We Need to Talk… About Sex

In the first class of the Sexual Issues in Counseling course, our professor conducted a brief survey. We were asked whether we had received comprehensive sex education. Nearly every hand stayed down. Then the professor invited us to share. While we came from different backgrounds, our experiences with sex education were strikingly similar: when sex was discussed at home or school, the focus was on unintended consequences such as pregnancy or disease. None of us recalled being taught that pleasure could be a healthy expression of sexuality. This is why we need to talk about sex.

There is a culture of silence around sex. While many people enjoy sexual experiences, most avoid discussing them beyond warnings and prohibitions. Perhaps this is because few grow up hearing about sex as a source of intimacy, connection, or personal growth. This silence and negativity perpetuate shame and confusion. They prevent us from exploring questions about desire, identity, or pleasure.

This issue is also present in the education of therapists. Unfortunately, not all counseling programs include dedicated training on sexual issues. Without this foundation, therapists may feel unsure about how to introduce the topic of sexuality with sensitivity and may assume that such questions fall outside their scope. As a result, clients with concerns related to sexual functioning, identity, or relationships may not receive the support they need. This gap in training limits our ability to view and support clients as whole persons.

I am grateful that our program includes this area of study. The Sexual Issues in Counseling course has provided frameworks for discussing topics such as pleasure, sexual functioning, orientation, and gender identity. We have explored evidence-based approaches to address challenges like low desire, sexual health concerns, and communication about sex.

Even though we are only halfway through the quarter, one major takeaway from this class is that supporting client growth will require continued study of sexual issues beyond graduation. For this reason, I have already identified training programs offered by professional organizations that can expand my knowledge in this important area beyond a single academic term.

I recognize that sexuality influences every client’s life in one way or another, and I hope to integrate these principles into future sessions. Counselors have the obligation to create a safe environment where clients feel comfortable raising questions about their sexual well-being, just as they do about work stress or family conflict. We are called to honor sexual health as an essential part of overall growth and healing.

Sexuality remains one of the most powerful domains of human experience. Silence around the subject often causes more harm than good. When we embrace open, respectful conversations about sexual issues as counselors, we help clients overcome shame, build intimacy, and cultivate self-acceptance.

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I will see you next week.