Underexplored Identities: Attending to Asexuality in Therapeutic Contexts

Abstract

ABSTRACT Asexuality is an identity held by individuals who have low to no sexual desire or drive which can often be mistaken for hypoactive sexual desire disorder. This article highlights the key diagnostic and clinical differences between hypoactive sexual desire disorder and asexuality. It provides key information about the various typologies of asexuality. We describe the 4 phases of treatment: joining, clarifying definitions, challenging beliefs, and assumptions of socially sanctioned behavior, and developing a common or agreed-upon definition of expression. A case vignette is included.