SHA Expert David Ley, PhD, Clinical Psychologist

Dr. David Ley is a clinical psychologist, author, and internationally recognized expert on sexuality, compulsive sexual behavior, and non-pathologizing approaches to sexual health.

Dr. David Ley’s Areas of Expertise

Modern sexuality in psychotherapy
Consensual Non-Monogamy
Responsible and healthy approaches to pornography
Reducing the harmful impacts of sexual shame
Problem Sexual Behavior (A person-centered alternative to Sex Addiction) and Out of Control Sexual Behavior
Male Sexuality
LGBTQ Issues
Cuckolding and Kink
Forensic and expert witness regarding sexuality and mental health issues
AASECT-certified Supervisor of Sex Therapy

Dr. David Ley’s Full Bio

Dr. David J. Ley is a world-renowned clinical psychologist known for bringing scientifically accurate and clinically sound information to discussions about modern sexuality.

He serves on the board of the Sexual Health Alliance as an expert advisor and is an internationally recognized expert on issues related to sexuality, pornography, and mental health.

He has appeared on television with Anderson Cooper, Katie Couric, Dr. Phil, and others. He has been interviewed in publications ranging from the New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times, and the London Telegraph, to Playboy and Hustler magazines. Dr. Ley has published extensively in both the academic and “pop” realms of literature. His latest book, Ethical Porn for Dicks, A Man's Guide to Responsible Viewing Pleasure has endorsements from Dan Savage and Pornhub and is a humorous and provocative handbook for men who want to think more comprehensively about porn.

The Myth of Sex Addiction (2012) and Insatiable Wives (2009) were revolutionary explorations of sexual issues which blended a powerful client-centered narrative with a rich understanding of psychology, biology, and sociology.

Dr. David Ley’s Involvement with Sexual Health Alliance

Serves on the board of Sexual Health Alliance as an expert advisor
Co-Director of Sexual Health Alliance’s Advanced Certification in Problem Sexual Behavior
Director of Sexual Health Alliance’s AASECT Sex Therapy Supervision and Supervisor in Training Program
Keynote Speaker for Sexual Health Alliance’s Annual Sexological Conference
Expert Educator for Sexual Health Alliance’s Online Weekend Continuing Education Events
Lead Facilitator for Sexual Health Alliance’s AASECT-Approved Sexuality Attitude Reassessment (SAR)

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. David Ley

Who is Dr. David Ley?

Dr. David Ley is a licensed clinical psychologist, author, and internationally recognized expert in modern sexuality, problem sexual behavior, pornography, consensual non-monogamy, and non-pathologizing approaches to sexual health. He serves as an expert advisor for Sexual Health Alliance and is known for bringing evidence-based, scientifically grounded perspectives to conversations about sexuality and mental health.

What is Dr. David Ley known for?

Dr. David Ley is widely known for challenging outdated and shame-based approaches to sexuality. He is especially recognized for his work on problem sexual behavior, the myth of sex addiction, ethical pornography, male sexuality, kink, consensual non-monogamy, and LGBTQ issues. He is also a respected forensic expert and public educator on sexuality and mental health.

Does Dr. David Ley believe sex addiction is a real diagnosis?

Dr. David Ley is known for his research and clinical perspectives questioning the concept of “sex addiction” as a formal mental health diagnosis. His work promotes person-centered, evidence-based approaches to understanding out-of-control sexual behavior and problem sexual behavior without relying on pathologizing labels.

What is Problem Sexual Behavior (PSB)?

Problem Sexual Behavior (PSB) is a person-centered framework used to understand sexual behaviors that may feel distressing, compulsive, or difficult to control without automatically labeling them as an addiction. Dr. David Ley advocates for approaches that consider shame, trauma, culture, relationships, and emotional health while supporting healthier sexual decision-making.

What books has Dr. David Ley written?

Dr. David Ley is the author of several influential books on sexuality and mental health, including:

The Myth of Sex Addiction
Insatiable Wives
Ethical Porn for Dicks: A Man’s Guide to Responsible Viewing Pleasure

His books explore sexuality through a scientific, culturally informed, and psychologically nuanced lens.

What topics does Dr. David Ley specialize in?

Dr. David Ley specializes in:

Modern sexuality in psychotherapy
Problem Sexual Behavior and Out of Control Sexual Behavior
Pornography and healthy porn use
Reducing sexual shame
Consensual Non-Monogamy
Male sexuality
LGBTQ issues
Kink and cuckolding
Sexuality and mental health
Forensic psychology related to sexuality
Sex therapy supervision and education

Is Dr. David Ley affiliated with Sexual Health Alliance?

Yes. Dr. David Ley serves on the board of Sexual Health Alliance as an expert advisor and plays a major role in SHA’s advanced education and certification programs.

What does Dr. David Ley do with Sexual Health Alliance?

Dr. David Ley is deeply involved in Sexual Health Alliance’s educational programming. His roles include:

Co-Director of SHA’s Advanced Certification in Problem Sexual Behavior
Director of SHA’s AASECT Sex Therapy Supervision and Supervisor in Training Program
Keynote Speaker for SHA’s Annual Sexological Conference
Expert Educator for SHA’s online continuing education events
Lead Facilitator for SHA’s AASECT-Approved Sexuality Attitude Reassessment (SAR)

Does Dr. David Ley provide sex therapy supervision?

Yes. Dr. David Ley is an AASECT-certified Supervisor of Sex Therapy and directs Sexual Health Alliance’s supervision and Supervisor in Training program. He provides education and mentorship for therapists pursuing advanced competency in sex therapy.

What is Dr. David Ley’s approach to pornography?

Dr. David Ley promotes balanced, evidence-based conversations about pornography. His work focuses on reducing shame, supporting responsible and ethical pornography use, and challenging misinformation that can create fear or stigma around sexual behavior.

What is Dr. David Ley’s perspective on sexual shame?

Dr. David Ley believes sexual shame can significantly harm mental health, relationships, and self-esteem. His work emphasizes reducing shame through education, self-awareness, open dialogue, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches.

Does Dr. David Ley work with LGBTQ clients and issues?

Yes. Dr. David Ley has extensive experience working with LGBTQ clients and addressing sexuality through inclusive, affirming, and non-pathologizing approaches.

Is Dr. David Ley experienced in kink and consensual non-monogamy?

Yes. Dr. David Ley is recognized for his expertise in kink, cuckolding, and consensual non-monogamy. His work emphasizes consent, communication, relational ethics, and reducing stigma around diverse sexual expressions.

Has Dr. David Ley appeared in the media?

Yes. Dr. David Ley has appeared on major media platforms including programs with Anderson Cooper, Katie Couric, and Dr. Phil. His work has also been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and The London Telegraph.

Is Dr. David Ley available as a speaker or expert educator?

Dr. David Ley regularly speaks at conferences, educational programs, media events, and professional trainings related to sexuality, psychology, and mental health. Through Sexual Health Alliance, he serves as a keynote speaker, educator, and expert facilitator.

Why do professionals study with Dr. David Ley through SHA?

Mental health professionals, coaches, educators, and clinicians study with Dr. David Ley through Sexual Health Alliance to gain evidence-based education in sexuality, problem sexual behavior, sex therapy, pornography, relational diversity, and modern approaches to sexual health that move beyond shame-based models.

What makes Dr. David Ley’s work unique?

Dr. David Ley is known for combining clinical psychology, research, cultural analysis, and public education into a highly accessible and scientifically grounded approach to sexuality. His work challenges outdated assumptions while helping both professionals and the public engage with sexuality in healthier and more informed ways.

Learn More from Dr. David Ley