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Women Who Stray

Notes on the history and current practice of female infidelity

Health
Providing Health Care Across State Lines

David J. Ley Ph.D. on November 14, 2024

Because licensure of health care disciplines is state-specific, it can be extremely challenging for clinicians to offer services across state lines.

Because licensure of health care disciplines is state-specific, it can be extremely challenging for clinicians to offer services across state lines.

Therapy
Is That a Bed in My Therapist’s Background?

David J. Ley Ph.D. on October 30, 2024

Therapists who provide remote psychotherapy are responsible for considering what's in their background and what message it sends to their patients.

Therapists who provide remote psychotherapy are responsible for considering what's in their background and what message it sends to their patients.

Sex
Sexual Nostalgia May Improve Sexual Satisfaction

David J. Ley Ph.D. on July 29, 2024

Reminiscing over shared past sexual experiences decreases sexual dissatisfaction and increases relational and personal well-being.

Reminiscing over shared past sexual experiences decreases sexual dissatisfaction and increases relational and personal well-being.

Sex
Is Aftercare Consent?

David J. Ley Ph.D. on July 9, 2024

Aftercare is a kinky practice that ensures attention to a partner's needs following an intimate encounter.

Aftercare is a kinky practice that ensures attention to a partner's needs following an intimate encounter.

Therapy
Is It Ever Okay to Treat a Couple and an Individual in It?

David J. Ley Ph.D. on May 24, 2024

The question of whether a therapist can or should provide conjoint individual and couples therapy is a hotly debated issue with no clear guidelines or answers.

The question of whether a therapist can or should provide conjoint individual and couples therapy is a hotly debated issue with no clear guidelines or answers.

Sex
The Ethics of Erotic Videos in Academia

David J. Ley Ph.D. on April 1, 2024

Joseph and Carmen Gow were university leaders. They also made erotic videos. Can people have a public sexuality and still be ethical professionals? This is their side of the story.

Joseph and Carmen Gow were university leaders. They also made erotic videos. Can people have a public sexuality and still be ethical professionals? This is their side of the story.

Sex
Stressed at Work? Have More Sex (at Home)

David J. Ley Ph.D. on February 23, 2024

Using sex to cope with a hard day at work turns out to be surprisingly normal and healthy, not to mention effective.

Using sex to cope with a hard day at work turns out to be surprisingly normal and healthy, not to mention effective.

Sex Addiction
Half of Therapists May Misdiagnose Sex Addiction

David J. Ley Ph.D. on February 5, 2024

The new ICD-11 includes a controversial diagnosis of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder. New research reveals that many therapists may not diagnose this disorder correctly.

The new ICD-11 includes a controversial diagnosis of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder. New research reveals that many therapists may not diagnose this disorder correctly.

Sex
6 Root Causes of Sexual Desire Differences

David J. Ley Ph.D. on December 8, 2023

Mismatched sexual desires bring lots of couples to therapy. But contrary to popular belief, their challenges are usually about more than sexual frequency.

Mismatched sexual desires bring lots of couples to therapy. But contrary to popular belief, their challenges are usually about more than sexual frequency.

Pornography
Do Accessibility and Anonymity Lead to Problematic Porn Use?

David J. Ley Ph.D. on November 26, 2023

A theory predicted Internet porn would be addictive because it's free, anonymous, and accessible. But problematic usage is more likely to emerge from other, personal factors.

A theory predicted Internet porn would be addictive because it's free, anonymous, and accessible. But problematic usage is more likely to emerge from other, personal factors.

Sex
Masculine Insecurity Predicts Sexual Difficulties

David J. Ley Ph.D. on August 11, 2023

Masculinity and manhood are often seen as more precarious than femininity. Men who hold these beliefs are at risk of sexual dysfunction.

Masculinity and manhood are often seen as more precarious than femininity. Men who hold these beliefs are at risk of sexual dysfunction.

Pornography
Homophobia and Religiosity Drive Struggles with Porn

David J. Ley Ph.D. on July 13, 2023

New research shows that LGBTQ+ individuals perceived as struggling with porn should focus not on the porn but on underlying moral and religious conflicts.

New research shows that LGBTQ+ individuals perceived as struggling with porn should focus not on the porn but on underlying moral and religious conflicts.

Sex
Criminal Charges and Consensual Kink

David J. Ley Ph.D. on June 2, 2023

BDSM and kink behaviors can and have resulted in criminal prosecution and conviction, even when the behaviors were completely consensual.

BDSM and kink behaviors can and have resulted in criminal prosecution and conviction, even when the behaviors were completely consensual.

Sex
Is There a Link Between Animated Pornography and Pedophilia?

David J. Ley Ph.D. on May 10, 2023

Does animated pornography affect sexual development, or reflect sexual interest in children? Research suggests it more likely reflects existing personal characteristics.

Does animated pornography affect sexual development, or reflect sexual interest in children? Research suggests it more likely reflects existing personal characteristics.