Systemic Sex Therapy

by Katherine M. Hertlein (Editor)

This comprehensive textbook, intended for graduate students in couple and family therapy programs as well as for clinicians of diverse orientations, offers descriptive discussions of sex therapy based on the Intersystem Approach, as developed by Gerald Weeks.
The Intersystem Approach considers the biology, psychology, couple dyad, family-of-origin, and larger contextual factors of any sexual disorder or issue. It is grounded in systems theory and represents a new understanding of human sexuality and sexual problems. Appropriate for anyone who wants to progress to a more comprehensive and integrative understanding of sexual dysfunctions, this text will teach the reader how to treat the couple, rather than the individual.
Now in a second edition, Systemic Sex Therapy presents 12 updated chapters and two new chapters, bringing the material up-to-date with the DSM-5. Each chapter examines the definition and description of a disorder, its etiology, assessment, treatment, research, and future directions. Experts in the field discuss issues ranging from pharmacology, sexual compulsivity, therapy with lesbian and gay couples, to chapters on male and female lack of desire.
A standard text in the field, Systemic Sex Therapy integrates couple and sex therapy to inform the treatment of sexual problems, and to give beginning and experienced clinicians the abilities and confidence they need to produce viable change in their patients’ lives.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Professional Development, School

350 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2007

About the author

Katherine M. Hertlein is program director of Couple and Family Therapy and professor for the Couple and Family Therapy Program. Her expertises include infidelity, sex therapy, child and adolescent therapy, technology and relationships, Internet infidelity, and high-risk sexual behavior.

She is also a globally recognized researcher studying sexuality, technology, and its effects on couples. As she examines the role of technology in couple and family life, Hertlein has developed the first multi-theoretical model on this issue.

In addition to technology and relationships, Hertlein’s other areas of expertise include infidelity, sexuality, high-risk sexual behavior, child and adolescent therapy, and cyber issues in couple and family therapy. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist, an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Approved Supervisor, and a PREPARE/ENRICH Certified Counselor.

Hertlein has co-authored 8 books, including Handbook for the Clinical Treatment of Infidelity, The Therapist’s Notebook for Family Healthcare, Handbook for the Treatment of Infidelity, Systemic Sex Therapy, and A Clinician’s Guide to Systemic Sex Therapy, which are used in many couples and family therapy training programs around the United States. She has published more than 60 articles in the notable journals in her field, contributed over 40 chapters to books, and serves on the editorial boards for several academic journals. She was recently appointed as the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy.

Hertlein earned the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs Outstanding Research Award twice and the Greenpsun College Teaching Award. She also has won the Barrick Scholar Award, the Regent's Rising Researcher Award, Outstanding Graduate Student Mentor, and Supervisor of the Year award from the Nevada Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Reviews

[Deborah Brunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book (I read the 2020, 3rd edition) expands on a biopsychosocial approach to sexual wellbeing. It incorporates attachment styles as well as intergenerational/family of origin attitudes/behaviours towards sex. It also examines cultural/political systems influencing sexual wellbeing as well as inter-relational issues. A great, expanded resource for anyone involved in sexual medicine/therapy.

[Degan Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview for clinicians.

[Sarah Hubbard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful guidebook for sex therapy.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was required reading for my master's program. It is a good overview, though repetitive at times.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read this for my college course.:-)

[Olivia]

This felt a little dated in some of the language . . . but it isn't dated . . . ?

Helpful, would re-vist some sections. Not much that explicitly concerns the LGBTQ community.