At Sexual Health Alliance (SHA), our mission goes far beyond offering certifications, it’s about transforming professionals into leaders, advocates, and changemakers in the field of human sexuality. One inspiring example of this is Courtney Johnson-Benson, a graduate of SHA’s Sexuality Counselor program whose journey shows how the right educational environment can launch not just a career, but a movement.
While Courtney’s story is uniquely her own, it reflects the broader goals of SHA’s programs: to empower professionals through progressive, clinically grounded training in sexuality, gender, and pleasure, and to foster a community that supports innovation, personal growth, and social impact.
What Is the SHA Sexuality Counselor Program?
SHA’s Sexuality Counselor program is a comprehensive certification designed for professionals who want to deepen their clinical knowledge in human sexuality while building the practical skills needed to work with clients in therapeutic or educational settings. The program focuses on:
Evidence-based clinical practices
Intersectional approaches to pleasure, identity, and gender
Inclusivity and cultural competency
Real-world application of sexuality education in counseling contexts
Building a supportive professional network
Graduates of this program become sexuality counselors who can work in private practice, integrate their knowledge into existing clinical or coaching services, or even build entirely new businesses around their passions and expertise.
From Certification to Entrepreneurship: Courtney’s Story
In 2024, Courtney Johnson-Benson completed the Sexuality Counselor certification through SHA. But for her, it wasn’t just a credential, it was a catalyst.
Armed with her doctorate in human sexuality and newly acquired counseling skills, she launched Seasoned Sexuality, a private practice and educational platform designed to meet the nuanced needs of clients seeking support around identity, intimacy, and pleasure. The SHA community helped her not only refine her clinical tools but also gave her the confidence to carve out her own space in the field.
“As someone who after completing my doctorate in human sexuality is actually looking to be a clinician, that was directly because of the folks that I interacted with at SHA. They were doing amazing work supporting folks and really trying to change the way we view pleasure and sexuality and gender through a clinician lens.”
Her story reflects something crucial: SHA’s programs don’t just produce professionals, they empower entrepreneurs, educators, and advocates who are ready to make a lasting impact.
The SHA Difference: Why Our Training Goes Further
SHA’s approach stands out because it’s rooted in real-world challenges and forward-thinking solutions. For students like Courtney, this means being trained in how to approach sexuality not as a problem to solve, but as an essential part of human experience that deserves respect, understanding, and clinical sensitivity.
Key program benefits include:
A progressive curriculum focused on pleasure, sexual wellness, and marginalized identities
Faculty who are leaders in the field, with a wealth of lived and clinical experience
Supportive community that foster connection, networking, and lasting professional relationships
Mentorship opportunities that help translate theory into practice
Flexible learning options for working professionals balancing other commitments
Lifelong Learning and the Path to Clinical Excellence
One of the most powerful takeaways from Courtney’s journey is her ongoing commitment to learning. Even after completing a doctorate and SHA certification, she’s considering further clinical education, proof that in this field, there’s always more to explore, refine, and deepen.
SHA certification programs are built with that in mind. We see our certifications as part of a larger path: a starting point for lifelong learners who want to stay ahead of the curve in sexual and mental health care. Whether you're a therapist, educator, coach, or medical professional, SHA gives you tools that grow with you.
Why Now Is the Time to Become a Sexuality Counselor
More people are seeking affirming, informed care around sexuality, gender, and relationships. Yet many mental health professionals still lack adequate training in these areas. That’s why the demand for sexuality counselors is growing, and why SHA’s certification is more relevant than ever.
Courtney’s success is one story among many. Our alumni go on to lead workshops, open private practices, publish books, and teach at universities. They become voices of change in their communities. What they all have in common is this: SHA helped them turn their passion into purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions About SHA’s Sexuality Counselor Program
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The Sexuality Counselor Program at the Sexual Health Alliance is a certification designed to equip professionals with clinical skills and knowledge in human sexuality, gender, and pleasure, preparing them to work with clients in counseling or educational settings.
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This program is ideal for mental health counselors, coaches, educators, and other professionals who want to specialize in sexuality-related topics within a clinical or counseling framework.
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Graduates often go on to open private practices, launch educational platforms, work in community health, or integrate sexuality counseling into existing therapy or coaching services.
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On average, the sexuality counseling program takes one year to complete. Program length varies depending on schedule and pace, but it is designed to accommodate working professionals and can be completed online.
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Yes. SHA supports lifelong learning through advanced certifications, events, and an international network of professionals dedicated to continued growth and clinical excellence.
How to Apply to SHA’s Sexuality Counselor Program
Applying to the Sexual Health Alliance’s Sexuality Counselor Program is a straightforward process designed to welcome professionals from a variety of backgrounds who are passionate about advancing sexual health and education. Whether you're a counselor, an educator, a coach, or a mental health professional looking to specialize in human sexuality, SHA offers a supportive pathway to help you grow your skills and impact.
Here’s how to get started:
Visit the SHA Certification Page
Head to the SHA Sex Counselor Certification page to explore program details.Check Eligibility Requirements
You don’t need to be a licensed therapist to begin the sexuality counseling program. The prerequisite for this program is a bachelor’s degree. While it is helpful to have a bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, or a mental health field, it is not required.Complete the Online Application
Fill out the brief application form on the website. You’ll be asked about your professional background, educational history, and goals for joining the program.Enroll and Begin Your Training
Once accepted, you’ll receive access to SHA’s online learning platform and community. The program is designed to be flexible and accessible for working professionals across time zones and schedules.
Join the SHA Community: Where Education Meets Empowerment
Courtney’s story is powerful not because it's rare, but because it's exactly what SHA is built to foster. When you join SHA, you’re not just earning a credential, you’re joining a global network of sexual health professionals committed to changing the narrative around human sexuality and gender.
Whether your goal is to start a business, deepen your clinical skills, or become a voice for change in your community, SHA’s Sexuality Counselor Program can help you get there.
Want to become an in-demand sexual health professional? Learn more about becoming certified with SHA!