1st Edition
The Professional's Guide to Sexuality Consultation An Exploration of Entrepreneurship, Strategic Planning, and Business Influence
This book offers support and guidance to sexuality professionals who are looking at different strategies to progress their careers, accounting for all the diverse jobs they can take on or create.
Bringing together contributions from the field of sexology, business, and marriage and family therapy, James C. Wadley combines elements of sexuality, business development, and entrepreneurship to help therapists consider their professional options. Chapters address topics such how to navigate consultative opportunities in sex education, clinical work, counseling, coaching, supervision, research, non-profit and for-profit entities, volunteer experiences, and in academic settings. Professional contributions offer practical advice as well as personal reflections, with insights ranging from obtaining consultative positions, to starting one’s own business, and using social media effectively.
Sexuality educators, counselors, therapists, healers, advocates, activists, researchers, policy makers, workers, and other consultants will find this book invaluable when navigating new ideas and professional paths they can take within the field.
Foreword
Marla Renee Stewart
Introduction
James C. Wadley
1. Gig Work for the Sexuality Professional
James C. Wadley
2. Sexuality Education Consulting: The Things They Didn’t Teach in School
Tanya M. Bass and Melanie J. Davis
3. Developing and implementing an intentional framework for quality hires and sustainable growth in sexuality business
Jennifer Litner
4. Navigating Touch: Ethics and Triadic Relationships
Fredrick Zal
5. Allyship: From Passion to Influence
Chasity Fowlkes
6. Threading the Needle: Ethical Practice with Kinky Clients
Stefani Goerlich
7. Survivor to CEO: Activation in Practice
Mary May
8. So… it’s a sex podcast?
Sara Vogel
9. Developing Persona: Sex Therapist, Sex Professional, Sex Worker
Shanae Adam
10. REAL Professional Freedom: The Day I Decided to Leave a Group Practice to Start My Own
LaToya Cheathon
11. Finding Your Niche: The Importance of Specialization and Branding
Quantas L. Ginn
12. The Business of Sex Coaching: 13 Steps to Career Success as a Sexological Entrepreneur
Patti Britton and Sarah Martin
13. Beyond Therapy: Entrepreneurship in Sex Therapy Practice
Candice Cooper-Lovett
Biography
James C. Wadley is a professor of the Master of Human Services department at Lincoln University. He is also Director of the Sex Therapy Program at Council for Relationships (Philadelphia, USA). He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Black Sexuality and Relationships and the founder and principal of the Association of Black Sexologists and Clinicians.
‘Professionals within the field of sexuality, whether they identify as sexologists, educators, academics, clinicians, etc., often realize early in their careers that there is space for contract work. Despite possessing the requisite education and theoretical background, many of these individuals lack the business acumen required for success in this arena. Even their colleagues, who may be facing similar challenges with their own businesses, cannot always provide guidance. As a result, these professionals are often left wondering how they can make a living as sole practitioners in the sexuality field. It can feel like they are working in isolation, with little support or understanding from those around them.
This is where the book at hand comes in. By bringing together a diverse group of successful sexuality business owners, the author has created a space for struggling or questioning business owners to receive much-needed leadership and support. Through this collaboration, the book provides hope and strategies for success, while also lending credibility to the field of sexuality. It is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to build a successful career in this complex and challenging industry. Thank you, Dr. Wadley, for bringing these individuals together to support and advance the sexuality business.’
Monique Howard, EdD, MPH, Public/Sexual Health Consultant, Nonprofit Strategist
‘Dr. Wadley and his colleagues create space for sexual and mental practitioners to discuss the business components of our profession. Undoubtedly, this is a wonderful contribution to field.’
Kamilah Marie Woodson, PhD, Professor of Counseling Psychology and Department Chair, Human Development and Psychoeducational Studies, Howard University
‘We finally started the conversation about the integration of sexuality and relational health studies and business. I am so proud of my colleagues for initiating a formal conversation for us to learn and grow from.’
Carmelita Yvette Whitfield, Ph.D, Associate Director of Community Health, Penn State University
