Expressive Therapies for Sexual Issues: A Social Work Perspective [Paperback]

This text is intended to help social work practitioners move beyond both these often-accepted constructions of sexuality and the range of methods that are available to social workers in their clinical practice.?Various themes are apparent throughout each of the chapters in thisvolume: the range of sexual experience and expression that exists acrossindividuals; a recognition of our societys responses to expressions ofsexuality, including the social, attitudinal, and cultural barriers thatinhibit the expression of healthy sexuality and that constrain our approaches to assisting individuals with their recovery from trauma; the need to consistently and painstakingly examine our own assumptions relating to sexuality in order to be more effective with our clients; and the delicate balance that is often required when working with clients around issues of sexuality in the context of institutions, community, and societal structures.?This book challenges practitioners to think beyond conventional forms of treatment and conventional ideas about sexuality, introducing art-based therapies suited to working with clients on their intimate concerns. Includes a diverse range of case examples.

Embodying Identity: Using Movement-Based Techniques to Explore Body.-Engendering Self through Monologue and Performance: Helping Your Clients Explore Identity and Sexuality.-The Use of Poetry Therapy for the Treatment of Sexual Abuse Trauma.-Masks, Wounds, and Bridges: Expressive Arts Therapy with Sexual Abusers.-Exploring Gender Identity with Photography: A Multi-Level Treatment Approach.-Understanding Clients with Alternative Expressions of Sexuality Using Music.-Hearing Myself: Songs and Improvisation with Inner-City Adolescents Who Have Experienced Sexual Abuse.-Sandplay Therapy: A Way of Rediscovering Inner Wisdom in the Body and Psyche.-Sandplay as Alchemical Vessel: Healing Sexual Trauma and Drug Addiction