Practicing clinical psychologists’ provision of sexual health care services.

Abstract

Practicing clinical psychologists are likely to work with sexual health concerns as part of their clinical practice because of high prevalence rates and sexual problems as symptoms of mental or physical health problems and their pharmacological treatment. However, the majority of clinicians do not receive didactic or supervised clinical training. This survey of 188 practicing clinical psychologists in one Canadian city confirmed that, despite lack of training, many clinicians discussed sexual health concerns with their clients and used a variety of sex therapy techniques. This survey also revealed, however, that 60% of clinicians did not ask, or very infrequently asked, clients about sexual health. In general, lack of training affected level of comfort, and both may result in inadequate application of sex therapy techniques and treatment. The results of this survey indicate an ethical imperative to included sexuality training in current graduate curricula to adequately prepare psychologists to assess, refer, and treat sexual health concerns. The inclusion of sexuality-related topics in existing clinical graduate courses, an increase in sexuality-specific courses focused on assessment and intervention in graduate curricula, and broader options for continuing education for practicing clinical psychologists are recommended.

Clinicians’ Beliefs, Observations, and Treatment Effectiveness Regarding Clients’ Sexual Addiction and Internet Pornography Use

“…Of these clinicians, many do not feel competent or comfortable treating such issues (Ayres and Haddock 2009;Reissing and Giulio 2010). Although most MHPs report beliefs that IP use and sex related issues are a problem (Ayres and Haddock 2009;Swisher 1995), the lack of training and education about these issues may affect MHPs' attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs toward them.…”

Practicing Psychologists’ Sexual Intervention Self-Efficacy and Willingness to Treat Sexual Issues

“…As with graduate training, post-internship education consists of vicarious therapy experience, independent study, and verbal persuasion; it also includes peer consultation (Reissing & Di Giulio, 2010). These experiences likely result in increased confidence about addressing sexual issues with clients.…”

“…That is, many individuals will not discuss sexual issues unless the clinician initiates the conversation and demonstrates an openness and comfort with this topic even though their sexual concerns are relevant to the therapeutic goals (Hegarty, Brown, & Gunn, 2007;Metz & Seifert, 1990;Rubin,2004). Reissing and Di Giulio (2010; see also Miller & Byers, 2009) found that over half of the clinical psychologists they surveyed rarely or never asked clients about their sexual well-being. To be effective at developing strategies to enhance the likelihood that clinicians will address sexual concerns with their clients, it is important to identify factors that influence their willingness to do so.…”

“…Indeed, Reissing and Di Giulio (2010) have shown that therapists and counselors who do not specialize in sex therapy, including psychologists, report that their clients have consulted them about a wide variety of sexual concerns and problems, including safer sex practices, desire discrepancies within couples, lack of sexual satisfaction, and sexual disorders. However, it is likely that the sexual questions clients ask represent only a fraction of the concerns they experience.…”

Besoins et services en français en matière de sexopérinatalité chez les couples parentaux franco-ontariens

“…Il serait intéressant, dans l'avenir, de sonder les différents professionnels de la santé en péri-natalité pour vérifier ces perceptions. Après tout, il est fréquent que des professionnels de la santé ne se sentent pas à l'aise de discuter de la sexualité, et ce, peu importe le domaine d'activité (Church, de Koning, Hilber, Ormel et Hawkes, 2010 ;de Pierrepont et Polomeno, 2015 ;Reissing et Di Giulio, 2010). Il serait aussi approprié de questionner et de spécifier les raisons sous-jacentes à cet inconfort, notamment le manque de connaissances et de formation en sexualité chez les professionnels.…”