We talked to Dr. David Ley, a world-renowned clinical psychologist who has written prolifically in both academic and popular culture outlets about sexuality and mental health. He is a member of the board of the Sexual Health Alliance and is recognized as an international expert on issues related to psychology, pornography, and sexuality. Dr. Ley is regularly interviewed for television (e.g., Anderson Cooper, Katie Couric, Dr. Phil) and by the press (e.g., the New York Times, the Washington Post) and is exceptional at sharing scientific research and clinical expertise with the public in an accessible manner. He is the author of three books: Insatiable Wives: Women Who Stray and the Men Who Love Them, The Myth of Sex Addiction, and Ethical Porn for Dicks. We talked to Dr. Ley about how partners can increase sexual satisfaction through communication, sociocultural factors that influence attitudes toward sexuality, his books and research, the importance of competence in these areas for mental health professionals, and more. For additional information about his important contributions to the field, check out Dr. Ley’s website and follow him on Twitter.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Professional Organizations & Resources

• Sexual Health Alliance
• American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists
• Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers
• APA Division 44 Consensual Non-Monogamy Task Force

Dr. Ley’s Psychology Today Blog

• 3 Ways to Meet Your Partner’s Sexual Ideals and Why You Should

Dr. Ley’s YouTube Channel

• On Katie Couric’s Show

Other Research & Books

• Magnificent Sex: Lessons from Extraordinary Lovers by Kleinplatz & Menard
• Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Help Improve Your Sex Life by Lehmiller
• Sexual Addiction 25 Years On: A Systematic and Methodological Review of Empirical Literature and an Agenda for Future Research by Grubbs et al.
• The Prevalence of Paraphilic Interests and Behaviors in the General Population: A Provincial Survey by Joyal & Carpentier
• Concordance and Discordance between Paraphilic Interests and Behaviors: A Follow-Up Study by Joyal & Carpentier
• Moral Incongruence and Pornography Use: A Critical Review & Integration by Grubbs & Perry

Past Psychodrama Podcast episode with Dr. Joshua Grubbs (Will Pandemic Porn Use Lead to Addiction?)