ABSTRACT
Prior to the publication of the original edition of this text, we had not yet seen a book, chapter, or article 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 this updated text that address this issue. The purpose of this volume has been to introduce the beginning therapist to the fi eld 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 a sexual problem. With the medicalization of psychotherapy and the increased focused on integrative approaches, this is a time for us as sex therapists to redefi ne our roles.
