Using Narrative practices in a group sex therapy context

ABSTRACT

Discussions of the machinations of sex and pleasure (as distinct from sexuality and LGBTIQ issues) have largely been absent from Narrative practices and as a result, little has been documented on how Narrative practices could work in a sex and pleasure therapy context. This essay describes a sex-focussed group therapy project using Narrative practices conducted in Melbourne, Australia spanning 15 weeks from April 2015 to September 2015. This paper covers the structure, practices, learnings, cohort and context, and offers a rationale and structure for other therapists to consider when doing the same. It examines the value of group process when discussing sex and pleasure as a powerful tool to reduce the stigma of sex and bring pleasure forward as a valid reason for seeking therapy.

KEYWORDS:

• Sex
• pleasure
• Narrative therapy
• group therapy
• post-structuralism

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Cyndi Darnell

Cyndi Darnell is a sex and relationship therapist and sex educator working in Melbourne, Australia.