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. ^{[2] [3] [ better source needed ]} As of 2025, Goerlich is pursuing a research Ph.D. in social work from Wayne State University. ^{[4] [5]} She is a licensed clinical social worker with advanced specialization in forensic social work and an AASECT certified sex therapist. ^{[6] [7]}

Work

Goerlich is the founder of Bound Together Counseling ^[1] in Detroit and an ABS board-certified Diplomate of Sexology. ^{[8] [9]} Her conversations with patients include conversations on gender-affirming care. ^[10] Goerlich has served on the board of American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) ^[11] and the board of Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health(SASH). ^[12] She is frequently cited in mainstream media on topics such as women’s sexuality, ^[13] consent and boundary setting ^[14] , and sexual trauma and mental health. ^[15] Her work has also been cited in scholarly and professional literature addressing kink, queerplatonic relationships, ethical non-monogamy, and kink-affirming therapy. ^[16]

Awards

• Coalition of Visionary Resources Visionary Awards 2009: Best New Wiccan/Pagan Title for Faith and Magick in the Armed Forces ^[17]
• American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists Book Award 2021, for The Leather Couch ^[18]
• Society for Sex Therapy and Research Professional Book Award 2022, for The Leather Couch ^[19]
• Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health Research Award 2022, for The Leather Couch ^[20]
• American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists Book Award for General Audience (audience focus) 2024, for With Sprinkles on Top ^[18]

Selected publications

• Barner, Stefani E. (2008). Faith and Magick in the Armed Forces. Llewellyn Worldwide. ISBN   978-0-7387-1194-2.
• Goerlich, Stefani (September 9, 2020). The Leather Couch. London New York: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group. ISBN   978-0-367-43992-7. ^[21]
• Goerlich, Stefani (July 29, 2022). Kink-Affirming Practice. New York, NY: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group. ISBN   978-1-032-03876-6.
• Goerlich, Stefani (October 10, 2023). With Sprinkles on Top. Sounds True. ISBN   978-1-64963-035-3. ^[22]
• Goerlich, Stefani; Helfer, Elyssa (August 22, 2024). Bdsm and Kink. New York, NY: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group. ISBN   978-1-032-32063-2.
• Goerlich, Stefani; Goerlich, Wolfgang (December 8, 2025). Securing Sexuality: Emerging Issues at the Intersection of Intimacy and Technology. New York, NY: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group. ISBN   978-1-032-48851-6.
• Goerlich, Stefani (July 2, 2024). "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 October 13, 2025.

References

1. Gittleman, Stacy (May 2, 2022). "Jewish Therapist Focuses on Helping Religious Couples Get More Satisfaction in Their Relationship". thejewishnews.com. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
2. Hipshire, Laura (April 21, 2023). "School of Social work grad becomes award-winning author and sex therapist". Wayne State University.
3. "Stefani E. Goerlich, Ph.D., LMSW, LISW, LCSW, CST, ABS". American Board of Sexology. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
4. "Stefani Goerlich". Wayne State University School of Social Work. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
5. University, Wayne State (October 9, 2023). "Current doctoral students". Doctoral Program. Archived from the original on March 23, 2025. Retrieved October 15, 2025.
6. American Board of Sexology - Stefani Goerlich
7. "Stefani E Goerlich, LMSW | AASECT:: American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists". www.aasect.org. Retrieved October 15, 2025.
8. "Sex Therapist Stefani Goerlich". Beautiful Machine Magazine. Archived from the original on November 29, 2022.
9. "Stefani E. Goerlich, Ph.D., LMSW, LISW, LCSW, CST, ABS". American Board of Sexology. Retrieved October 15, 2025.
10. Chatlani, Shalina (May 28, 2024). "Amid mental health crisis, new compact allows social workers to practice across state lines". Stateline. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
11. "AASECT Board of Directors". AASECT: American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists. Retrieved October 15, 2025.
12. "Leadership". SASH. Retrieved October 15, 2025.
13. Hurwitz, Cassie (September 25, 2025). "The Grown Woman's Guide To Sexuality". Oprah Daily . Retrieved October 14, 2025.
14. Gillespie, Claire (February 19, 2018). "Tickling Can Be Fun But Some Kids Hate It: Respect Their Boundaries". Washington Post . Retrieved October 14, 2025.
15. Saad, Syeda Khaula (April 30, 2025). "Let's Talk About the Hypersexuality That Can Happen After Being Sexually Assaulted". Cosmopolitan . Retrieved October 14, 2025.
16. "Stefani Goerlich". Google Scholar.
17. "Llewellyn Titles Receive 2009 Coalition of Visionary Resources Awards". Llewellyn Blog. July 2, 2009. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
18. "Book Award". American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
19. "SSTAR Health Professional Book Award winners" (PDF). Society for Sex Therapy & Research. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
20. "Award Winners". Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
21. Review of The Leather Couch
    • Peter, Chirinos; Thomas, Douglas (July 4, 2021). "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.
22. Review of With Sprinkles on Top
    • Maykut, Caroline (April 3, 2025). "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.