SWK 645 - Sexual Health in Professional Practice

This course addresses practice issues in the assessment, evaluation, and treatment of sexual health issues in professional practice. It presents the biological, psychological, cultural, and behavioral aspects of sexual health and focuses on sexual health knowledge, behaviors, attitudes, and values for both social work practitioners and client systems. Sexual health attitudes, values and practices are explored from a cross cultural perspective to understand how sexual health is culturally and historically influenced and maintained. This course provides a framework for understanding a multitude of sexual health topics including: psycho-sexual development and functioning across the life span, physiology of sexual functioning, sexual functioning, what constitutes sexual health, contemporary understandings of human sexual behavior and gender, and the interaction of the body, mind, personality, and social influence in developing a sexual self. Students will learn assessment, intervention, and practice skills to address sexual health concerns based upon the PLISST model (Annon, 1976). Emphasis is placed on developing a practice perspective that addresses the empowerment of sexual health with client systems to address issues of economic and social justice.

Credits: 3