Utilizing a Human Rights Perspective to Train Therapists in Sexuality and Sexual Wellness

Abstract

Psychological associations require their trainees and professionals to work with diverse issues and diverse clientele, including sexual issues and sexual and gender minorities. While these organizations have been clear on their stance on non-discrimination toward sexual and gender minorities, research has demonstrated that most psychologists are not well trained on sexuality in general, even though educators and trainees believe sexuality is an important topic. Sexuality is a core aspect of human development across the lifespan. Although sexuality may be expressed differently across cultures, sexuality is a part of overall health and wellness for everyone. Sexuality is a broad concept that can include all types of sexual behaviors, sexual and gender orientation, sexual relationships, sexual pleasure, intimacy, attachment, and reproduction. It may be helpful for psychology to adopt a human rights perspective in their sexuality training. This perspective frames sexual rights as human rights and utilizes a sexual health and wellness framework. Utilizing this perspective, psychologists can focus on sexual citizenship from a global, rights-based, positive, and sexual wellness. Keywords: Human Rights, Pedagogy, Psychology, Sexual Rights, Sexual Wellness.