CNSL 687 examines how race, religion, culture, health, technology and social justice shape sexual values and behavior, and what that means for ethical sex therapy.
It is a 3-credit elective in UMGC's M.S. in Clinical Professional Counseling. UMGC lists CNSL 606, CNSL 612 and CNSL 627 as prerequisites, with CNSL 653 or CNSL 685 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
The course reviews diversity in sexual expression and lifestyles, the role of technology in pleasure and in maladaptive use, and the history of sex therapy research.
The challenge is breadth. One week may focus on religion and sexual values, the next on online sexual behavior or medical conditions, and every topic ends in the same question: what would ethical, competent practice look like here?
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) |
| Course code | CNSL 687 |
| Credits | 3 (graduate) |
| Prerequisites | CNSL 606, 612 and 627; CNSL 653 or 685 before or alongside |
| Subject area | Sexuality, diversity and ethics in counseling |
| Typical work | Ethical dilemma analyses, research papers, cultural reflections, discussions |
What CNSL 687 Covers
- Sociocultural influences: how race, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender and ability shape sexual values, attitudes and behavior.
- Social justice: how discrimination and inequality can affect sexual functioning and satisfaction.
- Diverse expression and lifestyles: the specific considerations different populations bring to counseling.
- Medical influences: how health conditions and treatment affect sexuality.
- Technology: its use for pleasure enhancement and the risks of maladaptive use.
- History and ethics: the history of sex therapy research and ethical decision-making in sex therapy.
Key Concepts Explained
Intersectionality
Intersectionality means a client's identities combine rather than add up separately. A paper that discusses race, faith and disability one at a time misses how they interact in one person's life.
Example: A young adult from a devout family who uses a wheelchair says they feel "not allowed" to be sexual. Faith teachings, family expectations and social assumptions that disabled people are not sexual all meet in that statement. A strong analysis explores each and how they reinforce each other before suggesting goals.
Ethical Decision-Making Models
Counseling ethics assignments usually ask you to work through a model: identify the problem, consult the ACA Code of Ethics and relevant law, consider the client's culture and welfare, generate options, consider consequences and choose, then document. Naming the specific code sections that apply makes the analysis concrete.
Technology: Use and Misuse
Technology can support sexual wellbeing (information, connection, devices) and can also become a problem when use feels out of control or harms relationships. Good answers avoid assuming either extreme and assess what the behavior means for this client.
The History of Sex Therapy Research
The course asks you to understand how the field developed. Papers commonly trace the line from Kinsey's large surveys of sexual behavior, to Masters and Johnson's laboratory studies of sexual response and their brief couples therapy, to Kaplan's integration of behavioral tasks with psychodynamic ideas.
Later work broadened the field's view of desire, relationships and diversity.
When writing about history, evaluate as well as describe. Ask who was studied, who was left out, and how those choices shaped what counted as "normal" for decades. That critical angle links history directly to the diversity focus of the course.
Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them
| Assignment type | What it tests | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Ethical dilemma paper | Use of a decision model and code | Follow each step in order and cite specific code standards |
| Population research paper | Knowledge of one group's needs | Use current peer-reviewed sources and end with practice guidance |
| Cultural self-assessment | Awareness of your own values | Give concrete examples and a plan for managing bias |
| Technology case | Balanced assessment | Assess function, harm and the client's own goals |
Trauma-Informed Work and Referral
UMGC's description gives particular weight to the short- and long-term effects of sexual abuse and trauma on sexual functioning. Trauma-informed practice rests on safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration and empowerment. In a sex therapy context, that means the client sets the pace, can stop any exercise, and understands why each step is suggested.
A plan for a survivor usually begins with stabilization and coping skills, then explores the meaning of sexual difficulties, and only later introduces behavioral tasks if the client wants them. Written work should show that sequence clearly.
The course also covers collaboration and referral. Sexual concerns often need input from other professionals, such as a physician to assess medical or medication causes, a pelvic floor physiotherapist for pain conditions, or a psychiatrist for medication review.
A good treatment plan names who you would consult, what you would share with consent, and how care will be coordinated.
Where Students Get Stuck
- Listing groups instead of analyzing. Pick depth over coverage and explain clinical implications.
- Vague ethics. "Respect the client" is not an analysis; cite the standard and apply it.
- Outdated sources. Language and research on sexual diversity change quickly; prefer recent work.
Study Tips for CNSL 687
- Keep the ACA Code of Ethics open while writing and note section numbers as you go.
- Write a short case for each week's population to test your understanding.
- Connect each topic back to sex therapy practice, since that is the course's end goal.
How We Help with CNSL 687
Send the prompt, rubric, readings and any feedback. A counseling writer can prepare a model ethics analysis or research paper, explain decision-making models, or edit your draft for depth and APA style.
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Frequently Asked Questions
UMGC lists CNSL 606, CNSL 612 and CNSL 627, plus CNSL 653 or CNSL 685 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Yes. UMGC lists it among the approved electives in the M.S. in Clinical Professional Counseling.
Yes. It explores technology used for pleasure enhancement and the risks of maladaptive use.
Counseling programs usually expect the ACA Code of Ethics; check your syllabus for any additional codes or state rules.
CNSL 685 focuses on development across the lifespan; CNSL 687 focuses on cultural, medical, technological and ethical influences.
Yes. We can suggest focused options that fit the prompt and have enough current research.