems, senior clinical sexuality specialist Dr. Stephen B. Levine aims to increase the comfort of both mental health trainees and advanced practitioners in assisting patients with their sexual concerns. The author provides a thoughtful discussion of the nature of love—as an active, evolving process involving psychological intimacy, intense sexual interest, and commitment—and shows how sexual problems create barriers to loving.

In easily digestible chapters, this guide provides a concise clinical perspective on topics that include premature ejaculation, anorgasmia, erectile dysfunction, sexual pain, sexual identity, paraphilia, and betrayal. Its personal, supervisory tone makes it an accessible primer on this educationally overlooked arena for professionals from a variety of backgrounds, from psychiatry and psychology to social work, marriage and family therapy, and even pastoral counseling.