The Sexual Dysfunctions

In our last class we finished our discussion of recent research on assessment and treatment of common sexual dysfunctions, including desire disorders, arousal disorders, orgasmic disorders, dyspareunia, vaginismus, premature ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction. Although much emphasis is placed on biological insights and the ‘medicalization’ of many sexual concerns, we framed the issues in the context of a broader biopsychosocial model. This model helps students see the role of a competent mental health professional in working with sexual concerns in a multidisciplinary treatment team. 

Next class we shift our focus toward the atypical sexual behaviors – the paraphilias and sexual addiction. Although the sexual dysfunctions are quite common, most students tend to be particularly interested in understanding how clinicians conceptualize and intervene to address atypical sexual concerns, so it should be an interesting discussion.

We will also finish our discussion of one of our primary integration resources. As I mentioned in a previous post, we have been discussing Lisa McMinn’s book, Sexuality & Holy Longing.  We are on the last chapter that addresses sexuality and culture. I think the students have genuinely appreciated Lisa’s writing on sexuality from a Christian perspective.