CNSL 688 is UMGC's applied sex therapy course: it teaches how to assess, diagnose and treat sexual concerns, including those linked to trauma, health, relationships and environment.
It is a 3-credit elective in the M.S. in Clinical Professional Counseling. UMGC lists CNSL 606, 612, 627, 628 and CNSL 653 (or 685) as prerequisites, with CNSL 687 before or alongside it.
The course covers sexual dysfunctions, out-of-control sexual behavior and paraphilic disorders, the effects of sexual abuse, and referral and collaboration with other healthcare providers.
It is the most clinical of the three sexuality electives. Assignments expect accurate diagnostic reasoning, a clear rationale for the chosen model, and a plan that looks after the client's safety and wellbeing.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) |
| Course code | CNSL 688 |
| Credits | 3 (graduate) |
| Prerequisites | CNSL 606, 612, 627, 628 and 653 (or 685); CNSL 687 before or alongside |
| Subject area | Clinical sex therapy |
| Typical work | Case conceptualizations, diagnostic write-ups, treatment plans, discussions |
What CNSL 688 Covers
| Area | What you learn |
|---|---|
| Assessment and diagnosis | Using the DSM-5-TR to assess psychosexual disorders and rule out other causes |
| Causes of sexual issues | Trauma, medical and mental health factors, relational and environmental factors |
| Models and theories | Individual and relational approaches to treating sexual functioning issues |
| Behavior and paraphilias | Out-of-control sexual behavior and paraphilic disorders |
| Abuse and trauma | Short- and long-term effects on sexual functioning; trauma-informed work with survivors |
| Integrated care | Professional communication, collaboration, supervision and referral |
Key Concepts Explained
Diagnosing a Sexual Dysfunction
DSM-5-TR sexual dysfunctions include erectile disorder, female sexual interest/arousal disorder, female orgasmic disorder, delayed ejaculation, premature (early) ejaculation, genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, male hypoactive sexual desire disorder and substance/medication-induced sexual dysfunction.
Most require that the problem persists for about six months and causes significant distress, and that it is not better explained by another disorder, relationship distress, other stressors or a substance or medical condition.
Example: A client reports erection difficulties for three months since starting an SSRI. The duration is short and the timing points to medication, so a write-up would consider substance/medication-induced sexual dysfunction, recommend liaison with the prescriber, and avoid diagnosing erectile disorder at this stage.
Paraphilia Versus Paraphilic Disorder
The DSM-5-TR separates an unusual sexual interest (a paraphilia) from a paraphilic disorder, which requires distress or impairment, or acting on urges with a non-consenting person. Assignments test whether you can apply that distinction without stigma.
Treatment Models
Common approaches include the PLISSIT model (Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, Intensive Therapy), sensate focus exercises developed by Masters and Johnson, cognitive-behavioral work on anxiety and beliefs, and couples or systemic approaches. A strong plan explains why the model fits the client.
Ethics in Sex Therapy
Clinical work on sexuality requires clear boundaries, informed consent for any homework exercises, sensitivity to culture and religion, and practicing within competence. Case papers should state when a concern goes beyond your training and how you would refer.
Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them
| Assignment type | What it tests | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic case write-up | Accurate use of criteria | Match each symptom to a criterion and state what you ruled out |
| Treatment plan | Model choice and goals | Write measurable goals, interventions and a referral plan |
| Trauma-informed case | Safety and pacing | Prioritize safety, choice and stabilization before sexual goals |
| Model comparison paper | Theory knowledge | Compare fit, evidence and limits for one presenting concern |
Running a Sexual Health Assessment
Case assignments often ask what you would assess before diagnosing. A thorough assessment usually covers the presenting concern in the client's own words, onset and duration, situations where the problem does and does not occur, medical history and medications, mental health, substance use, relationship context, trauma history (asked with care), cultural and religious values, and the client's goals.
Asking whether the problem happens in all situations or only some helps separate lifelong from acquired, and generalized from situational, presentations, which the DSM-5-TR specifiers require.
Where Students Get Stuck
- Missing medical causes. Always consider health conditions and medication, and recommend medical evaluation where relevant.
- Diagnosing too fast. Check duration, distress and exclusions before naming a disorder.
- Ignoring the partner. Many concerns are relational; say whether couples work fits.
- Rushing trauma work. Treatment plans that start with sexual tasks for a survivor miss the trauma-informed focus.
Study Tips for CNSL 688
- Make a criteria table for each DSM-5-TR sexual dysfunction with its key exclusions.
- Practice one case a week from assessment to referral.
- Learn when to refer: physicians, pelvic floor physiotherapists and psychiatrists are common partners.
How We Help with CNSL 688
Send the case, rubric, readings and feedback. A writer with counseling knowledge can prepare a model diagnostic write-up or treatment plan, explain the criteria, or edit your draft. Use fictional or fully de-identified case material only.
GradeEssays is independent of the University of Maryland Global Campus. Our work is a study aid: use it to learn, then submit your own work under UMGC's academic integrity policy. We never write documentation for real clients. Orders include free revisions within the scope of your original request.
Get Your CNSL 688 Case Right
Share the case, readings and feedback. We prepare a model treatment plan or review your draft for clinical accuracy.
Start My CNSL 688 HelpFree revisions · Full refund if late · Written from scratch for your order
Frequently Asked Questions
UMGC lists CNSL 606, 612, 627, 628 and CNSL 653 (or 685), with CNSL 687 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Yes. UMGC's description refers to psychosexual disorders in the DSM's current text revision.
Yes. It covers the effects of sexual abuse and trauma and develops skills for working with survivors through a trauma-informed lens.
No course alone confers certification. Certification bodies set their own education, supervision and experience requirements.
A graded model of intervention: Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions and Intensive Therapy, moving to deeper work only as needed.
Yes. Send the vignette and your write-up; we review the reasoning and explain any changes.