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Psychosexual Therapy: Sex through the Life Span

Overview

  • Credit value: 30 credits at Level 7
  • Convenors: Andrew Davidson, Bridget Wilkins
  • Assessment: a 20-minute presentation (50%) and 3000-word essay (50%)

Module description

In this module we examine sexual development over our life span and the various challenges that can affect our sex lives at different stages of life. Topics covered include the physical, emotional and relational impacts of illness, disability, pharmacological interventions, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), fertility issues, miscarriage, abortion, menopause, vulval pain and the effects of ageing. It also discusses how non-pharmacological interventions, such as sex toys, can positively impact sexual functioning. You will gain a deeper understanding of neurodivergent individuals, as well as transgender and gender non-binary individuals, who may experience sexual dysfunction.

Additionally, you will research a specific topic to better understand the complexities of various sexual themes.

Indicative syllabus

  • Contraception
  • Abortion
  • Pregnancy and birth, parenthood
  • Infertility
  • Sex after childbirth
  • Menopause
  • Sexual trauma
  • Sex in later life
  • Specific vulva skin and dermatological conditions
  • Critical mental health issues presenting during psychosexual therapy
  • Pharmacology and non-pharmacology interventions
  • Sex, neurodiversity and disability
  • Sex toys
  • Sex, transgender and gender non-binary patients

Learning objectives

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

  • the importance of sexual health, the effects illnesses, STIs and HIV have on sexual functioning and how to offer an appropriate psychosexual treatment plan
  • how to work sensitively with patients who have physical, neurological and psychological difficulties and how these difficulties affect sexual functioning
  • sexual trauma and sexual abuse and the effects different treatment approaches can have 
  • physical and biological life transitions - fertility, infertility, postpartum experiences, menopause, etc. - that affect the body and sexual functioning and how to determine an appropriate treatment plan
  • gender dysphoria and gender transitions that affect the body and sexual functioning and how to determine an appropriate treatment plan
  • medicine and pharmacology and their effects on the physical and psychological impact of an individual or couple’s sexual relationship
  • use of non-pharmaceutical approaches and devices (sex toys) for specific sexual dysfunctions and sexual functioning.