Sexual Health Counseling, 2nd Edition

Course overview

Clinicians must be prepared to approach discussions of sexual health in a professional, open, knowledgeable, and appropriate manner that allows clients to discuss their concerns without fear of shame or disapproval. However, research indicates that the majority of mental health providers do not receive any training in sexual health assessment or treatment. The course provides information on sexual behaviors in children and adolescents and, in a useful chart format, differentiates behaviors that are normative from behaviors that are concerning. Clinical practices are discussed, such as determining conditions for treatment and gathering sexual health information. Sexual health diagnoses such as sexual abuse, gender dysphoria, sexual addiction and compulsions, and paraphilias are described. This course is designed for social workers, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, and other health specialists who seek to better assist clients with sexual health issues.