Psychological Treatment For Intersex Patients

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Intersexuality

Syndromes of Abnormal Sex Differentiaton

Psychological Treatment For Intersex Patients

1. Who should receive counseling?

In our opinion, all intersex patients and family members should seriously consider counseling. Counseling can be provided by a pediatric endocrinologist, psychologist, psychiatrist, clergyman, genetic counselor or other individual the family is comfortable talking with. It is important, however, that the individual offering counseling services be very familiar with diagnostic and treatment issues related to intersex conditions. Additionally, it is helpful if the counselor has a background in sex therapy or sex counseling.

The following topics are often addressed during counseling sessions: knowledge about condition and treatment, infertility, sexual orientation, sexual function and genetic counseling. At different times throughout their lives, we think that all patients and parents are troubled by a number of these topics and could therefore benefit from counseling.

2. How long do patients and family members need to see a counselor?

Each person is different in their need for counseling. We believe individuals benefit from talking to a counselor throughout life, but that the need to do so may increase or decrease at different points in development. For example, parents may seek the service of a counselor more frequently as their child ages and subsequently asks more questions about their condition. Additionally, patients may find it particularly helpful to seek the services of a counselor once they have decided to become sexually active.

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