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A comprehensive guide for therapists on integrating diverse therapeutic approaches—from somatic experiencing and art therapy to nutritional counseling and intersectional awareness—into sex and couples therapy to provide holistic and effective care for modern relationships.

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What it’s about

For too long, couples therapy and sex therapy have operated in separate silos, leaving therapists ill-equipped to handle the complex interplay between relational dynamics and sexual issues. 'Integrative Sex & Couples Therapy' bridges this critical gap by assembling leading experts from a multitude of disciplines to present a unified, holistic framework for treating the modern couple. Edited by renowned therapist Tammy Nelson, this book offers a treasure trove of practical techniques, compelling case studies, and innovative models—drawing from Emotionally Focused Therapy, Imago, Internal Family Systems, somatic psychology, sexual medicine, and more. It provides clinicians with the tools and confidence to address everything from desire discrepancy and sexual trauma to the nuances of working with kinky, polyamorous, and LGB(Trans)QIA clients, ultimately empowering them to facilitate profound healing and help couples achieve true emotional and sexual intimacy.

The through-line

Who it’s for
A therapist (psychologist, MFT, social worker, counselor) who works with individuals and couples on relationship issues. They feel competent in general psychotherapy or couples counseling but are often uncomfortable, undertrained, or stuck when clients present with specific sexual problems. They want to provide more comprehensive, effective, and holistic care to help their clients achieve both emotional and sexual intimacy.
The problem
Therapists lack integrated training in both sex therapy and couples/systems therapy, leaving them with a fragmented toolkit to address the complex interplay of relational dynamics and sexual issues their clients face. They feel inadequate, anxious, and ill-equipped when sexual topics arise, fearing they might do harm, give bad advice, or simply not know how to help. They are frustrated by their inability to facilitate lasting change for couples with persistent sexual problems.
The plan
  1. Foundation Building: Learn the biopsychosocial framework for integrating sex and couples therapy, including how to create safety and use foundational models like PLISSIT.
  2. Model Integration: Explore a variety of powerful therapeutic models (EFT, IRT, IFS, Somatic, Art, etc.) and discover how to apply them directly to sexual issues like desire discrepancy, trauma, and dysfunction.
  3. Competence Expansion: Develop crucial skills for working with diverse modern couples, including understanding intersectionality, kink, polyamory, and gender-affirming approaches.
  4. Holistic Application: Learn to collaborate with medical professionals and incorporate complementary approaches like nutrition and mindfulness to provide truly comprehensive care.
The payoff
Therapists become confident and competent in addressing any sexual or relational issue that comes into their office. · They are able to facilitate profound healing and connection for their clients, helping them achieve vibrant emotional and sexual intimacy. · Their practice grows as they become known as a go-to expert for complex couples issues.

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