Designing Qualitative Research in Sex and Relationship Therapy: A Grounded Theory Approach

Course Description Sexual and relational experiences are shaped by meaning, culture, embodiment, identity, power, relationships, and social context. Qualitative research offers a powerful way to investigate these complexities, particularly when existing theory does not adequately explain a clinical phenomenon or when marginalized communities’ experiences have been overlooked.

This workshop provides a practical introduction to designing qualitative studies in sex and relationship therapy through a grounded theory lens. Participants will explore how grounded theory can be used to generate explanatory models of processes such as sexual identity development, sexual desire discrepancies, relationship repair after betrayal, navigating consensual non-monogamy, chronic illness and intimacy, sexual pain, sexual communication, or therapist decision-making in sensitive clinical work.

The course will distinguish among major grounded theory traditions, with particular attention to constructivist grounded theory and its relevance for relational, reflexive, and social-justice–oriented inquiry. Participants will learn how to move from a broad area of clinical interest to…