Editor’s Introduction

Vollständiger Abstract

Worum geht es in dieser Arbeit?

It is with great pleasure that we present the first supplemental edition of the International Journal of Psychosexual Therapy, dedicated to the abstracts presented at the 3rd Annual International Symposium on Sex Therapy. This special issue reflects both the continued growth of the symposium and the expanding international dialogue surrounding psychosexual therapy as a distinct and evolving clinical discipline. The International Symposium on Sex Therapy serves as the annual scientific meeting of the International Association of Psychosexual Therapists and, since its inception, has been co-hosted in collaboration with the School of Sex Therapy. Established to foster rigorous interdisciplinary exchange, the symposium has become an important international forum for clinicians, researchers, educators, and trainees engaged in advancing psychosexual therapy, sexual health, and relational wellbeing. The 2026 symposium was held in Budapest from May 18–20 and marked the largest gathering in the event's history. Participants traveled from twelve countries—the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Egypt, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, and Australia—reflecting the increasingly global character of the field. Over the course of three days, attendees engaged in a rich and dynamic program of paper presentations, poster sessions, panel discussions, clinical demonstrations, and opportunities for interdisciplinary networking and collaboration. The breadth of topics gathered in this supplement reflects the diversity of contemporary psychosexual therapy practice and scholarship, encompassing clinical innovation, ethics, sexuality and culture, education and training, sexual functioning, trauma, gender and relational diversity, and emerging areas of psychosexual research. Beyond its academic programming, the symposium also served as a meaningful space for professional recognition and community building. The opening Welcome Banquet featured the presentation of member awards recognizing contributions to the field, the induction of new Fellows into the association, and the honoring of graduates from the School of Sex Therapy. These moments offered an important reminder that psychosexual therapy is not merely an academic enterprise but a professional community shaped through mentorship, collegiality, and a shared commitment to patient care and scientific integrity. This supplemental issue stands as both a scholarly archive and a reflection of the momentum currently shaping the field internationally. Publishing these abstracts allows the conversations begun during the symposium to extend well beyond the conference and contributes to the broader dissemination of emerging ideas, research, and clinical perspectives. As the field continues to evolve, gatherings such as the International Symposium on Sex Therapy remain essential spaces for critical inquiry, intellectual exchange, and professional development. It is our hope that the work represented in this issue will encourage continued dialogue, collaboration, and innovation within psychosexual therapy across both academic and clinical contexts. We now look forward to the 4th Annual International Symposium on Sex Therapy, which will take place May 17–19, 2027, in Rome. We warmly invite colleagues from around the world to join us as we continue to build an increasingly international and interdisciplinary community dedicated to advancing the field. Caleb Jacobson, PsyD, PhD Editor-in-Chief International Journal of Psychosexual Therapy