Sexuality and Sex Therapy, Second Edition, Mark A Yarhouse and Erica S. N. Tan. IVP Academic (ISBN: 9781514010976) 2025.

Summary: A resource for Christian therapists, counselors, and the church affirming the blessing of our sexuality.

Christians simply must get better at discussions of sexuality that go beyond what not to do and who not to do it with. Far too often our discussions of sexuality have been co-opted by our culture wars or distorted by patriarchy. This includes forms of Purity Culture that wrought harm for many youth. On a quieter, but often deeply painful note, many Christian couples struggle to achieve the intimacy promoted within Christian marriage.

Sexuality and Sex Therapy, quite simply, is a superb resource for the whole church. Written for Christian therapists and counselors, it offers in depth foundational perspectives and factual information reflecting the current standards of care in the field of sex therapy. As is often the case, the subtitle, “A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal” is an important descriptor. First, it is comprehensive, addressing the range of sexual disorders and clinical presentations of various conditions. It is Christian, reflecting historic orthodoxy with an emphasis on affirming our physicality and God’s redemptive purposes for our sexuality. Finally, it is an appraisal, discussing both recent societal trends and identifying questions Christian therapists may want to think through in their practice.

For those concerned, with regard to questions of sexual orientation and gender identity, they commend an APA approach that is client rather than gay or trans-affirming. They do not commend efforts to change orientation. For those with gender dysphoria, they cite standards of care and therapeutic options that involve both medical and non-medical interventions. They lean toward a “least invasive possible” approach within a client affirming stance.

The book is organized in four parts. The first part addresses foundations: theological, sociocultural, biological, and clinical. The theological chapter addresses a Christian framework vis a vis other worldviews. The second chapter addresses the understanding of sexuality in our culture, including how it is reflected in social media. And given the focus of the church, it addresses the responses to purity culture. Chapter three provides accurate biological information, including a discussion of menopause. And chapter four introduces clinical practice, including treatment and ethical standards.

Part two addresses the sexual disorder most often addressed in sex therapy. Chapters are addressed to sexual interest and arousal disorders, female orgasmic disorders, pain during intimacy, erectile disorders, and premature and delayed ejaculation disorders. As relevant, each chapter also addresses care for gay and lesbian couples.

Part three addresses other clinical presentations a therapist may encounter. These include various paraphilic disorders, non-normative and alternate sexualities like BDSM and kink, and non-monogamous sexualities. They address sexual addictions, working with mixed orientation couples and mixed gender identity couples.

Finally, part four is a brief conclusion addressing the challenges and opportunities for Christians in the area of sex therapy. They note various constructs and values that may be at variance with a Christian perspective. At the same time, they recognize the chance to bring healing to individuals and couples and the joy of stewarding one’s sexuality for mutual love and God’s glory.

One of the strengths of the book is the depth of information. Many in ministry may not engage in sex therapy, leaving this for those with the appropriate training. The accurate information can help pastoral and lay counselors to not offer bad, and sometimes hurtful information. Extensive reference lists at the end of each chapter provide current research and other helpful resources.

An approach that refuses to hew to a party line on sexual identity or gender dysphoria will frustrate some. However, not all the therapists can select their clients. Additionally, there are professional standards of care in the field that therapists need to adhere to in terms of licensure. At the same time, a client-affirming approach doesn’t push clients one way or another but allows them to make choices congruent with their values, including Christian values.

In sum, this book serves as a great adjunct resource for Christians trained in non-religious clinical programs. It may serve as an introductory clinical text in Christian counseling programs. In addition, as noted above, it is a valuable source for the broader Christian public, affirming a Christian view of the gift of our sexuality.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

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