Joan Delores
Atwood, Ph.D.
MFT
260
3 s.h.
Spring Semester
e-mail: CPRJDA@Hofstra.Edu
phone: 516-463-5756
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course focuses on three areas in the field of sexuality
issues in marriage and family therapy.
It first explores the history of sex research and sex therapy,
developing a socio-historical context for the contemporary field of sex theory
and therapy. Second, it defines sexual
issues, presents a thorough, detailed investigation of the typical sexual
issues and problems seen in therapy, and presents basic traditional therapeutic
models for treatment of such problems.
Most importantly, the course explores the development of sexual meaning systems
as the basis of sexual issues and dysfunction and places the sexual issue or
problem in a relational or interpersonal context, and describes the therapeutic
treatment of sexual issues. Through the
use of lecture material, role playing, and videotapes, students examine the
typical sexual issues and problems which arise in clinical practice and explore
the various therapeutic options.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
This course familiarizes students with a brief history of the field of Sex Therapy, including the development of research in this field and the associated methodological issues. It presents the different theories associated with sex therapy and examines the assumptions of each. The course also familiarizes the student with sexual dysfunctions as well as such issues as adolescent pregnancy, infertitility, AIDS, incest and sexual violence, marital rape, the therapist’s issues.
When the student has successfully completed this course, s/he will be expected to:
• be familiar with the history of sex research and sex therapy.
• be able to discuss the theoretical underpinnings of human sexuality theory
• be aware of the common sexual issues and problems that couples and families bring to the therapeutic setting
• be exposed to the traditional therapeutic approaches to sexual issues and problems
· explore the role of couple and family therapy in sex therapy
• through the use of role play practice his or her role as a marriage and family therapist in working with couples and families experiencing these problems
· be abreast of the emotional reactions of families experiencing a member with AIDS, adolescent pregnancy, infertility issues, sexual violence in the family, and sexual dysfunctions.
· explore these objectives in a collaborative, culture-gender-sensitive manner