Stefani Goerlich

Stefani Elizabeth Goerlich, also published as Stefani Barner, is an American author, sexologist, researcher, and relationship counselor. She is an author of books based on academic self-help, sexual, and relational health themes.

Early life and education

Goerlich grew up in Milwaukee. ^[1] She obtained a bachelor's degree in Human Service from Baker College in 2012, a master's degree in Social Work with a concentration in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from Wayne State University in 2015, ^[2] and a post-graduate certificate in Sex Therapy from the University of Michigan's Sex Health Certificate Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan. ^{[3] [ better source needed ]} She has a PhD in clinical sexology from the Modern Sex Therapy Institutes. ^{[3] [ better source needed ]} As of 2025, Goerlich is pursuing a Ph.D. in social work from Wayne State University. ^{[4] [ better source needed ]} She is a licensed clinical social worker with advanced specialization in forensic social work and an AASECT certified sex therapist. ^{[5] [ better source needed ]}

Work

Goerlich is the founder of Bound Together Counseling ^[1] and an ABS board-certified Diplomate of Sexology. ^{[6] [ better source needed ]} Her conversations with patients include conversations on gender-affirming care. ^[7]

Awards

• Coalition of Visionary Resources Visionary Awards 2009: Best New Wiccan/Pagan Title for Faith and Magick in the Armed Forces ^[8]
• American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists Book Award 2021, for The Leather Couch ^[9]
• Society for Sex Therapy and Research Professional Book Award 2022, for The Leather Couch ^[10]
• Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health Research Award 2022, for The Leather Couch ^[11]
• American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists Book Award for General Audience (audience focus) 2024, for With Sprinkles on Top ^[9]

Selected publications

• Barner, Stefani E. (2008). Faith and Magick in the Armed Forces. Llewellyn Worldwide. ISBN   978-0-7387-1194-2.
• Goerlich, Stefani (2020-09-09). The Leather Couch. London New York: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group. ISBN   978-0-367-43992-7. ^[12]
• Goerlich, Stefani (2022-07-29). Kink-Affirming Practice. New York, NY: Routledge. ISBN   978-1-032-03876-6.
• Goerlich, Stefani (2023-10-10). With Sprinkles on Top. Sounds True. ISBN   978-1-64963-035-3. ^[13]
• GOERLICH, STEFANI.; Helfer, Elyssa (2024-08-22). Bdsm and Kink. New York, NY: Routledge. ISBN   978-1-032-32063-2.

• Goerlich, Stefani (2024-07-02). "Cradle and all: outcome differences between kink-affirming and kink uninformed therapies for a complex client with paraphilia". Sexual and Relationship Therapy. 39 (3): 997–1020. doi:10.1080/14681994.2023.2215739. ISSN   1468-1994 . Retrieved 2025-10-13.

References

1. Gittleman, Stacy (2022-05-02). "Jewish Therapist Focuses on Helping Religious Couples Get More Satisfaction in Their Relationship". thejewishnews.com. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
2. "School of Social work grad becomes award-winning author and sex therapist". Wayne State University. April 21, 2023.
3. "Stefani E. Goerlich, Ph.D., LMSW, LISW, LCSW, CST, ABS". American Board of Sexology. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
4. "Stefani Goerlich". Wayne State University School of Social Work. Retrieved 2025-10-05.
5. American Board of Sexology - Stefani Goerlich
6. Beautiful Machine Magazine - Sex Therapist Stefani Goerlich
7. Chatlani, Shalina (2024-05-28). "Amid mental health crisis, new compact allows social workers to practice across state lines". Stateline. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
8. "Llewellyn Titles Receive 2009 Coalition of Visionary Resources Awards". Llewellyn Blog. 2 July 2009. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
9. "Book Award". American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
10. "SSTAR Health Professional Book Award winners" (PDF). Society for Sex Therapy & Research. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
11. "Award Winners". Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
12. Review of The Leather Couch
    • Peter, Chirinos; Thomas, Douglas (2021-07-04). "The Leather Couch: Clinical practice with kinky clients.: Stefani Goerlich. The Leather Couch: Clinical practice with kinky clients. New York, NY: Routledge, 2020, 260 pages. $128 USD (Hardback), $27.96 USD (Paperback)". Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. 47 (5): 522–524. doi:10.1080/0092623X.2021.1934158. ISSN   0092-623X.
13. Review of With Sprinkles on Top
    • Maykut, Caroline (2025-04-03). "With Sprinkles on Top: Everything Vanilla People and Their Kinky Partners Need to Know to Communicate, Explore, and Connect: By Stefani Goerlich. Sounds True, 2023, 258 pages. $20.99 USD Softcover". Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. 51 (3): 335–336. doi:10.1080/0092623X.2025.2470488. ISSN   0092-623X.