Abstract

Ellis's mother is angry because he's been watching porn. Sheron says she hates her body. Mitchell's upset because Jack doesn't want to have sex with him...

Sex affects everything. It may not be the single most important thing in a young person's life, but it's always important and a crucial means by which young people try to understand themselves, whether they're in sexual relationships, on the brink of sexual relationships or watching from afar. Yet sex and sexuality are subjects that many adults (including parents, counsellors, teachers and other professionals) are wary of talking about with young people.

This book is about helping young people feel less anxious about sex and sexuality. It's also about helping professionals feel more confident. Weaving case material with theory and discussion, Nick Luxmoore describes vividly the dilemmas faced by so many young people and suggests ways of supporting them effectively at such a crucial and sensitive time in their lives.

Writing about sex is never easy, yet alone in the context of schools where, shamefully, sex and relationship education is still not compulsory or widespread. Nick Luxmoore's excellent and courageous book encourages all who work in education to consider the significance of sex, suggesting ways for it to start to be talked about and managed. The book can be strongly recommended to all those who want to see more open acknowledgment of the role that sex plays in our schools.
Jenny Pearce OBE, Professor of Young People and Public Policy, University of Bedfordshire
Nick Luxmoore makes the inaccessible accessible in his latest book which explores the world of teenage sex and sexuality warts and all. Inspired by the true and often troubling realities of the many young people he has counselled, this book will make young people feel less alone and provide the adults in their lives with the confidence and ideas needed to explore a wide range of sensitive issues.
Dr Pooky Knightsmith, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Specialist and Advisor to the PSHE Association
Luxmoore, in his delightfully intimate style, has brought to life the journey of adolescents as they grow into their sexual selves...this book is a must read. I recommend that all counsellors working with young people discuss and share ideas and experiences brought to life in this book and remember Luxmoore's message: horny and hormonal is what teenagers are, much of the time, whether they talk about it in counselling or not.
Lorraine Sherman
BACP Children and Young People
Nick Luxmoore is a school counsellor, trainer, teacher, youth worker and UKCP registered Psychodrama psychotherapist. He has nearly 40 years' experience of work with young people and with the professionals who support them. He has previously published Listening to Young People in School, Youth Work and Counselling; Working with Anger and Young People; Feeling like Crap: Young People and the Meaning of Self-esteem; Young People in Love and in Hate; Young People and the Curse of Ordinariness; Young People, Death and the Unfairness of Everything; School Counsellors Working With Young People and Staff: A Whole-School Approach and Essential Listening Skills For Busy School Staff, all published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. He currently works as a freelance trainer, supervisor and writer.
Those people, and anyone who works with or is the parent of an adolescent, should read this book. Nick 'gets' young people and his writing is spot on.
Jeanine Connor
Therapy Today