Sexual Dysfunction and Paraphilic Disorders

Course overview

IMPORTANT: Parts of this course are used in Sex Disorders and Sex Therapy. As such, mental health professionals should take either the 2-hour course, Sexual Dysfunction and Paraphilic Disorders or the 1-hour course, Sex Disorders and Sex Therapy, but not both. [LINDSAY: The below note should be set up between two rules, like was done here.] IMPORTANT: Parts of this course are used in Sex Disorders and Sex Therapy. As such, mental health professionals should take either the 2-hour course, Sexual Dysfunction and Paraphilic Disorders or the 1-hour course, Sex Disorders and Sex Therapy, but not both. Sex and sexuality involve human experiences that are unique to an individual's biology, lived experience, and connection with self and others. Although one could argue that the utilization of the term dysfunction is in direct opposition to the uniqueness of the sexual experience, the term sexual dysfunction is commonly utilized to better understand challenges an individual may face when working towards sexual fulfillment. While the conceptualization of sexual dysfunction can be understood through varying theoretical perspectives, the information provided within this learning material considers these difficulties using sex and body positive perspectives through an anti-stigma lens. This conceptualization provides a foundation for clinicians to identify common sexual disorders, contributing factors to the development of those disorders, as well as treatment approaches. Keeping in mind that the ability to treat sexual disorders requires further training and supervision, clinicians with a working knowledge of common sexual dysfunctions and disorders can reduce shame related to these difficulties and can provide their clients with the appropriate resources and referrals, as needed. This material provides social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and counselors information about contexts related to healthy and unhealthy sexual behaviors. Case examples illustrate key learning points throughout.