3 ECVET/ECTS / EQF Level 7 / 1st year of study – STS
Module Description:
This module provides participants with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for taking a sexual history and conducting the initial interview with clients in the context of sexual health, therapy, and counselling. Through an integrative approach, participants will develop the ability to lead the diagnostic process, understand individual sexual issues, and plan initial therapeutic interventions. Special emphasis is placed on developing the therapeutic alliance, recognising sensitive topics and ethical dilemmas, and adapting communication to the specific needs of clients.
The module includes:
- Basics of Taking a Sexual History – structure, key components, and diagnostic significance of the history in working with sexual problems.
- First Interview in Sexual Therapy and Counselling – structure of the initial conversation, techniques for building trust, and asking relevant questions.
- Methods of Assessing Sexual Health – questionnaires, scales, clinical interviews, and other diagnostic techniques for evaluating sexual functioning.
- Communication Specifics in Taking a Sexual History – culture, gender sensitivity, and professional ethics in discussing sexual topics.
- Ethical and Legal Guidelines – confidentiality of data, informed consent, boundaries of the professional relationship, and working with sensitive populations.
- Identification of Risk Factors and Complex Cases – sexual trauma, gender dysphoria, sexual dysfunctions, and psychological comorbidities.
- Planning Therapeutic Interventions – methods for structuring therapeutic recommendations and developing an initial treatment plan based on the sexual history.
Learning Outcomes:
Competencies
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
a) Conduct a structured interview and take a detailed sexual history.
b) Recognise key factors affecting the client’s sexual health and plan an initial therapeutic strategy.
c) Adapt communication to the client’s specific needs in accordance with ethical and professional guidelines.
Knowledge
By the end of the module, students will acquire:
a) Knowledge of the structure of the sexual history and basic diagnostic tools for assessing sexual health.
b) Understanding of the impact of emotional, biological, and psychosocial factors on sexual functioning.
c) Familiarity with legal and ethical standards in sexual therapy and counselling.
Skills
By the end of the module, students will develop:
a) The ability to conduct the first interview with clients and establish a safe therapeutic environment.
b) The skill to recognise and differentiate sexual problems through clinical assessment.
c) The capacity to document and analyse data obtained from the history and develop an initial treatment plan.
Assessment of Knowledge and Competencies:
The module is assessed through:
– Task/Exercise – Analysis of sexual history and development of an initial therapeutic plan.
– Presentation – Overview of the methodology for taking a history and conducting the first interview.
– Practical demonstration – Simulation of taking a sexual history in small groups.
Total Learning Hours:
| Total learning hours: 90 hours | Independent study (literature, assignment preparation): 30 hours |
| Contact hours (lectures, exercises, presentations, practicum, clinical practice, supervision): 50 hours | Knowledge assessment (exam and presentations): 10 hours |