The Three "Rs" of Sex Therapy and Social Work (A Proposal that Social Workers Ought Engage in Doing Sex Therapy)

Social Workers have historically been presented by clients with a wide range of sexual issues. It is therefore consistent with traditional patterns of our helping profession to be of assistance in the task of working with sexual dysfunctions as well. To abdicate this responsibility encourages the proliferation of non-clinical sex technicians who may often worsen a problem situation rather than relieve it. Sexual difficulties can seriously impair a marital relationship and can erode an individual's well-being and vocational competence. This paper will elaborate on the above. It will also present an overview .of the field of sex therapy, schematically organizing three levels of therapeutic intervention. Case illustrations and other data . .will be used to better differentiate the types and approaches of intervention.: The paper will also discuss what additional preparation may be essential so as to enable Social Work practitioners to develop the competency to successfully work with the full range of human s...