The first batch of locally trained sex therapists graduated yesterday, ready to serve a community in which there is increasing demand for professional sexual advice.
The 29 graduates, mainly experienced doctors and social workers, took an eight-month course jointly organised by the Richmond Fellowship of Hong Kong and the Florida Postgraduate Sex Therapy Training Institute.
Matthew Yau Kwai-sang, assistant professor of the rehabilitation sciences department at Polytechnic University, helped to bring the course to Hong Kong. He said there was a huge demand for sex therapy in the city.
'I took the course in Florida in 2002, but it wasn't enough. Hong Kong people need such services and I can't meet the market need by myself.'
Professor Yau said the course was intensive and for professionals only.
'They are experienced professionals in their own fields, but what they know was not enough [to offer sex therapy]. They needed additional specific knowledge.'
Professor Yau said sex therapy offered much more than counselling services.