Introduction
Part One. Theoretical Foundations of Sexuality
1. Sexual Health - WHO Definition
2. Dual Control Model
3. Sexual Response Cycle (Masters & Johnson, Kaplan, Basson)
4. Sexual Script Theory
5. Attachment Theory & Human Sexuality
6. Pleasure vs. Performance Anxiety
7. Differentiation of Self (Bowenian Theory)
8. Psychodynamic Perspectives on Sexual Conflicts, Oedipal complex and castration anxiety
9. The Intersection of Culture and Sexuality
10. Systemic Therapy
11. Biopsychosocial Model
12. Pornography
Part Two. Sexual Dysfunctions and Disorders
13. Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
14. Erectile Dysfunction
15. Female Sexual Arousal disorder
16. Premature Ejaculation
17. Delayed, Absent, retrograde Ejaculation
18. Anorgasmia
19. Vaginismus, Dyspareunia and Genito-Pelvic Pain Penetration Disorder
20. Sexual Aversion Disorder
21. Paraphilic Disorders
22. Sexual Dysfunction in the Transgender and Gender Diverse population
23. Peyronies Disease
24. Vulvodynia and Provoked Vulvodynia
25. Compulsive Sexual Behaviours
Part Three. Assessment in Psychosexual Therapies
26. PLISSIT Model
27. Comprehensive Sexual History Taking
28. Questionnaires: IIEF, FSFI, GRISS
29. Biomedical Factors (Hormones, Diabetes etc)
30. Evaluating Relationship Dynamics
31. Trauma Screening and Sexual Dysfunction
Part Four. Core Therapeutic Techniques
32. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
33. Psychodynamic and Relational Techniques
34. Sensate Focus and Behavioural Homework
35. Sex Positive and Educational Techniques
36. Systemic Desenitization for Pain Disorders
37. Waxing and Waning
38. Soft Penis Pleasing
39. Vaginal Dilator Therapy
40. Kegel Exercises & Pelvic Floor Therapy
41. Mindfulness Based Psychosexual Therapy (Tantric)
42. Narrative Therapy for Sexual Identity
43. Techniques for Narcissism and Entitlement
Part Five. Couples and Relational Sex Therapy
44. The ‘Good Enough Sex’ Model
45. Ethical Non-Monogamy
46. Sexual Communication and Conflict Resolution
47. Polyamory
48. Imago Relationship Therapy
49. Gottman Method
50. Transactional Analysis and Couples Therapy
51. Accessing Relationships
Part Six. Trauma-Informed and Somatic Approaches
52. Somatic Experiencing for Sexual Trauma
53. EMDR and Polyvagal Therapy for Sexual Trauma
54. Dissociation
55. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
56. Body Mapping and Safe Touch Exercises
57. Breathwork for Sexual Anxiety
58. Trauma-Informed Sensate Focus
Part Seven. Medical and Integrative Treatments
59. PDE-5 Inhibitors (Viagra, Tadalafil)
60. Hormonal Treatments (Testosterone, Oestrogen)
61. Vaginal Oestrogen for pain/dryness
62. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
63. Neurological Factors (MS Parkinson’s)
64. Pharmacotherapy for Paraphilias (SSRI’s)
65. Chronic Illness and Sexuality
66. Sexual side Effects of Medications
Part Eight. Mental Health and Sexual Functioning
67. Anxiety Disorders and Sexuality
68. Depressive Disorders and Sexuality
69. Somatic Disorders and Sexuality
70. Eating Disorders and Sexuality
71. Substance Use Disorder and Sexuality
72. Bipolar Disorder and Sexuality
73. Other Psychiatric Disorders and Sexuality
Part Nine. Specialised Populations
74. Ageing and Sexuality (Menopause, Andropause)
75. Disability Affirmative Psychosexual Therapy
76. LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Psychosexual Therapy
77. Neurodiversity, Sexuality and Compulsive Sexual Behaviours
78. Religious Sexual Guilt (Purity Culture)
79. Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) Survivors
80. Kink and BDSM Affirmative Therapy
81. Infertility and Sexual Impact
82. Sex Offending
83. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
84. HIV
85. Chemsex
Part Ten. Emerging and Alternative Approaches
86. Psychedelic Assisted Psychosexual Therapy
87. Virtual Reality for Exposure Therapy
88. Biofeedback for Arousal Disorders
89. Hypnotherapy for Sexual Anxiety
90. Ayurvedic & Traditional Sexology
91. Sex Coaching vs Psychosexual Therapy
92. Eco-sexual Perspectives – Queer Theory, Ecofeminism and Somatic practices
93. Sex Technology (Apps, Wearables)
Part Eleven. Ethical and Professional Considerations.
