ABSTRACT
Prior to the publication of this text, we have never seen a book, chapter, or paper dealing with what it means to be a sex therapist. Hopefully, we have contributed to a greater understanding of our work through several discussions within the text that address this issue. The purpose of this volume has been to introduce the beginning therapist to the field of sex therapy and to introduce all therapists to a systems view of sex therapy. We want to encourage therapists to embrace sexual issues in treatment and to understand the complex interplay between the various systems contributing to any sexual problem. With the medicalization of psychotherapy and the increased focus on integrative approaches, this is a time for us as sex therapists to redefine our roles.
