CC22 Keynote 05 - Bringing Up Sex in Therapy: How, When, Why, and Other Pressing Questions Answered - Martha Kauppi, LMFT

When it comes to sex issues, therapists are understandably concerned about crossing a boundary, making their clients uncomfortable, or getting outside of their scope of practice. However, when therapists shy away from bringing up sexuality, they may be missing serious (even life-threatening) issues. In this skill-building presentation, Martha will share her unique approach to bringing up sex, including how to follow up ethically and thoroughly once the topic is open. When should you refer or consult? Where is the line regarding scope of practice? What language will help both you and your clients feel comfortable? How much do you need to know about sex? How do you tell whether you’re dealing with relational issue or a sex issue? What should you focus on first? Discover the answers to these questions and more, and walk away with a set of tools you can apply in your very next session.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to list at least 3 reasons it is important to open the topic of sex in therapy and be willing to discuss sex-related issues

2. Participants will be able to identify three pressing concerns that could worsen if not addressed early in treatment

3. Participants will be able to describe the interplay between relational and sexual issues, and explore which to focus on and when