AASECT is the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. Among the organization’s functions is certifying professionals who want to better help their customers, clients, or students in the realm of sex. Individuals can enter the fields of therapy or counseling and the related fields of social work, medicine, and education with little knowledge or training in sexuality, preventing them from fully helping clients, patients, or students. AASECT’s stringent requirements for certification make certification valuable for professionals no matter where they are in their careers and establish the organization as a leader in the field of sexuality.
What Does AASECT Do?
Although many people know AASECT because of their certification options, this organization also publishes two academic journals, which are available at a discount for members: the American Journal of Sexuality Education and the Journal of Sex Education and Therapy. Professionals can similarly expand their knowledge and networks by attending the annual AASECT Conference, which hosts a SAR, and the virtual AASECT institute. The organization offers multiple scholarship opportunities for members who wish to attend.
At each yearly conference, ASSECT gives out awards to professionals. For example, the Professional Standard of Excellence Award acknowledges someone who has worked to expand the field of sexuality, even if they’re not an AASECT member. AASECT awards also recognize service to the organization, humanitarian efforts, sex educators, books (for professionals and general audiences), podcasts, and audiovisual productions, among others.
The website itself is a treasure trove for current and aspiring professionals in the field. It includes a calendar of approved continuing education (CE) opportunities for those who want to become certified or expand their knowledge of sexuality to perform better professionally. AASECT also lists approved supervisors and CE providers as well as professionals who are willing to mentor individuals looking for career guidance. Finally, the website lists books published by AASECT members.
AASECT Certification Requirements
Maintaining membership and abiding by the AASECT code of conduct are required to become and remain certified. Memberships range between $100 annually for students and a one-time payment of $1,000 for emeritus memberships for those aged 65 and older. Additionally, all of the certification programs require at least 90 hours of coursework split between 19 core knowledge areas and attitude and training experience in the form of a sexual attitude reassessment (SAR), which is either approved or sponsored by AASECT.
EDUCATION:
Other certification requirements vary depending on the certificate in question. For example, sex educators require bachelor’s degrees and four years of experience in sex education to qualify for AASECT certification, although those with master’s or doctoral degrees need less professional experience because of their advanced education. Therapists or counselors must hold the appropriate licenses or certificates to practice in their state, which requires professional degrees to receive.
TRAINING HOURS:
On top of these requirements, sex educators need 60 hours of training to become sex educators. This training covers the theories and methods required to ethically teach about sex to general and specific populations. In comparison, the sex therapist and counselor certification requires 60 hours of training split between six areas specific to each of those careers.
This education and training guidance is the foundation for working as a sex educator, therapist, or counselor, and AASECT requires supervision over these activities for certification. AASECT-approved supervisors and supervisees will enter into an official contract before starting supervision. After completing supervision, the AASECT-approved supervisors will provide a letter of endorsement that becomes part of your application package.
EXPERIENCE:
When it comes to field experience and supervision, sex educator certification has the most lenient requirements: 100 hours of supervised fieldwork and at least 25 hours under the supervision of an AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator Supervisor. Five of those hours must be individual supervision, while the rest can be group supervision.
For sex therapists, the requirement increases to 300 hours of clinical experience working with clients about sexual issues and 50 hours under the supervision of an AASECT Certified Supervisor of Sex Therapy, 20 of which must be individual supervision. Counselors must perform 100 hours of supervised counseling with 30 hours of supervision by an AASECT Certified Sexuality Counselor or Therapy Supervisor. 15 such hours must be individual supervision sessions.
Note that AASECT has additional requirements for the length and frequency of these supervision hours to ensure that supervision builds upon an applicant’s knowledge in a timely manner without being rushed.
Benefits of AASECT Certification
Although certification requires much from the applicant, the benefits are worth it. AASECT certification enables professionals to build their reputations and increase their incomes and client bases.
First, professionals can rest assured they’re fully equipped to help clients with any sexual concern. Their knowledge is science-based, sex-positive, and inclusive, minimizing the risk of providing inaccurate information or harming clients (through shame and judgment, for example). Certified professionals will appear in AASECT’s database, which is a useful tool for anyone looking for a therapist, counselor, or educator who specializes in sexuality.
From education to training, supervision, certification, and membership, AASECT creates networking opportunities, too. These professional contacts can provide referrals, become business partners, or even lead to job opportunities. Professionals can also indirectly increase their social followings, an important aspect for anyone who markets their services online, through AASECT directory listings and participation in AASECT activities.
For more information or to take advantage of AASECT services, including certification, head to AASECT.org.
Written by Nicole Martinez.