In this Podversation:

• How Heather got into the field of sex therapy
• Why board certification as a sex therapist can be so important
• Typical concerns or types of issues Heather and others in the industry work with
• How clinicians can manage the delicate balance of sexual issues and spiritual worldviews
• AASECT’s groundbreaking historical statement regarding the use of the term “sex addiction” in both diagnosis and treatment (you can read it for yourself here: https://www.aasect.org/position-sex-addiction)
• Why Heather believes we shouldn’t always focus on SEX per se, but rather individualized treatment
• Is there stigma associated with the term “addict”?
• How do we know if a sexual behavior has become a problem that should be addressed?
• Common co-occurring diagnoses with sexual compulsivity
• How shame perpetuates the cycle of sexual compulsivity
• Do religious followers have higher rates of sexual disorders and dysfunction?
• Heather’s personal experience with religion and spirituality and how those values have impacted her practice
• How can clinicians approach topics surrounding sex and sexual issues with those who have sacred spiritual practices and beliefs?
• If we don’t call it an addiction, does that mean we’ll see more sexual disorders?
• Is the addiction model of sexual compulsivity treatment effective?
• Tamara’s experience at a Sex Addicts Anonymous meeting
• How to find help

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Meet Heather McPherson

Heather McPherson M.A., LPC-S, LMFT maintains a Private Practice (www.respark.co) in Austin, Texas specializing in Sexuality and Relationships. In addition to being a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, she is also a Sex Therapist. Find her on twitter @ResparkLove.

Heather is the CEO & Founder of The Sexual Health Alliance (SHA). SHA is the first and currently the only organization that facilitates progressive communication among sexual health professionals and all therapists through lectures, roundtables and educational workshops.

Meet Tamara Powell

Tamara Powell, LMHC is a licensed therapist, university psychology instructor, and empowerment coach who believes life should be lived as a journey that is “anything but ordinary.”

Her work is specialized to help individuals break free from toxic cycles of distress, dysfunction, and dissatisfaction with life that are created when trying to live according to someone else’s rules. Only by living what she calls radical autonomy, can one obtain soul nourishing relationships and a sense of true life purpose and inner peace.

If you’re interested in working with her, either in person or online, you can learn more about her services here.

Sound Editing provided by Pete Bailey: http://petebailey.net/audio/

Have a show idea or comment?

If you have something to say about this (or any) episode, we want to hear from you! Your question for Tamara or review on iTunes etc. could be heard LIVE on the show!