PY658 Human Sexuality (3 cr.)

This course covers sexual health and sexual concerns, especially as they arise in the therapy context. Students develop an appreciation for the wide spectrum of human sexual expression. The course covers current theories regarding sexual concerns and diagnosis and treatment for sexual disorders. The class evaluates the role of attitudes, values, self-awareness, and cultural context in providing ethical and competent treatment of sexual concerns. A variety of perspectives (ethical, psychological, legal) and current issues related to clinical and psycho-educational settings are discussed.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Develop skills to determine when and how to sensitively gather information about a person’s sexual history and/or sexual concerns.
2. Discern relevancy and consider client privacy of information when creating clinical documentation.
3. Identify developmental considerations related to sex and sexuality throughout the human lifespan.
4. Articulate the spectrum of sexual wellness, concerns, issues, identities that exist within diverse human experiences.
5. Determine when a sexual disorder diagnosis (i.e. DSM-V) is clinically indicated, and when relevant, select appropriate therapeutic approaches, and develop a treatment plan.
6. Evaluate how boundaries, countertransference, values, historical and personal biases, culture and attitudes may affect clients, counselors, and the working relationship.
7. Identify and discuss current issues, terminology, and language related to sexuality and sexual concerns.