Psychological treatment of sexual problems. Thematic analysis of guidelines and recommendations, based on a systematic literature review 2001–2010

Sexuality as a competency: Advancing training to serve the public.

“…Although sexuality researchers have disproportionately examined sexual dysfunction, and sex-positive approaches to sexuality are needed, psychologists must be prepared to treat sexual disorders informed by scholarship. Almås (2016) and colleagues (Almås & Almås, 2016) posited that randomized control trials (RCTs) were not as applicable in psychological practice as in medicine, which may be especially relevant in the practice of sex therapy and addressing of sexual concerns that are often medicalized. The authors found an increasing trend in studying psychological interventions to address sexual concerns in therapy, with most offering advances in theory, clinical observations, and theoretical considerations rather than RCTs.…”

“…The authors found an increasing trend in studying psychological interventions to address sexual concerns in therapy, with most offering advances in theory, clinical observations, and theoretical considerations rather than RCTs. Almås (2016) stressed the importance of adapting a biopsychosocial approach to treating clients with sexual concerns inclusive of a relational approach, cultural factors, and social changes, drawing from those forms of research design that may be ideally suited to inform and advance science-based practice for sexuality-related concerns and issues, including clinical observation, qualitative research, case studies, and guidelines for best practices. Fouad et al (2009) called on trainees and psychologists to employ scientific-mindedness, engaging in critical thinking, valuing scientific methods to inform practice, and applying scientific knowledge and skills (Foundational Competency, Science: Domains: Scientific Knowledge and Methods, Research/Evaluation).…”

“…Lehmiller (2017) maintained that despite the growth of sex research in recent decades, research findings that contrast popular beliefs are most often "ignored, misconstrued, or attacked : : : the researchers : : : sometimes smeared in the process," while the sex research that draws the most attention publicly tends to promote longstanding stereotypes (p. 1). Consistent withHatcher et al (2013) emphasis on Science as a Foundational Competency, we maintain that trainers should integrate sexual knowledge as a component of programs that prepare psychologists to be consumers and producers of sexuality-related research, develop more accurate and comprehensive knowledge of sexual well-being, and apply findings from sexuality research in their work.Although sexuality researchers have disproportionately examined sexual dysfunction, and sex-positive approaches to sexuality are needed, psychologists must be prepared to treat sexual disorders informed by scholarship Almås (2016). and colleagues(Almås & Almås, 2016) posited that randomized control trials (RCTs) were not as applicable in psychological practice as in medicine, which may be especially relevant in the practice of sex therapy and addressing of sexual concerns that are often medicalized.…”

“…Consistent withHatcher et al (2013) emphasis on Science as a Foundational Competency, we maintain that trainers should integrate sexual knowledge as a component of programs that prepare psychologists to be consumers and producers of sexuality-related research, develop more accurate and comprehensive knowledge of sexual well-being, and apply findings from sexuality research in their work.Although sexuality researchers have disproportionately examined sexual dysfunction, and sex-positive approaches to sexuality are needed, psychologists must be prepared to treat sexual disorders informed by scholarship Almås (2016). and colleagues(Almås & Almås, 2016) posited that randomized control trials (RCTs) were not as applicable in psychological practice as in medicine, which may be especially relevant in the practice of sex therapy and addressing of sexual concerns that are often medicalized. The authors found an increasing trend in studying psychological interventions to address sexual concerns in therapy, with most offering advances in theory, clinical observations, and theoretical considerations rather than RCTs Almås (2016).…”

Comfort in Treating Sexual Problems: Current Training and Counselor Self-Efficacy

“…Therefore, the probability of counselors seeing couples and/or individuals seeking counseling for sexual problems remains high. Continued discussion of how counselors build self-efficacy to address sexual issues in clinical practice provided a platform for the current exploration (Almås & Almås, 2016; West, Vinikoor, & Zolnoun, 2004).…”