When it comes to building a meaningful and impactful career in sexual health, your professional community matters. Whether you're seeking to expand your network, form lifelong friendships, collaborate with like-minded experts, or travel the world while deepening your knowledge, Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) offers all of this and more. In fact, we recently asked our community what kind of professional community matters most to them. The results reflect the diversity of goals and values within our growing network of professionals.
Below, we take a look at how SHA supports every aspect of your journey as an in-demand sexual health professional.
Networking Opportunities: Building Connections That Grow Your Career
If you chose "Networking Opportunities," you know how crucial it is to connect with others in the field. At SHA, we make professional networking a core part of your experience. From the moment you begin your certification journey, you'll find yourself surrounded by therapists, educators, coaches, researchers, and other professionals who are as passionate about sexual health as you are.
Here’s how SHA supports your networking goals:
Monthly virtual events to connect with the experts in the field, ask questions, and get to know other professionals
Access to our private Facebook group where members share referrals, resources, and career opportunities
In-person gatherings at our Annual Sexological Conference
Advanced SAR (Sexual Attitude Reassessment) sessions with built-in time for activities and to connect with peers
Study Abroad programs where you'll travel with a cohort of fellow professionals and learn from experts like Dr. Justin Lehmiller, as well as local industry leaders
SHA provides the perfect setting for building authentic connections that can lead to future collaborations, job opportunities, and a deeper sense of community.
Lifelong Friendships: Finding Your People in Sexual Health
SHA isn't just about professional development; it's about personal growth and human connection. Many of our students and alumni say that one of the most rewarding aspects of their experience is the friendships they've formed.
Working in sexual health can sometimes feel isolating—especially if you're the only one in your city or community doing this kind of work. That's why SHA intentionally creates spaces where people can meet, bond, and support each other.
Ways SHA fosters friendship:
Connection with students and alumni in our private Facebook Community (Find others in your area or connect based on interests)
Breakout rooms and discussion groups during live, virtual events
Social activities during Study Abroad trips
After-hours activities and networking during SHA’s Annual Conference (Attend a film screening, dance at our Masquerade Ball, or play trivia together)
These friendships often turn into accountability partnerships, supportive collaborations, and lasting bonds that carry through both personal and professional life.
Collaboration Projects: Innovate and Create with Fellow Experts
If you're someone who loves brainstorming, building, and launching new ideas, collaboration is probably high on your list. SHA is the birthplace of countless joint projects, from podcast series and online courses to published research and group practices.
SHA encourages collaboration through:
SHA Business School and SHA Business Summit events, where professionals team up on new projects
Guest speaking and co-hosting opportunities within the SHA network (Our students, alumni, and expert presenters are some of the top sexuality podcast hosts)
Opportunities to share upcoming projects and business ventures with the SHA Community
The synergy among SHA professionals often leads to powerful outcomes that elevate the field of sexual health and open up new opportunities for everyone involved.
Travel and Events: Experience the World While You Learn
For many SHA students and alumni, travel is more than just a perk—it's a source of inspiration and personal transformation. Through our immersive Study Abroad programs, participants learn from local experts, engage with global sexual health models, and build friendships that transcend borders.
Travel highlights at SHA include:
Our annual Study Abroad programs in cities like Amsterdam, Prague, Barcelona, and Iceland
SHA’s in-person Annual Sexological Conference, hosted in breathtaking Denver, Colorado
Advanced SARs that combine immersive learning with personal exploration
These experiences are as enriching as they are educational, giving you fresh perspectives that directly inform your work as a sexual health professional.
SHA: The Most Supportive Community in Sexual Health
Regardless of which answer you picked in our poll, SHA delivers on all fronts. We understand that your growth as a professional is directly tied to the community you surround yourself with. That’s why we’ve built a global network that supports you through every step of your career.
When you join SHA, you become part of a community that offers:
Comprehensive certification programs
Continuing education and specialty training (SHA Students and Alumni receive up to 50% off advanced certifications and online continuing education weekends)
Monthly networking opportunities at SHA’s online expert events
Life-changing Study Abroad programs
A vibrant global alumni network across 70+ countries
You don’t have to do this work alone. With SHA, you're part of a movement that is changing the face of sexual health—together.
Become an In-Demand Sexual Health Professional
If you're looking for a professional community that supports your growth, inspires your creativity, and empowers you to do your best work, Sexual Health Alliance is the place to be. Our certification programs in sex therapy, sex education, sex coaching, and sexuality counseling are designed with both expertise and connection in mind.
Explore our upcoming events, join one of our global Study Abroad programs, or get started on your certification journey today. No matter where you are in your career, SHA is here to help you connect, grow, and thrive.
Ready to find your people? Apply now and become a part of the SHA SEXceptional Community!
Want to become an in-demand sexual health professional? Learn more about becoming certified with SHA!
