The Self of the Christian Therapist Doing Sex Therapy: A Model for Training Christian Sex Therapists

• Published in: Sexual and relationship therapy Vol. 28; no. 3; pp. 186 - 200
• Main Authors: Turns, Brie Ann, Morris, Sarah J., Lentz, Nicole Ann
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basingstoke Taylor & Francis Group 01-08-2013; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Christian therapist; Christians; Differentiation; Family system perspective; Literature reviews; Narratives; Self; Selfreflection; Sex therapy; Sexuality; Supervisors; System theory; Systems theory; therapist self-care; Therapists
• ISSN: 1468-1994; 1468-1749
• DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2013.765557

Upon a thorough review of the literature, the authors failed to find sufficient information and resources for Christian therapists conducting sex therapy. Our intent is to provide a model for self-of-the-therapist work for both therapists and their supervisors. The model includes various worksheets for self-reflection and different considerations for the Christian therapist to review. The model is rooted in the theoretical tenets of Narrative and Bowen Family Systems theories. The authors use the ideas of understanding our dominant story and lenses from Narrative theory and differentiation and taking an I-position from Bowen Family Systems theory. We begin by giving a brief history of the relationship between Christianity and sexuality, highlight the importance of self-of-the-therapist work, and explain the rationale for use of Narrative and Bowen theories. Finally, we present our model, which includes several worksheets for use in supervision or independently by the therapist.