Sexual Wellbeing: Why It Matters For Adolescents Who Cause Harm

Developing consensual sexual relationships can be a challenge particularly in the context of adolescents with problem sexual behaviors. Bringing discussions of healthy sexuality to our clients necessitates candor and a comprehensive sexuality education approach. Yet how do we create an atmosphere of positive, non-coercive, and pleasurable sexual expression for adolescents with problem sexual behaviors? Using a public health model which incorporates sexual health, sexual pleasure, sexual wellbeing, and sexual justice (Mitchell et al., 2021) and the Circles of Sexuality (Dailey, 1981), we can offer our clients an opportunity to develop the tools they need for consensual sexual and intimate relationships. This session will offer participants the most up-to-date research on effectiveness of comprehensive sexuality education, three models of comprehensive sexuality education for psychoeducational groups, ideas for the application of these approaches, and an overview of the challenges adolescents with problem sexual behaviors face.

Presenter: Jane Fleishman, Ph.D., M.Ed., MS, AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator
Presentation Date: January 30, 2024

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this Lunch and Learn session, attendees will understand and be able to:

1. Discuss the effectiveness of using a comprehensive sexuality education approach with adolescents with problem sexual behaviors,
2. Describe one model for comprehensive sexuality education, and
3. Apply one aspect of this session to your work with adolescents with problem sexual behaviors, especially those who are from marginalized identities.