Exam Preparation Notes

Class Attendance & Burnout

• Concern over low class attendance; acknowledging fatigue towards the end of the semester.
• Importance of attending classes and avoiding a downward spiral due to missed content.
• Reminder that students have just begun their programs, and burnout shouldn't occur yet.

Fall Registration Issues

• Discussion around challenges of registering for fall classes, especially lack of class offerings.
• Mention about program revamping and adjustments in class availability (advanced practice courses).

Class Structure & Material Management

• Acknowledgment of difficulty in delivering course material within a limited time frame (2 hours).
• Plans to develop and share a study guide within the next two days.

Class Expectations and Due Dates

• Recap of class structure changes; consideration of extending due dates for assignments (currently on Thursdays/Fridays).
• Clarification of the case study due date priority over quizzes.
• Reminder for students to manage and track assignment deadlines effectively.

Class Environment & Communication

• Importance of open communication for students regarding due dates and assignment status.
• Willingness to discuss extensions or changes to due dates as needed for student wellbeing.

Discussion on Group Assignments

• Students express preference for individual assignments rather than group assignments going forward.

Self-Care & Support

• Emphasis on self-care amidst the demands of coursework and multiple classes.
• Acknowledging the difficulty in maintaining academic performance alongside personal responsibilities and other classes.

Understanding Sexual Dysfunctions

• Introduction of sexual dysfunctions with definitions and examples.
• Emphasis on clinical assessments and understanding causes behind sexual dysfunctions, including impact of medications (e.g., SSRIs).
• Discussion about female orgasmic disorder and its criteria (marked delay or absence of orgasm).
• Description of female sexual interest/arousal disorder and presentation criteria.

Gender Dysphoria

• Explanation of gender dysphoria, differences between assigned gender and self-identification.
• Mention of the impact of societal changes, access to care, and importance of respectful treatment towards individuals with gender dysphoria.
• Understanding gender identity and nonconformity from a psychological, social, and medical perspective.

Paraphilic Disorders

• Overview of paraphilic disorders, including voyeuristic disorder, exhibitionist disorder, and other fetishes.
• Discussion of societal perceptions of these disorders and implications for mental health treatment.
• Mention of documentaries discussing voyeurism and societal issues around sexual deviance.

Navigating Sensitive Topics as Practitioners

• Acknowledgment of the challenges faced when addressing potentially traumatic topics within clinical settings.
• Discussion around maintaining a nonjudgmental and professional stance when working with clients exhibiting deviant sexual behaviors.
• The importance of examining biases and values to provide empathetic care to all clients.

Conclusion and Encouragement

• Encouragement for students to engage with varied perspectives and continue learning about complex psychological topics.
• Reminder to practice self-care amidst studying, to utilize study resources effectively, and to keep open communication with instructors and peers.