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Making the Connection: Sexuality and Reproductive Health
Part Two: For the Clinician

Many reproductive health care clinics have treated individuals’ sexuality needs as separate and distinct from contraceptive and other reproductive health needs. Practitioners are often not trained in addressing clients’ sexual health concerns. Clinics can help clients manage their sexual lives in a way consistent with the client’s values and goals for their sexual lives.

Practitioners have a unique opportunity to provide information, education, and counseling to clients who might otherwise have no other resource for help. Addressing sexual concerns directly with clients when they choose their method may improve how effectively they use contraception.

Skills and Training for Providers

Providers need special skills and knowledge to provide sexuality education and counseling to their clients. Providers need specialized training in sexuality that address these three components:

1. Cognitive. Practitioners need a sound and comprehensive information base about human sexuality, including human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and society and culture.

2. Attitudinal. Practitioners need the opportunity to develop an awareness and understanding of their own sexuality in order to increase their comfort level in addressing sexuality concerns. Providers will need to demonstrate acceptance of the diversity of values, beliefs, and life styles in the community they serve.

3. Skill. Practitioners should have opportunities to develop counseling and education skills. Any training program must also include opportunities for practice, and must be followed by close supervision in the clinic setting or field.

In addition to this specialized training, clinic providers who work with sexuality issues should demonstrate:

• an understanding and comfort level with their own sexuality;

• a comprehensive information base about sexuality, including anatomy, physiology, developmental sexuality, and marital and family dynamics;

• communication and counseling skills to address sensitive and controversial subjects;

• personal qualities such as emotional stability, patience, flexibility and a sense of humor;

• the understanding and control not to impose his/her viewpoints and values on clients, but to act as a catalyst to help others understand their own values;

• knowledge of when and where to refer clients with special problems and needs;

• an awareness of the community and sensitivity to community concerns; and

• the motivation and commitment to address the sexual health needs of clients.

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