Therapy Continuing Education: Sexuality And Gender Topics

A true professional never stops the learning process, and continuing education in therapy can help increase the range of services and specialties a therapist or counselor offers or help strengthen their current skills. In an ever-changing world, mental health professionals are becoming increasingly specialized to better deal with the wide-range of issues that individuals face in society. While most professionals choose to narrow their fields of research, a broad understanding of psychotherapy can also be advantageous.

While there are many subjects to choose from, certain topics are more relatable to a wider range of people, in particular sexuality. Defining and exploring gender and sexual identities has become an increasingly important aspect for mental health professionals, not only for better serving individual clients, but within the corporate setting as well. Language, labeling, and concepts of civil rights are ever changing, which means therapists must learn to adapt and seek out new research and studies to ensure their methodology remains relevant. Therapy continuing education courses are one way to integrate new technologies and ideologies into the private practice.

Sexuality has a huge impact on most people's lives, both personally and professional. Problems in the bedroom can lead to difficulties in every facet of life, and inner conflict concerning sexual or gender identification and acceptance can cause great turmoil. These issues can be further complicated by societal and familial pressures and expectations that influence behavior and thinking patterns. Health workers interested in specializing with sex and gender who are already in the field will benefit from continuing education in therapy by choosing courses that focus on sexuality. Important topics include biology (specifically the reproductive system), marriage counseling, body image, cultural perspectives, and sexual abuse and addiction studies.

There are graduate programs at universities that offer degrees, which specialize within the subject of human sexuality and gender. While beneficial for someone who is specifically interested in a career in marriage counseling, sex addiction, or the like, a therapist, counselor, or psychologist with a different formal educational background can easily acquire the necessary knowledge and skills through continuing education for therapy instruction. The term classes, however, may be misleading. When acquiring therapy continuing education credits per state licensure mandates workshops, conferences, online classes, lectures, and other options are available. Additionally, courses can be as short as one weekend or a few hours of an accredited online course, or may last as long as several months depending on the program and overall aim.

If you want to keep current in your field and benefit your clients, it is your responsibility to keep researching and learning throughout your career. To find out more information, check online for available classes and workshops. There are several organizations that offer both informal and formal training for those seeking licensure credits or simply to further their knowledge. In addition to being a great way to improve your skills, you will also be given the opportunity to network with other professionals to exchange valuable information and to create new contacts.