ABSTRACT
Sexuality is an integral part of one’s self-defi nition, enjoyment of life and sense of well-being; nonetheless, sexual expression can be unfavorably impacted by changes in bodily function that result from chronic illness, aging, trauma or disability. Historically, treating sexual problems within populations affected by such changes has been underemphasized in the clinical literature. More recently, however, increasing attention to the physical issues that impact sexual health and satisfaction has been noted in the medical and sex therapy literature (Gomez & Andrianne, 2014; Hughes & Lewinson, 2014). It has also been addressed in the family therapy literature under the context of medical family therapy (Hughes, Hertlein, & Hagey, 2011). Unfortunately, although the goals of medical and sex therapy are similar in clients with physical issues, the two domains have had little overlap in clinical literature and practice (see Moser & Devereux, 2012). It is our position that sex therapists become important collaborators with medical practitioners in the treatment of medically related sexual issues. For several reasons, we believe that sex therapists will see an increasing number of referrals for treatment of sexual issues among the aging, chronically ill, disabled or differently abled clients.
