Sexual counseling--a new role for speech pathologists?

Sexual intercourse is discussed as a form of nonverbal human communication. During periods of good health, sexual intercourse contributes to the sense of personal worth and to the integrity of marriage. Following episodes of ill health, unresolved sexual difficulties contribute to loss of self-esteem, constitute barriers to clinical progress, and enhance marital discord. Speech pathologists are advised to give more attention to the sexuality of their patients, especially to those who are aphasic. With proper training, selected speech pathologists may find themselves ideally suited to incorporate sexual counseling in their clinical armamentarium.