Application of the Sexual Values and Behaviors Discrepancy Model with Individual Adult Clients and Couples

A review of the counseling literature indicates that counselors and helping professionals at large may lack confidence in their assessment and treatment of issues related to sexuality. Founded in theory and empirical research, the Sexual Values and Behaviors Discrepancy Model (SVBDM) is a reflective model for counselors to assist their clients in safely reducing discrepancies between their ideal and practiced sexual values and behaviors. The SVBDM is comprised of three steps: Identification and Operationalization of Potential Sexual Issues, Counselor’s Self­-Assessment, and Reducing Discrepancies and Maintaining Safety.

This program seeks to increase attendees’ confidence in treating clients with issues related to sexuality and to develop attendees’ comfort with discussions regarding sex. We offer assessment strategies and case examples with individual adult clients and couples. Additionally, we will review the potential strengths and limitations of using this model to treat client issues related to sexuality.

After attending this introductory-level program, participants will be able to:

1. Assess clients for issues related to sex and sexuality.
2. Apply the Sexual Values and Behavior Discrepancy Model in their work with individual adult clients and couples.

This program meets APA’s continuing education STANDARD 1.1: Program content focuses on application of psychological assessment and/or intervention methods that have overall consistent and credible empirical support in the contemporary peer reviewed scientific literature beyond those publications and other types of communications devoted primarily to the promotion of the approach.

This program meets APA’s continuing education GOAL 3: Program will allow psychologists to maintain, develop, and increase competencies in order to improve services to the public and enhance contributions to the profession.

General Admission: $50.00

The Chicago School Staff/Faculty/Students/Alumni: $25.00

Community Partners/Site Supervisors: $25.00

Non-TCSPP Students: $25.00

ACSSW Members: Free

(Please email [email protected] for coupon code)

Refund Policy: 100% of tuition is refundable up to 48 hours before the program. Within 48 hours of the program, and at any point in Homestudy format, tuition is nonrefundable.

Zachary D. Bloom. PhD, LCPC, LMFT

Zachary D. Bloom is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working with diverse clients in a variety of settings. Dr. Bloom specializes in working with clients presenting to counseling with issues related to trauma, anger management, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Bloom conducts research pertaining to the influence of technology on romantic relationships.​ 

Belma Prasko, MA

Belma Prasko is a licensed professional counselor and graduate of Northeastern Illinois University’s M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Belma currently works as a child and adolescent family therapist in a partial hospitalization program treating families of young individuals presenting with symptoms of anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, disordered eating, and autism spectrum disorder. Belma is currently pursuing further education and applying to PhD programs in Counselor Education and Supervision.

Madelaine Romito, BA

Madelaine T. Romito is a graduate student in Northeastern Illinois University’s M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. She comes to field with experience conducting research on the intersection of body image, disordered eating, relationships, sexuality, and sociocultural factors, namely with adolescent and young adult populations. This fall, Madelaine looks forward to growing through a clinical internship serving adolescents and adults in PHP/IOP treatment for eating disorders as well as through her continued involvement in app- and web-based mental health intervention for young adults.

Bloom Z. D., Blount, A. J., Dillman Taylor, D., & Lipkin, G. (2019). The Sexual Values and Behaviors Discrepancy Model. Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education, 1(2), doi:10.34296/01021025

Bloom, Z. D., Gutierrez, D., Lambie, G. W., & Ali, S. (2016). Counselors’ comfort with sexuality, attitudes towards pornography, and propensity to assess and treat client issues related to pornography use. Journal of Mental Health Counseling. 28(4), 327­345. doi:10.17744/mehc.38.4.04

Heiden­ Rootes, K. M., Brimhall, A. S., Jankowski, P. J., & Reddick, G. T. (2017). Differentiation of self and clinicians’ perceptions of client sexual behavior as “problematic.”Contemporary Family Therapy: An International Journal, 39(3), 207­219. doi:10.1007/s10591­017­9412­3

Target Audience: Professional and graduate student counselors, couple and family therapists, social workers, and psychologists.

Psychologists. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.0 continuing education credits. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in its continuing education activities. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is also committed to conducting all activities in conformity with the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles for Psychologists. Participants are asked to be aware of the need for privacy and confidentiality throughout the program. If program content becomes stressful, participants are encouraged to process these feelings during discussion periods. 

Counselors/Clinical Counselors. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.0 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for counselors and clinical counselors. License Number: 197.000159

Social Workers. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.0 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for social workers. License Number: 159.001036

MFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs. Course meets the qualifications for 2.0 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. If you are licensed outside of California please check with your local licensing agency to to determine if they will accept these CEUs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to offer continuing education programming for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is an accredited or approved postsecondary institution that meets the requirements set forth in Sections 4980.54(f)(1), 4989.34, 4996.22(d)(1), or 4999.76(d) of the Code.

Non-Psychologists. Most licensing boards accept Continuing Education Credits sponsored by the American Psychological Association but non-psychologists are recommended to consult with their specific state-licensing board to ensure that APA-sponsored CE is acceptable.

*Participants must attend 100% of the program in order to obtain a Certificate of Attendance.

If participants have special needs, we will attempt to accommodate them. Please address questions, concerns and any complaints to [email protected]. There is no commercial support for this program nor are there any relationships between the CE Sponsor, presenting organization, presenter, program content, research, grants, or other funding that could reasonably be construed as conflicts of interest.