Sexual Health Conversations in Counseling: Exploring Comfort, Knowledge, and Practice Online
Counselors, regardless of specialty, will likely need to engage in conversations about sexual health with clients at some point in their careers (Hipp & Carlson, 2019). Counselors and mental health professionals alike are found to be hesitant to engage in sexual health-related discussions with their clients (Bungener et a., 2022; Hipp & Carlson, 2019). The current literature notes various explanations, including but not limited to developmental appropriateness concerns, lack of knowledge or training, and avoidance due to personal discomfort (Berry & Lezos, 2017; Cardona et al., 2022; Hipp & Carlson, 2019), which create risks of rupturing the therapeutic relationship, missed opportunities for assessment and referral, and, in turn, potential client harm (Brammer & Goodrich, 2022). This hesitancy is evident across counselor experience levels (Canvin et al., 2023). Emerging research has demonstrated knowledge as an important factor in improving comfort with sexuality (Mize & Ausloos, 2026). It is important for counselors, both generalist and specialized, to understand the role of sexual health and wellness in counseling practice (Pope et al., 2024).
The webinar will explore the role of sexual health conversations within counseling practice and review current research related to counselor comfort, knowledge, and engagement with sexual health concerns. Ethical considerations and professional responsibilities related to addressing sexual health in counseling will also be discussed. Through case examples and reflective activities, attendees will examine factors that may facilitate or hinder engagement in sexual health conversations and consider how these factors may influence client care and clinical decision-making. Practical strategies for initiating and navigating sexual health conversations in ethical, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate ways will be provided.
Presented by Jerry L. Mize, MA, MEd, LPC, NCC
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This program, when attended in its entirety, offers 2.0 CEs for Psychologists, 2.0 IL CEUs for Counselors and Social Workers, 2.0 BBS California CEUs for LPCCs, LPSWs, and LMFTs, 2.0 AASECT CEUs for Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, or 2.0 NBCC Clock Hours.
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PROGRAM PRICING:
- ACSSW Members: $10.00
- General Admission: $50.00
- The Chicago School Staff/Faculty/Alumni: $25.00*
- Community Partners/Site Supervisors: $25.00*
- Students: $25.00*
(*Please email officeofce@thechicagoschool.edu for coupon code. Code must be entered at time of checkout to receive discount.)
Refund Policy: 100% of tuition is refundable up to 48 hours before the program. Within 48 hours of the program, and at any point in Homestudy format, tuition is nonrefundable.
- Date:
- Friday, September 18, 2026
- Time:
- 10:00am - 12:00pm
- Time Zone:
- Central Time - US & Canada (change)
- Online:
- This is an online event.
- Event URL:
- https://tcsppofficeofce.com/sept_18_2026
- Audience:
- All Graduate Students All Students Alumni Doctoral Students Faculty Masters Students Public The Chicago School Community Undergraduate Students