Intimacy and Sex Therapy in Social Work Practice

This course equips social workers to address intimacy and sexual health with ethical, inclusive, trauma‑informed care, fostering safe spaces and holistic client support.

🕒 3 CE HOURS

AUTHORS: Beth Hagan, Ph.D. and Rachel Kalina, MSW, LCSW COURSE LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE

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DirectorEducation Pathways, LLC provider # 0000, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 00/00/2025–00/00/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical continuing education credits.

This online reading-based asynchronous distance learning course :

provides social workers with foundational knowledge and practical tools to address issues of intimacy, sexual health, and sex therapy in both clinical and community‑based settings.

It explores the intersections of sexuality with identity, trauma, culture, disability, and relationship dynamics, while emphasizing ethical considerations, professional boundaries, and appropriate referrals for complex sexual health concerns.

Participants will gain insight into how to create inclusive, nonjudgmental spaces where clients feel empowered to discuss intimate aspects of their lives. By the end of the course, social workers will be equipped with essential competencies for integrating intimacy and sexual health into holistic care.

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Learning Objectives:

Describe the importance of addressing sexual health and intimacy in social work.
Explain stages of human sexual development and age‑related changes.
Analyze how culture, gender, and identity shape intimacy experiences.
Identify common sexual health concerns and intimacy challenges.
Demonstrate trauma‑informed strategies for addressing sexual health.
Apply communication techniques to support clients and couples.
Describe sex therapy models and integrate them ethically into practice.
Evaluate ethical challenges in sexual health practice.
Adapt interventions for diverse populations.
Utilize practical tools, resources, and referral practices

View Course Timed Agenda

1. Introduction to Sexual Health and Intimacy in Social Work (12 min)

Defining sexual health, intimacy, relational well‑being
Why sexual health matters in social work
Myths, misconceptions, cultural taboos
Role of social workers in addressing sexual concerns

2. Human Sexual Development Across the Lifespan (14 min)

Childhood and adolescent development
Adult sexuality through older age
Physical and emotional changes
Age‑appropriate conversations and psychoeducation

3. Cultural, Gender, and Identity Considerations (13 min)

Sexual orientation and gender identity
Intersectionality and sexual expression
Cultural beliefs and intimacy
Supporting LGBTQIA+ clients

4. Common Intimacy and Sexual Issues in Clinical Practice (15 min)

Low desire, dysfunction, relational disconnect
Body image, shame, performance anxiety
Sexual trauma and consent violations
Intimacy in chronic illness and disability

5. Trauma‑Informed Approaches to Sexual Health (42 min)

Impact of sexual trauma on intimacy
Trauma‑informed principles in practice
Restoring trust, safety, consent
Empowerment and body autonomy

6. Communication and Relational Skills in Sex Therapy (15 min)

Building therapeutic alliance
Navigating shame and vulnerability
Facilitating partner conversations
Role‑play, scripts, and exercises

7. Sex Therapy Models and Interventions (21 min)

Overview of sex therapy discipline
Sensate focus and behavioral exercises
CBT approaches to sexual issues
Integration into social work practice
Case studies

8. Ethical and Legal Considerations (16 min)

Boundaries and scope of practice
Confidentiality and mandated reporting
Ethical referral to sex therapists
Managing dual relationships

9. Working with Specific Populations (16 min)

Couples counseling
Sexual concerns in older adults
Supporting individuals with disabilities
Adolescent sexual health and consent

10. Practice Tools, Referrals, and Continuing Education (16 min)

Assessment tools and conversation starters
Sex‑positive language and psychoeducation
Referral practices
Resources for ongoing learning
Course conclusion

🕒 Total Instruction Time

180 minutes (3 CEU Hours)

🌟 Key Takeaway

This course empowers social workers to integrate intimacy and sexual health into holistic care, using trauma‑informed, culturally responsive, and ethically sound practices to support diverse clients.

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