Sexuality and Sex Therapy: A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal

by Mark A. Yarhouse, Erica S. N. Tan

Overview

A Comprehensive Survey of Human Sexuality from a Christian Perspective

The field of human sexuality is one of ever-increasing complexity, particularly for Christian therapists and psychologists seeking to be faithful to Scripture, informed by science, and sensitive to culture. In Sexuality and Sex Therapy, Mark Yarhouse and Erica Tan offer a survey and appraisal of this field from a Christian perspective, grounding sex therapy in the biblical affirmation of physicality and the redemptive purposes of human life.

This second edition

• Integrates the latest research with a Christian worldview as the authors explore sexual dysfunctions as well as various clinical issues and treatments,
• Updates key research findings in each chapter, and
• Addresses more recent societal trends related to gender identity, non-normative sexualities, digital and social media, and other areas of interest.

Not only have Yarhouse and Tan written a standard resource for Christian therapists and counselors, but they also challenge the church to talk more honestly and openly about the blessing of human sexuality.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781514010976
Publisher:	InterVarsity Press
Publication date:	02/25/2025
Series:	Christian Association for Psychological Studies Books
Edition description:	Revised, Second Edition
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Mark Yarhouse (PsyD, Wheaton College) is the Hughes Endowed Chair and professor of psychology at Regent University where he directs the Institute for the Study of Sexual Identity and is a core faculty member in the doctoral program in clinical psychology. A licensed clinical psychologist, he practices privately in the Virginia Beach area, providing individual, couples, famil,y and group counseling. Yarhouse has published over eighty peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and is author or coauthor of several books, including Understanding Gender Dysphoria, Modern Psychopathologies, Understanding Sexual Identity , Sexuality and Sex Therapy, and Homosexuality and the Christian. He serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Psychology and Theology and Christian Counseling Today, and has served as an ad hoc reviewer with Journal of Homosexuality.

Erica Tan is presently a licensed clinical psychologist in Portland, Oregon. She enjoys working with marginalized populations, particularly youth and sexual minorities.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Foundational Considerations
1 Sexuality in Theological Perspective
2 Sexuality in Sociocultural Perspective
3 Sexuality in Biological Perspective
4 Sexuality in Clinical Perspective

Part 2: Sexual Dysfunctions
5 Sexual Interest and Arousal Disorder
6 Female Orgasmic Disorder
7 Sexual Pain Disorders
8 Erectile Disorder
9 Rapid and Delayed Ejaculation

Part 3: Additional Clinical Presentations
10 The Paraphilias
11 Sexual Addiction
12 Sexual Identity Conflicts
13 Gender Dysphoria

Part 4: Future Directions
14 Christianity and Sex Therapy

Index

What People are Saying About This

Stanton L. Jones

"Yarhouse and Tan offer an unprecedented and comprehensive overview of the current state of thinking from the professional and scientific world about human sexuality, and about sexual disorder and dysfunction and their related treatment options. They do so as Christians who share thoughtfully and directly their reflections from the perspectives of Christian sexuality morality and a broadly Christian understanding of the nature and purposes of sexuality in human existence. This work of remarkable sophistication and breadth is worthy of careful study."

Gary J. Oliver

"It's rare and refreshing to find a book with an approach that is fresh and original, but this long-overdue and much-needed book is just that. The authors bring together an elegant foundational integration of theological, sociocultural, biological and clinical perspectives that is unique and in itself worth the price of the book. Clearly written, biblically based, scientifically accurate, referenced with up-to-date research, incorporating the new DSM-5 criteria and richly illustrated, this book represents a major contribution to the field and provides a virtual one-stop shopping source. Whether a student, lay counselor, pastor or seasoned clinician, you will find this resource an invaluable toolkit that you will refer to often. This book is a gift to all of us who deal with issues of sexuality and sex therapy, and it belongs on the shelf of every counselor."

Gary H. Strauss

"I am delighted to recommend Sexuality and Sex Therapy. As a retired graduate professor and licensed psychologist who has taught and provided psychotherapy for over thirty-five years, I have personally experienced the need for such a book for my graduate students, for help with my clients, and to recommend to pastors and youth leaders. knowing previously of only one written from a Christian perspective, which has been a lone voice regarding sexuality and sex therapy issues for many years. I have also had the opportunity to read and appreciate previous work from Yarhouse and Tan for a number of years, and find that the present volume extends the significant contributions of these authors to the Christian community in the vital area of human sexuality."

Doug Rosenau

"Mark and Erica are passionate researchers with a desire to help counselors assess sexual issues carefully and cultivate a wiser, more complex understanding from a Christian worldview. Sexuality and Sex Therapy is an informative read for therapists, both Christian and non-Christian, as they counsel their clients in thinking through a more comprehensive framework for their sexuality and transforming their stories with knowledge and hope."

Editorial Reviews

"Mark and Erica are passionate researchers with a desire to help counselors assess sexual issues carefully and cultivate a wiser, more complex understanding from a Christian worldview. Sexuality and Sex Therapy is an informative read for therapists, both Christian and non-Christian, as they counsel their clients in thinking through a more comprehensive framework for their sexuality and transforming their stories with knowledge and hope."

Doug Rosenau

"It's rare and refreshing to find a book with an approach that is fresh and original, but this long-overdue and much-needed book is just that. The authors bring together an elegant foundational integration of theological, sociocultural, biological and clinical perspectives that is unique and in itself worth the price of the book. Clearly written, biblically based, scientifically accurate, referenced with up-to-date research, incorporating the new DSM-5 criteria and richly illustrated, this book represents a major contribution to the field and provides a virtual one-stop shopping source. Whether a student, lay counselor, pastor or seasoned clinician, you will find this resource an invaluable toolkit that you will refer to often. This book is a gift to all of us who deal with issues of sexuality and sex therapy, and it belongs on the shelf of every counselor."

Gary J. Oliver

"I am delighted to recommend Sexuality and Sex Therapy. As a retired graduate professor and licensed psychologist who has taught and provided psychotherapy for over thirty-five years, I have personally experienced the need for such a book for my graduate students, for help with my clients, and to recommend to pastors and youth leaders. knowing previously of only one written from a Christian perspective, which has been a lone voice regarding sexuality and sex therapy issues for many years. I have also had the opportunity to read and appreciate previous work from Yarhouse and Tan for a number of years, and find that the present volume extends the significant contributions of these authors to the Christian community in the vital area of human sexuality."

Gary H. Strauss

"Yarhouse and Tan offer an unprecedented and comprehensive overview of the current state of thinking from the professional and scientific world about human sexuality, and about sexual disorder and dysfunction and their related treatment options. They do so as Christians who share thoughtfully and directly their reflections from the perspectives of Christian sexuality morality and a broadly Christian understanding of the nature and purposes of sexuality in human existence. This work of remarkable sophistication and breadth is worthy of careful study."

Stanton L. Jones

"Overall, this is a fairly accessible book that would be of use to Christian pastors and therapists who occasionally deal with clients struggling with sexuality. For those interested in science and Christian faith discussions and their implication for the 'culture wars' around sexuality, this book is worth considering. The thought exercises should stimulate critical engagement with the issues and help readers to thoughtfully digest other excellent books on these topics."

Heather Looy