The DiaNova Institute

When studying, examining and researching what humans and other animals do sexually, sexology classifies what is like and what is dislike, i.e. the emic and epic.   Health and Intimacy Studies examines what is understood to be “normal” healthy, positive and legal sexual behavior in these contexts and compares, contrasts and analyzes it in light of what is “normative” sexual behavior.

Health and Intimacy Studies also includes examining the biology, physiology, endocrinology and evolution of human and other primate sexual behavior.  The range of examination includes but is not limited to everything from how humans become sexually aroused physiologically and hormonally; the interplay of sexuality and evolution, and, the intricacies of the socio-sexual response cycle.   The academic and scientific discipline of sexology cross pollinates not only with the aforementioned sciences but also the political, social, class, religious, educational and other social-cultural constructs, mores and values that influence how humans express and manifest sexuality.  To complete its context, Health and Intimacy Studies also compares and contrasts human sexual expression to that of other primates and less complex animals.

Students are able to identify, describe and explain the broad spectrum of human sexual expression and sexual health issues related to aging, disability, and sexually transmitted infections and diseases.  Legal and ethical issues, the history of Health and Intimacy Studies and the basic research methods and analytical tools used are addressed.

Students learn to identify describe, and explain what is considered normal trans-historically and trans-culturally, and what is actually statistically normative sexually in the human population.  The integration of social, cultural, religious, legal and medical institutions and constructs are examined and students can identify, describe and explain their effect upon human sexual expression through this program.

The program also teaches students to categorize and compare various manifestations of human sexuality from the perspective of like and dislike, emic and edic.  Professionals who are asked questions of a sexual nature, or who interact with human sexual behaviors gain broad-based, basic knowledge, skill and experience on the subject.  Teachers, counselors, social workers, mental and physical health professionals, legal and law enforcement professionals, pastors, rabbis, priests and other spiritual and community leaders can learn to address the subject from a non-judgmental perspective, identify the issues, and be able to provide accurate information and make a referral if necessary.

This program provides the broad-based, basic knowledge, skill and ability for students to continue onto the Clinical Health and Intimacy Studies Certificate Program and to special certificate programs to greater enhance their expertise in their respective fields.

Students are able to identify and describe issues of sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction pertaining to the various forms of human sexual expression that are associated with the broad and varied spectrum of human sexual expression.

Dysfunction and dissatisfaction relating to aging, physical and mental disabilities, disease, and sexually transmitted infection and diseases are taught and students will be able to identify and describe these issues.   Additionally, students learn how and gain the ability to provide treatment to suffering individuals who are experiencing dysfunction and dissatisfaction due to injury or trauma to the physical body, hormonal issues, aging, physical and/or mental disability, or sexually-transmitted infections or diseases.

Dysfunction and dissatisfaction related to social, cultural, religious, legal and medical institutions and constraints are also taught. Students learn the history of treating sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction, and the respective methods and modalities.  Research concerning the respective their respective effectiveness and/or potential harmfulness.  Experiential therapies, including those employing and/or involving various degrees of touch, cognitive reframing, and social skills are studied.  Students learn how to employ some of these methods as well.

Self-discovery and awareness of personal discomfort bias and misinformation regarding human sexuality are covered.  This process is designed and intended to empower students to be able to address any and all sexual matters in a non-judgmental and body positive as well as sex-positive perspective.