Barry McCarthy
Barry McCarthy is a diplomate in clinical psychology, a certified sex and marital therapist, and a professor of psychology at American University. He has published 107 professional articles, 26 book chapters, and 15 books for the lay public. In addition, he has presented over 350 workshops nationally and internationally. His books include Rekindling Desire (2nd edition), Sexual Awareness (5th edition), Therapy with Men After Sixty, Discovering Your Couple Sexual Style, and Enduring Desire.
Biography
Barry McCarthy grew up in Chicago and moved to the Washington, DC area in 1969 where he taught at American University, practiced individual, couple, and sex therapy at the Washington Psychological Center, and raised his family. In 2000 he and his wife, Emily, moved to Wilmington, Delaware where they presently live. Barry is retired from clinical practice, but continues to write professional articles and book chapters as well as books. He presents professional workshops through the US and internationally and one day a week teaches at American University.Barry is particularly interested in sex function and dysfunction, especially how to maintain strong, resilient desire. He also writes about relapse prevention and primary prevention of sexual issues.
Education
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Ph.D., Psychology, Southern Illinois University, 1969
Areas of Research / Professional Expertise
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My primary interest at present is the psychobiosocial model of assessment, treatment, and relapse prevention of sexual desire problems. I write and present workshops which seek to integrate marital and sexual issues with a focus on the similarities and differences between relational and sexual styles. I also teach a course in Psychology of Well-Being which emphasizes primary prevention of psychological, relational, and sexual problems
Personal Interests
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My major commitment now is to my three grandchildren ages 21, 11, and 9. With my wife, Emily, we value travel both in the US and hope to visit Scotland, Ireland, and England in the next two years.
Books
News
Wall Street Journal and Barry McCarthy on How to Cope with Infidelity
By: Barry McCarthy
Barry McCarthy, Professor of Psychology at American University, was recently quoted in the WSJ's article, After Ashley Madison, How to Cope with Infidelity.
When asked about how an unfaithful partner should initiate a conversation with his (or her) spouse addressing the difficult subject, McCarthy suggests trying "to make meaning of the affair so that you and your partner share a narrative."
For more insight and advice on sustaining a lifelong relationship, purchase the bestselling second edition of Rekindling Desire.