Intimacy, Sex(ualities) and Gender (CO3004Z)

Content

To “be known” by another is the most intimate form of attachment – and the one which can cause the most pain. Therefore, it is not surprising that counsellors often help clients navigate romantic attraction and sexual intimacy throughout life’s stages. Then again, we must also be competent in more specialised areas of practice such as assisting clients to navigate same-sex attraction, asexuality, sex and disability, as well as gender identity. From time-to-time, we may even work with clients who have been sexually assaulted, or who wish to explore a fetish. Therefore we cannot be naïve to matters of sexuality. Using the bio-psycho-social model, this unit will introduce students to simple evidence-based skills and prepare them for more advanced work if they choose to specialise in this unique area of practice.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Offering: This unit is to be taught in year 3, semester 1 (term 2).

Prerequisites: CO1006Z Engaging Diversity CO1005Z Introduction To Counselling CO2001Z Human Development, Personality, And Identity CO2007Z Counselling Ethics, The Law, And Best Practice

Prohibited combinations: CO3005Z

Pedagogy

Scaffolded learning In practice: This is a collaborative way of learning that takes note of the learner’s zone of proximal development (ZPD). By repeatedly extending the learner’s ZPD they develop a comprehensive and integrated system of knowledge/skills. Scaffolded learning is achieved through the provision of online modules which clearly guide a student’s learning; through activities of increased complexity during intensives; by face-to-face seminars which are tailored to induce academic/professional growth in an ordered and coherent way; and by assessments which not only seek to identify that key knowledge/skills have been learnt, but that the student is developing an integrated understanding of counselling.

Indicative Bibliography

1. Campbell, C. (2023). Sex therapy: The basics. Routledge.
2. Donovan T., & Johns, D. (2022). Reclaiming lives from sexual violence: Understanding shame through innovative Narrative Therapy. Routledge.
3. Flora, R. et al. (2008). Sex-offender therapy: A "how-to" workbook for therapists treating sexually aggressive adults, adolescents, and children. Routledge.
4. Helgeson, V. (2020). Psychology of gender (6th edition). Routledge.
5. Leman, K. (2009). Turn up the heat: A couples guide to sexual intimacy. Revell.
6. McCarthy, B., & McCarthy, E. (2022). Couple sexuality after 60: Intimate, pleasurable, and satisfying. Routledge.
7. Neves, S. (2023). Sexology: The basics. Routledge.
8. Schott, E. (2021). LGBTQI Workbook for CBT. Routledge.
9. Silver, R. (1993). The girl in the scarlet heels. Arrow.
10. Sonntag, L. (2001). The photographic Karma Sutra: Erotic positions inspired by the classic Indian text. Hamlyn.

Assessment