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] 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

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. ^ a b 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. ^ a b 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. ^ a b "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
  22. ^ Review of With Sprinkles on Top