"One is not born a woman but, rather, becomes one".

Simone de Beauvoir

Sex, gender and sexuality have been of ongoing interest to theorists and practitioners since the birth of the counselling and psychotherapy profession. This course aims to provide a critical examination of sex, sexualities and genders in relation to counselling theories and practices. It will examine the development of both scientific and therapeutic perspectives on gender, sexuality and sexual orientation, and will consider the relevance of these perspectives for contemporary therapeutic practice. Content will include: models for understanding sex, gender, sexuality and sexual orientation; key philosophical concepts; an introduction to psychosexual work with sexual dysfunctions; sexual orientations in the counselling room; gay-affirmative therapy and its critics; work with transgender and intersex clients; and relevant research findings. Participants will consider the values which impact on their therapeutic work with sexuality, sexual orientation and gender and will be encouraged to explore their own perspectives through experiential exercises, dialogue and group work.