Sex talk : family therapists’ experience of addressing sexual issues in therapy

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between systemic family therapists' personal experiences with sex, their professional contexts, and their comfort in discussing sexual topics in therapeutic settings. By investigating how these personal histories, attitudes, and professional trajectories influence their approach to discussing sex and sexuality, this study uncovers the subtle dynamics shaping these therapeutic interactions. It also fills a research gap by examining the impact of therapists' resonances in initiating conversations about sex. Nine family therapists were engaged through face-to-face semistructured interviews. Thematic Analysis (TA) was utilised to interpret the findings. The analysis revealed five central themes that explore the connections between therapists' personal histories and their current comfort in discussing sex and sexual issues in therapy. These themes highlight how therapists' familial backgrounds, individual beliefs, and life experiences influence their comfort and readiness to address sexual topics. Additionally, the study examines the impact of educational backgrounds on therapists' approaches to handling sexual issues in therapy sessions and explores challenges therapists face when clients' issues mirror their own personal narratives. In conclusion, this study underscores the nuanced relationship between therapists' personal resonances and their professional practice in addressing sexual issues. By highlighting the interplay between personal backgrounds and therapeutic approaches, it emphasises the importance of ongoing reflexivity and self-awareness for effectively navigating discussions of sexuality with clients. The outcomes of this study provide recommendations for future research and implications for practice, supervision, and training in systemic psychotherapy.