Teaching a Sexuality Counseling Course: Counselors-in-Training Experience and Implications for Professional Counseling Programs

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experiences of fifteen counselors-in-training (CITs) who had completed a sexuality counseling course. The study design was a thematic analysis of qualitative codes developed through a constant comparative method applied to transcribed interviews. Four themes were found: (a) competency issues, (b) sensitivity concerns, (c) awareness of a need for continued exposure throughout all their education and training, and (d) disappointment in the level and availability of education and training outside of this one course in their program. Data-driven suggestions for how to better to prepare CITs through sexuality counseling courses are offered.