94. Therapist Self Disclosure in Psychosexual Therapy
95. Erotic Transference and Counter Transference
96. Informed Consent for Sensitive Topics
97. Online (Tele)Sex Therapy Ethics
98. Sex Positive vs Pathologising Approaches
99. Safeguarding and Disclosure in Psychosexual Therapy
100. Future of Psychosexual Therapy (AI, Research Gaps)
Biography
Lohani Noor, MSc, is the founding director of The Institute for Relational and Sexual Therapies (ThIRST) and is a prominent speaker and writer on psychotherapy, particularly in relation to sexual therapy.
Lohani Noor’s Rationale for Psychosexual Therapies is a clear, practical, and engaging guide in the “100 Key Points and Techniques” series. Aimed at therapists, counsellors, and social workers, it offers a pragmatic approach to psychosexual therapy, breaking topics into concise sections with definitions, typical presentations, and diagnostic tools. Noor integrates contemporary, systemic, and psychosocial perspectives, making the content highly applicable for clinical work with individuals and couples. This well-structured and readable book is a valuable, ready-to-use addition to any therapist’s bookshelf.
Andy Williams, UKCP, TA Psychotherapist, Trainer, Clinical Supervisor and Researcher.
Rationale for Psychosexual Therapy: 100 Key Points and Techniques is a practical guide for therapists, trainees, and students working with sexual and relational health concerns. It takes an interdisciplinary, sex-positive, and non-pathologising approach, covering timeless topics like attachment theory, sexual medicine, response cycles, and foundational therapy models, as well as contemporary and emerging areas such as diverse and affirming practices, new relational modalities, and the impact of sexual technologies and AI. Clear and concise, it serves as both a quick reference for clinical work and a core resource for teaching and training in psychosexual and relationship therapy.
Markie L. C. Twist, PhD, LMFT, LMHC, CSE, CSE-S, RegCOSRT, Teaching Faculty, Couple and Family Therapy Doctoral and Masters Programs, Antioch University New England and Seattle; Session Instructor, Professional Sexuality Clinical Training Program, University of Guelph; Editor-in-Chief, Sexual and Relationship Therapy
Rationale Psychosexual Therapy: 100 Key Points & Techniques provides clear, evidence informed guidance that can be directly applied to practice, while integrating the ethical cultural, and clinical complexities of contemporary sexual healthcare. The concepts and techniques presented are intended to support the all-important core tasks of assessment, formulation, intervention, and evaluation in interdisciplinary practice, and the book skilfully integrates psychological theory, sexual medicine, and relational counselling in this context. The format is particularly helpful as it allows each of the 100 entries to be read independently, meaning it is ideal to dip into as a refresher for every level of psychosexual and relationship therapist and clinical supervisor.
Jo Coker, Counselling Psychologist Accredited Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist and Clinical Supervisor, Director of Therapy and Training Standards, COSRT Fellow
Rationale for Psychosexual Therapy: 100 Key Points & Techniques is a complete guide to Psychosexual Therapy. Written in a clear and easy language, Lohani Noor offers readers excellent, up-to-date and evidence-based knowledge in all the areas of Psychosexual Therapy. It is a must-read for students and people who are interested in this specialist profession, and an essential manual for established practitioners.
Silva Neves, Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy. Author of Sexology: The Basics.
