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], the board of Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH)^[12], and the board of Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse (ATSA)^[13]. She is frequently cited in mainstream media on topics such as women’s sexuality,^[14] consent and boundary setting,^[15] and sexual trauma and mental health.^[16] Her work has also been cited in scholarly and professional literature addressing kink, queerplatonic relationships, ethical non-monogamy, and kink-affirming therapy.^[17]

Awards

• Coalition of Visionary Resources Visionary Awards 2009: Best New Wiccan/Pagan Title for Faith and Magick in the Armed Forces^[18]
• American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists Book Award 2021, for The Leather Couch^[19]
• Society for Sex Therapy and Research Professional Book Award 2022, for The Leather Couch^[20]
• Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health Research Award 2022, for The Leather Couch^[21]
• American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists Book Award for General Audience (audience focus) 2024, for With Sprinkles on Top^[19]

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.^[22]
• 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.^[23]
• 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