Therapist values : Assessing and treating traditional and non-traditional relationships

A common mental health assumption exists that all clinicians should be able to treat all problems and all clients. An unspoken belief among many clinicians is that nontraditional sexual preferences and feelings are driven by psychopathology. In contrast, in order to provide high-quality clinical treatment, a positive sexual health model advocates that the clinician exhibits interest in the client’s sexual issue, be trained and competent with the presenting problem, and provide therapy congruent with the clinician’s personal and professional values. Nontraditional clients and couples deserve that sexuality plays a positive role in their lives and relationship. Although the clinician needs to assess for psychopathology, it is crucial that the therapist not assume that nontraditional sexuality is motivated by psychopathology. All clients/couples deserve to be treated empathically and respectfully and receive high-quality mental health and sex therapy services.