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Psychosexual Therapy: Psychosexual Assessment, Diagnosis and Initial Treatment

Overview

  • Credit value: 30 credits at Level 7
  • Convenors: Andrew Davidson, Bridget Wilkins
  • Assessment: a 3000-word essay (100%) and student review (pass/fail)

Module description

In this module, you will develop critical-thinking skills regarding the core concepts of psychosexual therapy, as well as gain an understanding of DSM-V and ICD-11 classifications of sexual dysfunction. You will learn to conduct psychosexual assessments for couples and individuals, formulate appropriate treatment plans, and consider the necessary psychoeducation and therapeutic interventions for addressing sexual dysfunction. Additionally, you will explore the psychodynamic aspects that may unconsciously affect both the relational and sexual dimensions of partner relationships.

A key feature of this module is understanding the anatomy and physiology of sexual arousal, as well as the complexities involved in providing critical psychosexual treatments. You will also learn about the physical and psychological impact of sexual dysfunction on relationships and how to communicate treatment effectively, particularly when working with same-sex and sexually diverse patients.

Indicative syllabus

  • Psychosexual dysfunctions (DSM-V and ICD-11 definitions)
  • Desire disorders (including models of desire)
  • Orgasm difficulties in men and women
  • Psychosexual assessment of the couple's sexual function/dysfunction
  • Defining the presenting problem
  • Defining the predisposing, precipitating and maintaining factors contributing to the problem
  • Diagnosis (DSM5) and formulation of the factors contributing to the problem
  • Formulation of psychodynamic and other contributing factors and presentation in a roundtable discussion
  • Psychoeducation of arousal and models of sexual desire
  • Other psychoeducation and early treatment interventions
  • Anatomy and physiology of the genital tracts and sexual function
  • Mindfulness and sexual functioning
  • Self-focus body awareness - a sexual growth approach
  • Sensate focus - the foundational behavioural programme for psychosexual therapy
  • Sensate focus - managing feedback
  • Sensate focus - working with same-sex couples and sexually diverse patients
  • Intersectionality and sex
  • Sex and the psyche - bringing the body and the mind together

Learning objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • understand core concepts of psychosexual therapy, such as assessment, recognition and a provisional diagnosis of sexual dysfunction, formulation of factors contributing to the dysfunction, and initial treatments
  • understand the complex anatomy and physiology of arousal, the complexity of presenting critical psychosexual treatments, and their physical and psychological impact on the couple
  • identify any sexual dysfunction using psychosexual therapy concepts, understanding of anatomical and physiological aspects of sexual functioning and apply them to the couple relationship and their sexual issues
  • evaluate, diagnose, formulate and provide a treatment plan for a patient’s sexual issues using a psychosexual therapy framework
  • understand the key psychosexual and psychodynamic interventions and how to identify and deliver the appropriate psychoeducation, therapeutic and behavioural interventions required for a couple or individual with a sexual dysfunction.