Integration of sex and sexuality into counseling programs

Many Americans have sexual dysfunction or behavioral concerns and are seeking assistance from mental health clinicians. Unfortunately, there is limited curriculum on sexuality counseling and sexual behavior in clinical mental health counselor education programs. Sexuality counseling and education about sexual dysfunction and sexual minorities are needed in counselor education programs. Mental health clinicians received little to no education on sex or sexuality unless they engaged in postgraduate education. This lack of education and discussion can result in counselor bias and lack of self-efficacy in therapeutic sessions. Researchers found that medical assistance alone does not offer effective results when discussing sexual dysfunction or non-normative sexual behavior. Individuals engaged in various counseling interventions alongside sexuality counseling found reduction in sexual dysfunction and comorbid symptoms, such as anxiety or depression. This literature review seeks to highlight to the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and different sexual behaviors facing possible clients, the existence of counselor bias and its effect on sexual topics in counseling, and the need for sex and sexuality to be integrated into counseling programs. Men and women of varying ages, races, medical concerns and educational backgrounds are present in reviewed literature. However, studies reviewed did not adequately address sexual concerns in the LGBT community, persons with disabilities or racial minorities.