Religion and spirituality have the potential to permeate all aspects of one’s life, including—and at times, especially—one’s experience of sexuality. The intersection of religion, spirituality, and sexuality introduce a complex set of strengths and challenges in how we are socialized as sexual people in relationship with one another. Therapists must understand the nuanced connections between these aspects of humanity and the challenges or opportunities they present.
This special issue seeks to examine current writings, research, religions, faiths, and spiritual practices as they relate to sexuality, intimate relationships, sexual functioning, and gender in a therapeutic context.
Dr. Mark Levand invites empirical or review papers (MAX 6,000 words), commentaries, or clinical case reports on the subject of sexuality and religion/spirituality. Commentaries and opinion pieces will only be reviewed by the Editors, while papers will also be sent for external peer review. The deadline for abstract submissions of 150–200 words is March 1, 2021. Invited manuscripts expected in full by July 8, 2021.
Examples of appropriate topics include but are not limited to:
Overviews of the literature relevant to the intersection of religion and/or spirituality with sexuality
Research and current practices in therapeutic interventions with sexual issues intersecting with religion
Non-dominant religions or spiritualities in sexual and/or relationship therapy
Religious or spiritual practices that contribute to sexual wellness
Communities/individual religious identities as facilitators or inhibitors of one’s sexuality
Healing from religious sexual shame/trauma and/or the role of faith in this healing
Positive religious responses to sexuality and implications for clinical intervention
Strengths and limitations of a therapist working around issues of sexuality in someone’s religious/spiritual life
Sexualization in relation to religious communities or messaging and therapeutic implications
Clinical implications for faith and reproduction (decisions, feelings) in relationships
Relationship statuses (divorce, open marriages) as they intersect with religion/spirituality and therapy
Ethics of working with clients around religious practices or beliefs
Informal inquiries and abstract submissions should be directed to Dr. Mark Levand at [email protected].