Specialist education in sexual health and therapy / counselling

EQF Level 7​

Curriculum for specialist education in sexual health, therapy, and counselling

Introduction and Objectives of the Educational Program

Specialist education in sexual health, therapy, and counselling is a comprehensive educational programme that enables professionals to acquire specialised knowledge, therapeutic skills, and ethical competencies necessary for working with individuals, couples, and groups in the field of sexual health.

The EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME is designed in accordance with the highest European and global standards in the field of sexual health, therapeutic practice, and counselling (HDST¹, EFS² and WAS³ ), and is aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF, Level 7), the European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET/ECTS), as well as the recommendations of leading international organisations in the field of sexual therapy, health, and human rights.

The education integrates biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors that shape sexuality and sexual health, with special attention given to:

• Developing an integrative and multidisciplinary approach
• Ethics and legal aspects in working with clients
• Contemporary therapeutic techniques and research methods
• Prevention and education on sexual health

The educational programme is designed to include theoretical foundations, practical exercises, clinical work under supervision, and research activities. It is based on contemporary scientific knowledge, with particular attention given to the ethical and legal aspects of work in the field of sexual health.

Main goal of the programme

To train professionals for competent and ethical work in the field of sexual therapy and counselling, enabling them to respond effectively to complex challenges related to:

• sexual health,
• gender identity and sexual orientation,
• sexual dysfunctions,
• partner relationships and the dynamics of sexuality,
• sexual trauma and the consequences of violence and abuse of children and adults,
• legal and socio-cultural aspects of sexual health,
• and ethical issues.

The programme prepares participants to work in clinical, educational, and research contexts, with an emphasis on lifelong learning and professional development.

Duration and Structure of the Educational Program

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME “Sexual Health, Therapy and Counseling” traje dvije godine (4 semestra), obuhvatajući ukupno 1800 sati učenja, što odgovara 60 ECVET/ECTS bodova.

The EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME “Sexual Health, Therapy and Counselling” lasts two years (4 semesters), comprising a total of 1,800 learning hours, equivalent to 60 ECVET/ECTS credits.

Timetable:

• Contact hours (theoretical instruction, methodology, and research) → 800 hours
• Clinical practice → 100 hours
• Supervised practice and clinical work → 100 hours
• Assessment of knowledge and competencies (exams, oral and written presentations, case studies, practical evaluation) → 200 hours
• Personal growth and development → 100 hours
• Independent learning (literature review, research, assignment preparation) → 500 hours

🔹 Total number of hours: 1,800 → 60 ECVET/ECTS
(1 ECVET/ECTS = 30 hours)

The programme is flexible and tailored to the needs of participants, with the possibility of adjusting modules in accordance with lecturer availability, participant commitments, and organisational resources.

Program Content / Modules

Learning Outcomes in the Cognitive Domain

Upon completion of the educational programme, therapists and counsellors will be qualified to:

a) Identification and understanding of a wide range of sexual health issues – psychosexual development, sexual dysfunctions, sexual variations, and the impact of social factors.
b) Analysis and understanding of sexual behaviours and attitudes – critical evaluation of sexual behaviours and causes of sexual difficulties.
c) Application of ethical principles in practice – professional ethics and recognition of ethical dilemmas.

Learning Outcomes in the Area of Communication Skills

Upon completion of the training, therapists will develop:

a) Development of the therapeutic alliance and emotional awareness – enhancing communication and interpersonal skills.
b) Recognition and management of countertransference reactions – adapting language and therapeutic stance to clients.
c) Counselling and therapeutic skills – building trust and guiding therapeutic processes.

Learning Outcomes for Self-Learning/Self-Education Skills

The programme equips participants with the ability for continuous professional development through:

a) Application of sexual therapy and counselling techniques and skills – specialised interventions and methods.
b) Design and implementation of educational programmes – promoting sexual health and preventing abuse.
c) Independent research and evaluation of new knowledge – critical analysis of literature and scientific sources.

Andragogical Approach and Learning Methods

The program is implemented using andragogical principles (voluntariness, appropriateness, cost-effectiveness, gradual progression…) as well as traditional and non-traditional learning methods, based on the principle of active participant engagement through experiential learning, reflective and transformational learning. The curriculum is systematically delivered through the following methods:

• Lectures and presentations
• Discussions and interactive workshops
• Small group work and case studies
• Roles and Simulations (role-plays)
• Live Practical Demonstrations
• Assessment and self-assessment
• Seminars and reflective analyses

Special emphasis is placed on the development of reflective and critical thinking, creativity, analytical and synthetic abilities, and active participation in the educational process.

