Sexual Integration Therapy: a sex-positive sexual health model supporting authentic sexual expression, while addressing sexual compulsivity, shame, fear and trauma

Abstract

Sexual Integration Therapy (SIT) is a client-centered sexual health model that focuses on the holistic integration of authentic sexuality and pleasure. SIT prioritizes working with clients to resolve the impact of sexual shame, fear, and past traumas that interfere with pleasurable sexual expression. While some clients may find pathology or addiction-based models helpful for their sexual concerns, SIT supports those who do not find solely cognitive-behavioral pathology, nor addiction treatment models effective. Through an examination of the evolution of psychology’s problematic, subjective codifications of normal versus abnormal, paraphilic, or deviant sexuality, the authors demonstrate the potential risks of diagnostic pathologization. SIT moves beyond such problematic pathology-based diagnostic models and redefines normal sexuality as uniquely personal. The authors then detail how SIT builds upon recent sexual health models to shift the therapeutic paradigm and better address individualized desires, compulsive behaviors, or inhibitions, not supported by standardized therapeutic models.

LAY SUMMARY

Sexual Integration Therapy (SIT) is a sexual health model prioritizing authentic sexuality by addressing sex-negative beliefs, compulsions, shame, fear, or past traumas hindering pleasurable expression. The authors examine historical and contemporary drawbacks in conventional treatments, highlighting SIT’s use of mindfulness models to address desires or behaviors overlooked by standard therapies.

Keywords:

• Sex positive therapy
• sexual authenticity
• sexual health
• mindfulness-based therapies
• client-centered sex therapy

Acknowledgements

The authors are immensely grateful to all the individuals who contributed to this research collaboration. Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering support have been instrumental in the accomplishment of our goals. Without their invaluable contributions, this manuscript would not have been possible.

Disclosure statement

No conflict of interest exists. The authors declare that there are no known conflicts of interest associated with this publication and there has been no significant financial support for this work that could have influenced its outcome.