Springer Expressive Therapies for Sexual Issues: A Social Work Perspective

This book challenges practitioners to think beyond conventional forms of treatment and conventional ideas about sexuality, introducing art-based therapies suited to working with clients on their intimate concerns. Includes a diverse range of case examples. From the Back Cover Sexuality is a central part of our identity as humans, but when individuals struggle with matters of sexual identity, orientation, or expression, these issues can be embarrassing for clients to discuss―and equally hard for practitioners to feel comfortable with. Expressive Therapies for Sexual Issues challenges social work practitioners to think outside conventional forms of treatment as well as conventional ideas about sexuality. Reflecting the diversity of sexual experience (both positive and negative), this concise clinical guide introduces readers to a range of art-based therapies suited to working with clients on their intimate concerns and helping give voice to concepts and feelings that are often difficult to name. Case examples depict a gamut of clients―a group as diverse as gender-questioning youth, abuse survivors, and sex offenders―as they strive for greater self-awareness, negotiate the sexual in their lives, and move beyond trauma, detailing practitioners’ creative interventions as companions on these journeys. Contributors keep a clear focus on the delicacy of the therapeutic relationship, ethical fine lines, and the ongoing need for sensitivity and open-mindedness as they examine healing possibilities for: Music Photography Poetry Monologue and performance Visual art Movement and dance. Sandplay Reader-friendly and jargon-free, Expressive Therapies for Sexual Issues breaks consequential new ground for social work professionals and counselors seeking to integrate expressive modalities, and more familiarity with sexual matters, into their practice. About the Author Sana Loue, J.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., M.S.S.A. is a professor at Case Western Reserve University. She holds a primary appointment in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the School of Medicine and secondary appointments in the Departments of Bioethics, Global Health, and Psychiatry, as well as in the Mandel School of Applied Social Services, the university’s school of social worker. Her empirical research focuses on HIV risk and prevention in minority communities, family violence, and mental illness, while her more theoretical research includes forensic epidemiology and research ethics. As a licensed social worker, she offers counseling services through a local AIDS organization to minority young adults with issues ranging from partner violence, childhood sexual abuse and trauma, gender and sexual orientation questioning, self-injurious behaviors, and severe mental illness.