In accordance with the problem-based approach in implementing the andragogical curriculum, the delivery of individual modules may be subject to changes in sequence depending on participants’ needs (availability of lecturers, participants’ obligations, possibilities of conducting classes outside the Academy premises, etc.).

Assessment of Knowledge and Competencies

The educational program enables each participant to demonstrate acquired knowledge and practical skills through various evaluation methods, taking into account individual learning styles and areas for further development.

Assessment methods include:

• Seminar works, essays, written assessments
• Presentations and clinical evaluations
• Practical exercises and supervision (practicum)
• Written and oral exams
• Final exam – case presentation

Each module in the program includes at least two evaluation points, combining theoretical and practical aspects through various assessments of knowledge and skills.

Training is usually conducted once a month, over an extended weekend (20 hours), with summer and winter breaks.

Participants at the end of the first year of training, or at the end of the second semester, take a written knowledge test which is a prerequisite for continuing the training.

Participant obligations during the training

Participants are required to attend regularly and actively participate in all forms of instruction, as well as complete all tasks and knowledge assessments. A participant may be absent for a maximum of 25 hours of instruction per year. Special additional assignments are assigned to participants as compensation for missed hours.

Additional requirements for completion of the training

1. Oral presentation (with a PowerPoint presentation) of a theoretical topic before the training group
2. Oral presentation (with a PowerPoint presentation) of a case before the training group
3. Written reports of 6 completed cases
4. Final interview on acquired knowledge and skills before a committee

Evaluation and certification

Final Examination

The final examination is based on a concluding assessment of the knowledge and competencies acquired throughout the programme, conducted before an examination committee.

At the end of the training programme, participants take a final examination comprising written and oral components, as well as case presentations.

Upon successfully passing the final examination and completing all prescribed programme requirements, the participant is awarded a diploma by the BHIDAPA Academy for Psychotherapy and the appropriate professional title, in accordance with their prior professional qualifications and the criteria fulfilled within the programme:

• Specialist in Sexual Health – Sexual Therapist, for participants who hold an appropriate psychotherapy qualification;
• Specialist in Sexual Health – Sexual Counsellor, for participants who meet the requirements of the counselling pathway.

The diploma certifies the successful completion of the Specialist Training Programme in Sexual Health, Therapy and Counselling.

Graduates may, in accordance with their prior professional qualifications and the current criteria and procedures of the relevant professional organisations, apply for additional professional certifications in the fields of sexology and sexual therapy, including certification procedures of the Croatian Society for Sexual Therapy (HDST) and the European Federation of Sexology (EFS).

Eligibility requirements, candidate assessment procedures and the final decision regarding the award of any such certification remain within the competence of the organisation awarding the respective certificate.

For European professional certificates that require Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and periodic re-registration, the certificate holder is responsible for fulfilling their individual CPD and re-registration requirements within the required timeframes and in accordance with the current regulations of the relevant professional organisation.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

The Specialist Training Programme in Sexual Health, Therapy and Counselling is based on the principles of continuing professional development, lifelong learning, and the responsibility of professionals to maintain and further develop their professional competencies.

The programme supports graduates in their continued professional development, the advancement of specialist competencies, and their participation in national and European professional and certification frameworks, in accordance with their prior professional qualifications and the requirements of the relevant professional organisations.

BHIDAPA-EAPTI continuously develops and provides training programmes, supervision, professional conferences and other continuing professional development activities for psychotherapists, counsellors and other professionals working in the fields of mental and sexual health.

For holders of European professional certificates for which the relevant European professional organisation requires Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and periodic re-registration, fulfilment of these requirements forms an integral part of maintaining their professional status.

For holders of the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP), Continuing Professional Development and re-registration are carried out in accordance with the current standards and procedures of the European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP) and the relevant National Awarding Organisation (NAO).

Under the current EAP requirements, ECP re-registration requires evidence of at least 150 hours of CPD activities over a three-year period, completed in accordance with the prescribed categories of professional development.

Holders of European professional certificates are responsible for continuously monitoring, documenting and fulfilling their own CPD and re-registration requirements within the applicable timeframes.

BHIDAPA-EAPTI provides its graduates with information and support in following relevant European professional standards, while responsibility for maintaining an individual’s professional and certification status remains with the certificate holder.

Through this approach, the Specialist Training Programme in Sexual Health, Therapy and Counselling extends beyond the acquisition of specialist competencies and the award of a diploma, fostering continuing professional development, ethical responsibility and lifelong learning.

1. HDST – Croatian Society for Sexual Therapy ↩︎
2. EFS – European Federation of Sexology ↩︎
3. WAS –World Association for Sexual Health ↩︎