Sexual Dysfunction and Paraphilic Disorders E299

Course Summary

Practice Level: Intermediate

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IMPORTANT: Parts of this course are used in Sex Disorders and Sex Therapy. As such, mental health professionals should take either the 2-hour course, Sexual Dysfunction and Paraphilic Disorders or the 1-hour course, Sex Disorders and Sex Therapy, but not both.

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Sex and sexuality involve human experiences that are unique to an individual’s biology, lived experience, and connection with self and others. Although one could argue that the utilization of the term dysfunction is in direct opposition to the uniqueness of the sexual experience, the term sexual dysfunction is commonly utilized to better understand challenges an individual may face when working towards sexual fulfillment. While the conceptualization of sexual dysfunction can be understood through varying theoretical perspectives, the information provided within this learning material considers these difficulties using sex and body positive perspectives through an anti-stigma lens. This conceptualization provides a foundation for clinicians to identify common sexual disorders, contributing factors to the development of those disorders, as well as treatment approaches. Keeping in mind that the ability to treat sexual disorders requires further training and supervision, clinicians with a working knowledge of common sexual dysfunctions and disorders can reduce shame related to these difficulties and can provide their clients with the appropriate resources and referrals, as needed. This material provides social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and counselors information about contexts related to healthy and unhealthy sexual behaviors. Case examples illustrate key learning points throughout.

Course Format

This course contains downloadable online lessons (PDF) and a practice test. When you’re ready, purchase the course by clicking the “Add To Cart” or “Enroll” button. This will let you take the test, complete the course evaluation and receive your certificate for CE credits.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe sexual health and dysfunction. 
2. Explain sexological ecosystem assessment and interventions for sexual dysfunction. 
3. Identify common sexual and paraphilic disorders and the social and cultural considerations involved in providing sex therapy. 

Course Syllabus

• Introduction
• Sexual Health and Sexual Dysfunction
  • What is Sexual Health?
  • Sexual Development
  • What is Sexual Dysfunction?
• Sexual Shame
  • Religious Messages
  • Social Messages
  • Sexual Trauma
  • Lack of Sexual Education
• The Sexological Ecosystem Assessment
  • Sexological Microsystem
  • Sexological Mesosystem
  • Sexological Exosystem
  • Sexological Macrosystem
  • Sexological Chronosystem
  • Why Use the Sexological Ecosystem Assessment?
• Interventions for Sexual Dysfunctions
  • Mindfulness-Based Interventions
  • Psychotherapy Interventions
• Common Sexual Disorders
  • Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder
  • Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder
  • Female Orgasmic Disorder
  • Erectile Disorder
  • Premature (Early) Ejaculation
  • Delayed Ejaculation
  • Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
• Paraphilic Disorders
  • Fetishistic Disorder, 302.81
  • Voyeuristic Disorder, 302.82
  • Frotteuristic Disorder, 302.89
  • Pedophilic Disorder, 302.2
  • Etiology of Paraphilic Disorders
  • Treating Paraphilic Disorders
• Social and Culture Considerations
  • Terminology, Diagnostics, and Harmful Pathology
  • Culture, Stigma, and Social Norm Development
• Summary

Authors

Kristin Spooner, PhD, LICSW

Kristin Spooner, PhD, LICSW holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Holocaust and Genocide Studies from Clark University, a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Boston College, and a Doctorate of Social Work from Simmons University. She is an American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) Certified Sex Therapist (CST) and a who offers a range of services, including psychotherapy, assessment, consulting, and coaching. Dr. Spooner specializes in areas such as problematic sexual behaviors; anti-stigma interventions; pedophilic disorder and minor attraction; comprehensive, medically accurate, and pleasure-focused sexual education; antiracism, intersectionality, and cultural humility; BDSM/Kink; nonmonogamous and monogamous relationships; sexual compulsivity; suicide prevention; and erectile disorders. Additionally, she serves as an expert social services vendor, providing forensic assessments for the Committee for Public Counsel Services, among other consultation services.

Jessie Timmons, LCSW

Jessie Timmons, LCSW, is a seasoned therapist and teacher of social work, with experience in addressing both mental illness and addictive disorders. Her teaching has included undergraduate, graduate and professional development courses. Her teaching and professional development have focused on ethical and competent clinical social work practice, social determinants of health, and clinical supervision. Jessie’s clinical career has focused on supporting clients around sexuality and gender challenges as well as navigating relationships including non-monogamy and kink dynamics. She has worked in educational and healthcare systems providing increased inclusiveness both in terms of skill development and structural change.

Accreditation Approval Statements

CE4Less.com is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CE4Less.com maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

CE4Less.com, provider #1115, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 8/8/24-8/8/27.

Social workers completing this course receive 2 clinical continuing education credits.

This course has been approved by CE4Less.com, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #91345, CE4Less.com is responsible for all aspects of the programing.

We are committed to providing our learners with unbiased information. CE4Less never accepts commercial support and our authors have no significant financial or other conflicts of interest pertaining to the material.