Written by Dr. Alexandra Kriofske Mainella, assistant professor of counselor education and counseling psychology
“Sex and Sexuality Handbook for the Helping Professional” is designed to serve as a comprehensive guide to facilitate conversations around sex and sexuality. Targeted primarily at helping professionals, the book equips readers with the knowledge and skills to discuss these often-challenging topics in a variety of contexts. It weaves together stories, research and practical activities to enhance understanding and comfort concerning sexual health.
The text examines themes such as the development of sexuality across the lifespan, the intersection of sexual health with various forms of discrimination, and how to broach the subject of sex in advocacy, educational, mental and physical health settings. It also covers specific considerations for people with disabilities and discussions around sexual and gender identities. Reflective activities included throughout the text encourage engagement with the material, fostering personal and professional growth.
Learn more or purchase this book at Cognella Academic Publishing
Dr. Kriofske Mainella answered some questions about her new book, including how the book complements her teaching and research, her favorite part of the writing process and where the idea for the book came from.
How would you describe the book in one sentence?
This handbook is for teachers, counselors, mental and medical health providers, and other helping professionals to broach and navigate the topic of sexuality.
Is this your first book? What is your publishing history?
This is my FIRST book!
Where did the idea for this book come from?
I am a sexual health educator, my research area is sexuality and disability, and I felt as though a book for helping professionals would be useful.
How does this book advance or complement your research and/or teaching?
I am a researcher in the area of sexual health and disability. I am also training counselors to serve clients with disabilities and youth in the mental health arena. Sexuality is a part of human life and one that people have such difficulty talking about. It is my hope that this book will help folks navigate this topic.
What do you hope to accomplish with this book?
I hope people will use this book or chapters of this book in their training of counselors, school counselors, medical health providers and others who serve to better broach and talk about the topic of sexuality as it relates to both physical and mental health. There is also a chapter for parents!
What was your favorite part of the writing/editing process?
It has been a lifelong dream of mine to write a book. Sitting down to write a chapter each month, it occurred to me: All you have to do to write a book is WRITE A BOOK!
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Book Details
- Publisher: Cognella Academic Publishing
- Publication date: Jan. 27, 2025
- Language: English
- Print length: 202 pages
- ISBN-13: 979-8823350228
