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Sexual counseling and spinal cord injury

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Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) may result in significant disruption of physical, social, vocational, psychological and sexual function. As an integral component of human behavior, it is a mistake to isolate and treat sexual activity as a separate entity, or to ignore it entirely in the rehabilitation setting. This article reviews the important variables that influence the ability of spinal cord injured individuals to perceive of self and act as a sexual being. Assessment issues are addressed, with a specific focus on those aspects of assessment that are unique to or need special consideration in treating spinal cord injured individuals. The PLISSIT mode of sex therapy is described to illustrate the interventions used with the spinal cord injured client. This model is utilized because it allows each staff member to participate according to their level of skill, knowledge, and comfort. This article demonstrates that through use of multiple therapeutic modalities it is possible for the spinal cord injured client to be rehabilitated to a satisfactory level of sexuality.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sexuality Clinic, Casa Colina Hospital for Rehabilitative Medicine, 255 E. Bonita Avenue, 91767, Pomona, CA

    Marilynn A. Lemon M.S. (R.N.)

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  1. Marilynn A. Lemon M.S.
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Lemon, M.A. Sexual counseling and spinal cord injury. Sex Disabil 11, 73–97 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01102310

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01102310

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