07/10/2025
Therapists, counselors, and clinicians need training in s*xual health and wellness but recent studies have found very few receive it. In fact, most clinicians are unprepared to help their clients explore s*xuality-related issues. A clinician’s attitudes, values, stereotypes, and personal “icks” can all get in the way of healthy conversations. The S*xuality Information and Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS) has found that 55% of Americans say their parents never talked to them about s*xuality. If parents and schools aren’t talking about it, how can they learn? I’ve been working on a research project to incorporate s*xuality education in a psychology training program to see how such a program can impact one’s s*xual attitudes and values. I believe that a s*x-positive framework can offer a powerful alternative to the silence, discomfort, and exclusion that have historically dominated these programs. Such an approach could build confidence and competence in future clinicians, preparing them to address s*xuality and s*xual health with clients through empathy and professional ease. *xualhealth *xualhealthawareness *x