Can we talk about sex? : an exploration of men seeking counselling with sex-related issues

Human sexuality is constructed through social identities. The limitations resulting from socially constructed sexuality impede identity development and cohesion of the individual human condition. Men's sexual identity is bounded by these socially constructed limitations. The objective of this study was to interpret transcripts of audiotaped, semi-structured interviews exploring the experiences of 5 men who sought sex-related counselling. The understanding and interpretation of the interview transcripts ensues from extracting the core narrative, the 'move' of the narrative, and identifying both conjoint and disparate themes between and within the interviews. The findings suggest that men confront socially constructed shame, and their own reticence while being driven by an urgent need for help. Connecting with social and political support networks appears helpful with reauthoring their constructs and working through their presenting issues. These findings have implications for social workers, other counsellors and those who train them about working with men who seek sex-related counselling.Arts, Faculty ofSocial Work, School ofGraduat