Intimacy & Sexuality in Relationships

PREREQUISITE: Master’s level Sex Therapy recommended but not required.

This course will apply the theory and practice of Sex Therapy to a wide range of clinical issues that often face a psychotherapist conducting individual, marital or family therapy. The student will reflect on the formation of their own sexual identity and how that influences the integration of Sex Therapy into their practice. Approaches to assessment, along with models of treatment, will be explored. Therapeutic concerns will include treatment of infidelity, sexual trauma, same-sex couples, and out-of-control sexual behavior. Current trends include

treating sexual minority groups, alternative couple relationships, and the impact of toxic religion. Learning approaches include course readings, preparation of treatment plans based upon case studies, lectures, discussions, and presentations. Emphasis will be placed on building a positive, healthy sexual identity along with healthy couples’ sexual relationships.

UPON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, THE STUDENT WILL BE COMPETENT IN:

• Reflecting on one’s sexual identity, sexual history, and values as they shape their professional capacity to address sexual issues in therapy.
• Capable of communicating openly and effectively regarding a range of sexual issues to facilitate the therapeutic relationship.
• Understanding core principles of sexual health that build a positive sexual identity.
• Capable of assessing sexual concerns using the Sexological Ecosystem Assessment, the PLISSIT Model, Sexual Genogram, and Brief Assessment models.
• Describing the GES Model of couples’ sexual interaction to promote relationship health.
• Understanding the five forms of extra-marital affairs in the Brown Model of Extra-Marital Affairs and following a treatment protocol for each.
• Understanding the nature and extent of sexual trauma and exploring treatment options, including advances in neuroscience.
• Describing the role of toxic religion versus healthy spirituality as it impacts sexual exploitation in church systems.
• Comparing out-of-control Sexual Behavior and Sexual Addiction models of treatment.
• Understanding the treatment of same-sex couples, including gay and lesbian couples, and the unique needs of both groups.
• Understanding the unique ethical and professional concerns in the practice of Sex Therapy.
• Explaining current trends in Sex Therapy, including the impact of technology, couples in The Lifestyle, swinging, and consensual non-monogamy.
• Exploring how I. is now impacting sexual practices and offering new options to individuals and couples.

ACQUIRED SKILLS:

• Therapist Sexual Attitudes Assessment
• The Sexological Ecosystem Assessment
• Brown Infidelity Treatment Model
• GES Model of Couples’ Sexual Interaction