Draft:Caleb Jacobson

Caleb Jacobson (born c. 1983–1984) is an American clinical psychologist, sex therapist, and ordained rabbi known for his interdisciplinary work on sexuality, religion, and mental health. He is the founder and current president of the International Association of Psychosexual Therapists (IAPST) and has authored multiple books on sex therapy, biblical studies, and the integration of psychology and theology.

Early life and education

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Jacobson was born in the United States. He earned a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in clinical psychology[1] and later moved to Mainz, Germany in 2018 to pursue a second doctorate in Hebrew Bible, biblical archaeology, and psychological exegesis. He received his rabbinic ordination in 2025.

Career

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Jacobson began his career as a clinical psychologist specializing in psychosexual therapy, with a focus on integrating spiritual and cultural identity into clinical care. His practice includes working with Jewish, Christian, and Muslim patients, for which he has received recognition in both religious and secular media.[2]

Publications

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Jacobson is the author or editor of several books on sex therapy and theology:

  • Sex Therapy with Religious Patients: Working with Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Communities (Routledge, 2023)[3]
  • Unifying the Field of Psychosexual Therapy (Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2024)[4]
  • Archaeology, the Bible, and Sex: A Psychological Analysis of Sex, Sexuality, and Gender in the Ancient Near East (Bloomsbury, forthcoming 2026)[5]
  • The Routledge International Handbook of Sex Therapy and Religion (Routledge, 2025, Editor)[6]

His academic work integrates psychology, archaeology, and biblical studies, often using cognitive archaeological methods to reinterpret ancient views on sexuality and embodiment.

Selected Workshops (AASECT‑approved)

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  • Clinical Uses for Sexual Health Aids [7]
  • Clinical Applications of Sexual Health Aids [8]
  • Introduction to Working with Minor‑Attracted Persons [9]
  • Rare Sexual Dysfunctions [10]

Controversy

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In 2024, Jacobson was among a group of Jewish clinicians who raised concerns about antisemitism within professional sex therapy organizations, particularly following the escalation of the Israel–Hamas conflict. He was quoted in Tablet Magazine expressing frustration at what he described as a politically biased and exclusionary environment for Jewish professionals.[11]

Awards and recognition

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In 2025, Jacobson received the Publication of the Year Award from the International Association of Psychosexual Therapists for his contributions to the field.[12]

References

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  1. ^ "Visiting Tutor: Dr. Caleb Jacobson - LDPRT". www.psychosexualtraining.org.uk. Retrieved 2025-06-24.
  2. ^ Freeman, Hadley (2025-02-19). "Meet the sex therapist rabbi who heals Jews, Christians and Muslims alike". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  3. ^ Jacobson, Caleb (2023). Sex Therapy with Religious Patients: Working with Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Communities. Routledge.
  4. ^ Jacobson, Caleb, ed. (2024). Unifying the Field of Psychosexual Therapy. Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
  5. ^ Jacobson, Caleb (2026). Archaeology, the Bible, and Sex. Bloomsbury.
  6. ^ Jacobson, Caleb, ed. (2025). The Routledge International Handbook of Sex Therapy and Religion. Routledge.
  7. ^ "Clinical Uses For Sexual Health Aids | AASECT:: American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists". www.aasect.org. Retrieved 2025-06-24.
  8. ^ "Clinical Applications of Sexual Health Aids | AASECT:: American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists". www.aasect.org. Retrieved 2025-06-24.
  9. ^ "Introduction to Working with Minor Attracted Persons | AASECT:: American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists". www.aasect.org. Retrieved 2025-06-24.
  10. ^ "Rare Sexual Dysfunctions | AASECT:: American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists". www.aasect.org. Retrieved 2025-06-24.
  11. ^ Tsapovsky, Francine (2024-09-27). "Jewish sex therapists battle their professional association". Tablet Magazine. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  12. ^ "2025 IAPST Awards". IAPST. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
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