Upon completion of the training programme, sexual therapists/counsellors will develop the following competences:
1. Understanding of psychosexual development and sexual therapy
Participants will acquire fundamental knowledge of psychosexual development, sexual psychotherapy, and counselling techniques in working with individuals and couples.
2. Ability to diagnose and classify sexual health disorders
Developing skills to recognise, assess, and perform differential diagnosis of sexual dysfunctions, paraphilias, and gender dysphoria.
3. Skills for carrying out interventions in sexual disorders
Participants will master specialised techniques for the treatment of sexual dysfunctions and issues in intimate relationships, integrating psychotherapeutic and medical approaches.
4. Competences for working with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities
Developing an affirmative approach to working with the LGBTQ+ population, and understanding the specific needs and challenges faced by clients of diverse identities.
5. Understanding of unconscious dynamics in the therapeutic relationship
Recognising and working with transference and countertransference in sexual therapy, while developing the capacity for a safe therapeutic alliance.
6. Application of advanced knowledge in ethics and multiculturalism
Understanding ethical dilemmas in sexual therapy, respecting multicultural competence, and applying an inclusive approach when working with clients from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds.
7. Effective communication and interdisciplinary collaboration
Developing teamwork skills with professionals from various disciplines (psychiatry, sexology, gynaecology, psychotherapy, social work) with the aim of providing holistic support to clients.
8. Ethical decision-making and professional responsibility
Applying ethical principles in sexual psychotherapy and counselling to ensure client protection and uphold professional standards.
9. Ability to evaluate and provide supervision
Developing competences for the critical analysis of therapeutic processes, giving and receiving supervision, and continuous professional development.
10. Development of communication skills
Adopting strategies for conducting sensitive conversations about sexual health, working on emotional literacy, and adapting communication to the individual needs of clients.
11. Competences for prevention and education
Planning and implementing educational programmes aimed at preventing sexual problems, promoting sexual health, and supporting healthy sexual relationships.