Addressing Sexual Issues with Jewish Clients: A Culturally Integrated Approach

摘要

Presently in academic literature, the Jewish community is not currently viewed as an independent multicultural group deserving more than a passing reference for individual exploration within the therapeutic process. Because Judaism outlines specific laws and customs regarding sexuality, the assumption that all Jewish clients will present with and respond to mainstream sexual difficulties is flawed and can cause irreparable damage to the therapeutic relationship especially for observant clients. This may hold true for observant members of other religions, and highlights the importance of cultural integration into the therapy process.;By exploring the laws, customs, and intersecting cultural factors that influence sexuality, this dissertation aims to create a culturally integrated model of providing sexual therapy to Jewish clients. To effectively create the model, a critical review of the literature in addition to interviews with field consultants who possess expertise in the area was performed. A review of the literature revealed a paucity of research on counseling with Jewish clients as well as sex therapy with Jewish clients. By exploring the multicultural discourse surrounding the Jewish community and its association with the White majority, one can recognize the need to reevaluate Judaism's place in the multicultural discourse. After interviewing the field consultants, recommendations and a model of providing integrated sex therapy was created in the form of a booklet. The booklet was evaluated by professionals in the field with experience in working with: couples, sex therapy, or Jewish clients. The response from the evaluators was positive, and they noted the booklet's significant contribution to the current multicultural discourse.