Talking about sex, sexuality and relationships with young people

This is an online, participative event on the Zoom meeting platform, organised by the Children, Adolescents & Families Specialist Interest Group (CAFSIG). For more details on the CAFSIG please see here.

The event will not be recorded.

A certificate of attendance will be issued for 5 x hours CPD.

Registration closes - Midday Monday 6 November. Places are limited though so book early to avoid disappointment.

Synopsis

Physical health, mental health, and overall wellbeing are all positively associated with sexual health and wellbeing; and healthy and happy relationships foster good mental health in a variety of different ways. Therefore, being competent in facilitating conversations about sex, sexuality and relationships is a necessary part of any health care professional’s work.

Effective, sensitive, and inclusive communication around sex and sexuality is vital for holistic support of all young people. This workshop aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and skills to have discussions about sex, sexuality, and relationships within the context of cognitive-behavioural therapy with young people.

The workshop will provide information and reflective exercises around discussing sex, sexuality and relationships with young people, with attention to diversity and inclusion woven throughout the day (e.g. working effectively and sensitively with LGBTQ+ youth, and exploration of minority stress and intersectionality). Read full synopsis and references here.

Aims / Objectives

• To develop an understanding of what topics, relating to sex, sexuality and relationships might arise in our services/practice.
  
• To develop a strong rationale for what is appropriate to be discussed, when and with whom (keeping the developmental level of the young person in mind) and within the context of CBT.
  
• To enhance understanding and self-awareness of how our own experiences, assumptions, beliefs and values can impact on our ability to comfortably and confidently raise and discuss topics around sex and sexuality with the young people we work with.
  
• To increase HCPs skills, comfort, and confidence to raise these topics sensitively and effectively with young people.
  
• Issues around safeguarding and what is considered typical healthy sexual behaviour in different age groups will also be discussed.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the workshop participants will be able to:

• Identify the sorts of topics that might arise in their work.
  
• Communicate the rationale for discussion of different topics to young people and parents/carers within CBT sessions.
  
• Reflect on one's own experiences, beliefs, assumptions and values, and how they may positively or negatively impact our ability to comfortably and confidently raise these topics with young people.
• Consider issues of equality, diversity and inclusion when talking about sex and sexuality to different young people.
• Outline five practical tips on how to have sensitive and effective conversations about sex and sexuality with young people.