In training to be a counselor, one of the areas that are often overlooked is sexuality. Yes, most graduate programs do have a course on Human Sexuality, but one course is usually not enough to sufficiently prepare counselors for what they will encounter in treating clients.
Research shows that many people have sexual issues. Estimates range from 40% (Laumann, Paik, & Rosen, 1999) to 98.8% of women (Nusbaum, Gamble, Skinner, & Heiman, 2000); and 30% (Laumann, Paik, & Rosen, 1999) to 50% of men (Levy, 1994). Research also suggests that people generally aren’t getting their sexual issues addressed (Harris & Hays, 2008; Juergens, Smedema, & Berven, 2009; Papaharitou et al., 2008). And, it may be because many counselors aren’t equipped to deal with sexual issues (Harris & Hays, 2008; Weerakoon, Jones, Pynor, & Kilburn-Watt, 2004).
So…what to do?
Get Educated
Do what you can beyond merely attending a Human Sexuality course. Ask as many questions as you can of your instructor. Do as much outside reading as you can. Consider joining a professional organization such as The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (http://www.sexscience.org/). Taking a Human Sexuality course should be considered a minimal requirement.
Increase Your Awareness
Also, become aware of your biases. What specific elements or topics of human sexuality make you uncomfortable? Why do you think this might be? Do you think your comfort level could be improved with more education or exposure, or is this something you can’t get over? It’s important to be able to distinguish fixable biases from non-fixable, so start thinking about it before you take your first human sexuality course.
Why do I make these suggestions? In a recent study I did, becoming educated on sexual issues was one of the major facilitators in addressing clients’ sexual issues. Becoming aware of one’s own biases or comfort level was another.
Consult With Your Supervisor
Lastly, when in supervision, be sure to raise your clients’ sexual issues with your supervisor if you need guidance. Even if you find yourself sexually attracted to your client. Talk to your supervisor about it- that’s what supervision is for. Based on my research, most supervisors will not ask about sexual issues, despite the fact that it is a completely appropriate topic for supervision. In a later post, I will provide more information on the supervision process.
In my next post, I will describe what a sex therapist is.
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Barbara LoFrisco
References
Harris, S. M., & Hays, K. W. (2008). Family therapist comfort with and willingness to discuss client sexuality. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 34(2), 239-250.
Juergens, M.H., Smedema, S. M., & Berven, N. L. (2009). Willingness of graduate student s in rehabilitation counseling to discuss sexuality with clients. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 53(1), 34-43. Doi: 10.1177/0034355209340587
Laumann, E.O., Paik, A., & Rosen, R.C. (1999). Sexual dysfunction in the United States: Prevalence and predictors. Journal of the American Medical Association, 281, 537–544.
Levy, J. (1994). Impotence and its medical and psychosocial correlates: Results of the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. Journal of Urology, 151, 54–61.
Nusbaum, M. R. H., Gamble, G., Skinner, B., & Heiman, J. (2000). The high prevalence of sexual concerns among women seeking routine gynecological care. The Journal of Family Practice, 49(3), 229-232.
Papaharitou, S., Nakopoulou, E., Moraitou, M., Tsimtsiou, Z., Konstantinidou, E., & Hatzichristou, D. (2008). Exploring sexual attitudes of students in health professions. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 5(6), 1308-1316.
Weerakoon, P., Jones, M. K., Pynor, R., & Kilburn-Watt, E. (2004). Allied health professional students’ perceived level of comfort in clinical situations that have sexual connotations. Journal of Allied Health, 33(3), 189-193.
Also check:
• https://mastersincounseling.org/resources/ebooks-visualization/
• https://mastersincounseling.org/education/don%E2%80%99t-lose-your-financial-aid-three-things-you-must-monitor/
• https://mastersincounseling.org/education/how-to-be-successful-in-graduate-school/
