Myths, risks & sexuality
Editors Karen Buckley and Paul Head
Publisher: Russell House Publishing Ltd, 4 St. Georges House, The Business park, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS
Website:
Price: £14.95 (Plus £1.50 delivery)
ISBN: 1-898924-36-8

This is not the sort of book that you would usually expect to find on the pages of TrainingZONE. That is not to suggest that that it is anything other than challenging or that there is nothing to be gained from reading it.
The editors, in what they describe as an “odd collection of essays” have clearly defined aims. Buckley and Head state they intend to examine the role of sexuality in relationships and how sexual attraction effects decision-making. Their target audience is any one who seeks an understanding about the person they are working with.
So far most people involved in training or coaching in its many guises would be interested in reading further. A look at the list of contributors may start alarm bells ringing; all bar one are either probation officers or former probation officers. The exception is a community worker with young people.

The nine chapters deal with a variety of topics grouped around the ideas of sexuality and working with people. Several essays explore the problems associated with working with gay men and lesbians and avoiding the stereotypes often employed. Other topics broached include “working with gender dysphoria” and problems associated with community notification of sex offenders.

This book could be accused of being “politically correct” but it is not a label that I would use. The book is clearly aimed at health and social carers working with individuals and groups in a therapeutic situation. This is reflected in the topic areas broached. In turn this limits the usefulness of this book to many of Trainingzone’s readers. In contrast on a personal level I found many of the ideas expressed both challenging and provoking and suggest it is well worth reading with an open mind.

Patric Devitt
Psynergy@patricdevitt.co.uk