Have you ever felt like you didn’t get enough information on sexual health during your medical or mental health training?
““Unfortunately, there has been minimal inclusion of sexual health in most undergraduate medical and nursing curricula. Hence, most health professionals are inadequately prepared to address sexual health concerns in patients. Additionally, there have been few opportunities for postgraduate training in sexual health.” ”
Sexual Health Alliance is here to help fill the gap in your education. You can enhance your practice and benefit your clients or patients by integrating sex therapy into your existing services. Whether you’re a medical professional, a mental health counselor, or a therapist, being knowledgeable about sexual health can transform your practice. Let’s talk about the benefits, the steps to get certified, and how you can make sexual health a vital part of your professional toolkit.
Why Integrate Sex Therapy?
So, why should you consider adding sex therapy to your practice? Sexual health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, yet it's often overlooked in healthcare settings.
““Factors for health professionals failing to identify and manage patients with sexual dysfunction could be time constraints, low awareness of sexual dysfunction, lack of training about diagnostic tools and treatment options, cultural barriers and fear of broaching the topic.” ”
Enhancing sexual health in primary care: Guidance for practitioners
By incorporating sex therapy into your services, you can:
Address a Common Concern: Many clients experience sexual health issues, from intimacy problems to sexual dysfunction, and they often feel uncomfortable discussing them. By openly offering sex therapy, you create a safe space for clients to discuss these concerns.
Enhance Client Satisfaction: Addressing sexual health can significantly improve a client’s quality of life, leading to greater satisfaction with your services.
Increase Your Skill Set: Being knowledgeable in sex therapy not only broadens your expertise but also makes your practice more comprehensive.
Boost Your Practice’s Appeal: Offering specialized services like sex therapy can set your practice apart and attract new clients.
Becoming Knowledgeable About Sexual Health
Let’s break down some of the key benefits of understanding sexual health:
Improved Communication
Knowledge about sexual health empowers you to have open and informed conversations with your clients. It equips you to address sensitive topics with confidence and empathy, helping clients feel comfortable and understood.
Holistic Approach
Integrating sexual health into your practice allows you to take a holistic approach to client care. You can address physical, emotional, and relational aspects of well-being, leading to more comprehensive and effective treatment plans.
Increased Awareness
Being informed about sexual health issues increases your awareness of the diverse needs of your clients. This awareness helps you provide inclusive and culturally sensitive care to individuals of all backgrounds and orientations.
Enhanced Professional Growth
Expanding your knowledge in this area fosters professional growth and development. It positions you as a well-rounded and versatile practitioner, ready to tackle a wide range of client concerns.
““In addition to helping providers better understand their patients’ values, sexual health assessment provides information that may not come out during a standard clinical assessment.” ”
(Sexual Health Assessment Is Vital to Whole Health Models of Care)
Steps to Get Certified in Sex Therapy
Ready to take the plunge into sex therapy? Here’s how you can get started:
1. Assess Your Current Qualifications
Before diving into certification, assess your current qualifications and determine what additional education or training you may need. Most certification programs require a background in mental health or healthcare fields. If you’re not licensed in your state (or plan to be licensed), other certification options are available to you such as sexuality educator, sexuality counselor, or sexuality coach.
2. Choose a Certification Program
Selecting the right certification program is crucial. Look for a program that aligns with your goals, offers comprehensive training, and is recognized by reputable organizations.
Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) offers a premier certification program in sex therapy that’s perfect for health professionals like you. SHA’s program is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to incorporate sex therapy into your practice confidently. If you don’t meet the minimum requirements for sex therapy certification, SHA offers a variety of other programs where you can obtain the education you need.
3. Complete Required Training
Once you’ve chosen a program, complete the required coursework and training. This will typically involve a combination of online courses, workshops, and supervised clinical practice. In SHA’s sex therapy certification program, students combine self-paced coursework with live, online workshops to earn their certification. This can be completed 100% remotely. For those interested in AASECT certification for sex therapy, SHA offers a supervision program that can be included in tuition.
4. Gain Practical Experience
Practical experience is vital in developing your skills as a sex therapist. Engage in supervised practice to apply your learning in real-world scenarios and receive valuable feedback from experienced professionals. If you are already a practicing health professional, chances are you have clients who will benefit from your new knowledge and skillset. SHA offers a sex therapy supervision program so that you can complete the 50 hours of supervision required by AASECT to obtain your additional AASECT credential.
5. Obtain Certification
After completing the necessary training and gaining practical experience, you’ll be ready to obtain certification. Certification not only validates your expertise but also enhances your credibility as a healthcare professional. A Sexual Health Alliance sex therapy certification is recognized globally. If you are interested in an additional certification from AASECT, your SHA course will provide the education needed for that additional credential.
How SHA Can Help Health Professionals with Sex Therapy Certification
Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) offers comprehensive certification programs that benefit medical and mental health professionals. Here’s how SHA can support you on your journey:
Expert-Led Courses
SHA provides expert-led courses that cover a wide range of topics in sexual health and therapy. Learn from leading professionals in the field and gain insights from their experiences. Students have a chance to ask the experts questions on live, online weekends.
Flexible Learning Options
SHA’s programs are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing you to learn at your own pace. With a combination of self-paced online modules and your choice of live, online weekend events, you can create your own learning schedule.
Networking Opportunities
One of the best things about SHA is our active and engaged community! Join a community of like-minded professionals and connect with others who share your passion for sexual health. SHA offers networking opportunities that allow you to build relationships and share knowledge with peers. You can attend one-of-a-kind immersive events like SHA Study Abroad or the Annual Sexological Conference.
Ongoing Support
SHA is committed to supporting your professional growth beyond certification. Access resources, attend conferences, and participate in continuing education opportunities to stay updated in the field. SHA offers a private student and alumni group where you can stay connected with your peers. We also offer lifetime discounts to our online continuing education events and SHA specialty programs.
SHA Specialty Certification Programs:
Become a well-rounded and empathetic healthcare provider
Integrating sex therapy into your existing practice is a rewarding decision that can greatly benefit your clients and enhance your professional growth. By becoming knowledgeable about sexual health and obtaining certification, you position yourself as a well-rounded and empathetic healthcare provider.
Sexual Health Alliance is here to support you every step of the way. Their comprehensive certification programs offer the training and resources you need to confidently incorporate sex therapy into your practice. Whether you’re looking to expand your skill set or attract new clients, integrating sex therapy is a valuable addition to any healthcare practice.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of sexual health and make a positive impact on the lives of your clients today. Your journey to becoming a certified sex therapist starts here!
Is your calling to educate, counsel, or coach in the realm of sexuality? Click here to take our insightful quiz, 'Shape the Future of Sexuality: Which Certification Is Your Calling?' and discover the SHA certification program that matches your unique talents and aspirations.