Sexual counseling standards for the spinal cord-injured.

Spinal cord injury is one of the most prevalent disabilities in the United States today. The disability invariably affects sexual functioning challenging the usual ways one thinks about sexuality. Rehabilitation and development of standards of care for sexual counseling in this population are essential. Outlined in this article are proposed standards of care for sexual counseling of the spinal cord-injured (SCI) client. Theoretical approaches, provision of counseling and nurse-client objectives which support development of these standards are identified. Also included is a discussion of the preparation and role of the nurse in providing sexual counseling.