Counselors’ Perception of Sexuality in Counseling: A Pilot Study

Authors

  • Wenndy Dupkoski Mallicoat Walden University

Keywords:

Sexuality, Counseling, Training, Supervision, Education

Abstract

In spite of a recent emphasis on the developmental nature of sexuality, the counseling profession does not promote a consistent definition of sexuality or guidelines for conducting sexuality counseling. Using a qualitative approach, this study was conducted to examine the construct “sexuality” and “sexuality counseling” from counselors’ perspectives. One synchronous online focus group and two online individual interviews were conducted with counselors predominantly in the Southeastern United States. Themes from the data include:  sexuality is multi-dimensional; sexuality is developmental; sexuality counseling is dialectical; and sexuality training in counseling is insufficient. Implications of these findings for counselors, counselor education, training, and supervision are discussed.

Author Biography

Wenndy Dupkoski Mallicoat, Walden University

Dr. Mallicoat is a contributing faculty member at Walden University in the Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling program. She is also the facilitator for the Sexual Wellness in Counseling Interest Network (SWIC) of the American Counseling Association. She provides counseling, consultation, and supervision in her private practice.

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Published

2014-08-13

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2014)

Section

Articles

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