Essential Clinical Care for Sex Workers

“Theo and Jamila’s guide fills an important gap in training by exploring the identities, needs, and experiences of sex workers. For too long, psychologists and related helping professionals have failed their trainees and those seeking our help both by remaining silent and more overtly denigrating sex workers. Through a sex-positive lens and drawing on relevant scholarship and first-person accounts, the authors provide vital context, relevant legal and worker rights’ perspectives, useful clinical examples, and ample opportunities for students, clinicians, and trainers to unpack, re-envision, and employ an affirming, informed model of care for sex workers.”
—Debra Mollen, PhD, professor and AASECT-certified sexuality educator at Texas Woman’s University

“Essential Clinical Care for Sex Workers is readable, addresses sex work’s complexities thoroughly, and is infinitely necessary. Every clinician should read this, and any sex worker considering seeing a clinician will find key areas to question potential providers about. Commendable, groundbreaking work.”
—Stoya, writer, performer, pornographer, and author of Philosophy, Pussycats, and Porn

“Through a sex-positive lens Essential Clinical Care for Sex Workers fills a void in mental health literature. The book addresses the complex dynamics of positionality, oppression, and marginalization, while also weaving in voices of those who have engaged in sex work. The result is a clear, comprehensive, and accessible book that is a must-read for any mental health practitioner.”
—SJ Dodd, MSEd, MSW, PhD, director at Silberman Center for Sexuality and Gender and professor at Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, CUNY

DR. THEO BURNES (he/him/his) is a licensed psychologist and professional clinical counselor in California. His work focuses on human sexual expression and sex-positivity; social justice and advocacy; mental health and wellness for LGBTIQ+ individuals; and qualitative research. He is a fellow of the APA and board member for the California Association for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors.

JAMILA M. DAWSON (she/her/hers), LMFT, helps people in kink/polyamory/swinger communities explore their sexuality and enhance their relationships, provides personal and career development for new clinicians, and supports Black and POC thrive despite racial battle fatigue. She’s lectured at several universities and collaborated with Buzzfeed, Playboy, and Harper’s BAZAAR.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.