Self-help books on Sexuality & Sexual relationships

Introduction

There are so many popular psychology texts in the shops that it can be difficult to know where to begin. This set of book-lists was compiled by staff of the University Counselling Service to respond to those students who have asked us what they might read on this topic.

Our selection is not intended to be the 'final word' - we are sure that there are many other good and helpful books out there; in any case we recognise that what is helpful is very subjective and depends on personal circumstances.

Books are listed in alphabetical order by author. Copies of some of these books are available to borrow on a weekly basis from the University Counselling Service.

Disclaimer

The descriptions given are intended to provide a summary of the contents but should not be taken to imply that the Counselling Service endorses the opinions expressed.

Sexuality & Sexual relationships

Date of information: Jan 2006, updated Oct 2012

Family Outing: The guide to coming out for gays, lesbians and their parents
Chastity Bono with Billie Fitzpatrick, Pan Books, 1999

Seeks to offer helpful advice to those coming to terms with their sexuality. It also attempts to be a guide for parents.

Raising Your Sexual Self Esteem: How To Feel Better About Your Sexuality and Yourself
Beverly Engel, Fawcett Columbine, 1995

Intended to help the reader gain confidence, enjoyment and pleasure.

Overcoming Sexual Problems
Vicki Ford, Robinson, 2005

A CBT self-help book containing advice to help you overcome sexual problems.

The Sex Book
Suzi Godson, Cassell, 2002

An informative guide to gender-neutral conventional and unconventional sexual behaviour.

Women Without Sex: The truth about female impotence and other sexual problems
Catherine Kalamis, Self Help Direct, 1999

Seeks to explain key causes, and to examine treatments (including self-help).

The Relate Guide to Sex in Loving Relationships
Sarah Litvinoff, Vermillion, 2001

Includes practical tasks, quizzes and talking points intended to reveal how you have become the sexual person you are. Seeks to show how this insight can be used to create a sexual rapport that is tailor-made for your relationship.

The Whole Lesbian Sex Book
Felice Newman, Cleis Press, 2004

A comprehensive lesbian sex guide.

How To Be A Happy Homosexual
Terry Sanderson, The Other Way Press, 1999

Deals with issues about coming out and making the adjustment

The Joy of Gay Sex
Charles Silverstein & Felice Picano, Harper Collins, 2004

A general reference on a number of diverse topics important to gay life and culture.

Talk Dirty To Me
Sally Tisdale, Pan, 1995

Tisdale journeys through gender and desire, romance and pornography, prostitution and morality, fantasy and orgasm. This is a portrait of sex and sexuality today.