Meg John Barker

Biography

Dr. Meg John Barker is a writer, academic, counsellor and activist specialising in sex and relationships. Meg John is a senior lecturer in psychology at the Open University and has published many academic books and papers on topics including non-monogamous relationships, sadomasochism, counselling, and mindfulness, as well as co-editing the journal Psychology & Sexuality. They were the lead author of The Bisexuality Report – which has informed UK policy and practice around bisexuality. They are involved in running many public events on sexuality and relationships, including Sense about Sex, Critical Sexology, and Gender & Sexuality Talks. Meg John is also a UKCP accredited therapist working with gender and sexually diverse clients. Their 2013 book Rewriting the Rules is a friendly guide to love, sex and relationships, and they blog about these matters on www.rewriting-the-rules.com. Twitter: megbarkerpsych. You can see my full CV at http://www.open.ac.uk/socialsciences/main/staff/people-profile.php?name=Meg%20John_Barker

Education

PhD Psychology, University of Nottingham, 1998
MA Psychotherapy (UKCP), University of Sheffield, 2010

Areas of Research / Professional Expertise

My research focuses on identities and relationships. Particularly I am interested in social norms and rules around sexuality and gender and how these impact both those who try to meet them and those who transgress them. Most of my research has been conducted within sexual communities, focusing on bisexuality, BDSM, and open non-monogamy. I have used various qualitative methods (interviews, discussions, on-line questionnaires, analysis of web materials, and creative methods) to investigate the ways in which people in these communities negotiate their identities and relationships. I have also analysed the representations of such identities and relationships in mainstream media, self-help and in psychology textbooks.

I practice as a sexual and relationship therapist which enables me to work directly with people who are exploring sexuality and relationships in their own lives. I am interested in bringing together existential, Buddhist and social constructionist theories in my work and practice. I also conduct workshops and write for therapists who are working with sexual or gender minority clients.

Personal Interests

Comics, blogging, walking, Buddhism, writing.

Books

Videos