Have you ever felt like your sexual identity doesn't fit neatly into one box? You're not alone! In our ever-evolving world, sexual identity is recognized as a beautifully complex and fluid aspect of human experience. At Sexual Health Alliance (SHA), we understand this deeply and are committed to fostering a space where everyone feels seen, understood, and accepted. This October, our Annual Sexological Conference will explore the nuances of sexual identity and fluidity, offering insights, support, and a vibrant community for all. With Dr. Chris Donaghue as the event headliner, this will be the sexology event of the year! 

It’s something we see in movies and TV shows all of the time. The moment when partners orgasm together… at the exact same time. While this isn’t a complete mythical unicorn situation and does happen sometimes, IT IS NOT THE NORM. Let me say that again for the people in the back: ORGASMING AT THE SAME TIME AS YOUR PARTNER IS NOT THE NORM! This is one of the many things we talked about with Dr. Laurie Mintz in her interview with Sexual Health Alliance. 

Get ready to learn more about Somatic Therapy at SHA’s Annual Sexological Conference! When it comes to sexual health, the mind and body are deeply connected. That's where somatic therapy comes in, offering a unique and holistic approach to improving sexual well-being by focusing on the connection between the body and mind. Somatic therapy can be life-changing for clients, helping them overcome sexual trauma, enhance pleasure, and build healthier relationships with their bodies. If you’re curious about how somatic techniques can transform sexual health, SHA’s Sexological Annual Conference is the perfect place to dive in and learn more.

After the passing of famous sexologist and sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer, my social media feeds were flooded with posts about how she inspired and impacted the lives of others. Since I work in the sexual health and sexual education space, I have a lot of connections who were deeply affected by her work. For many professionals in this space, she was a role model and trailblazer. Dr. Ruth showed us that we could talk about the “oh-so taboo” topic of sex and that it could even become a career! She taught us that there was no shame in talking about sex, whether it was a conversation with a partner or on a larger platform as part of your career.

There’s something exciting happening in the field of sexology: integrating sexological mindfulness. If you’re a therapist or just someone passionate about sexual health, this approach can be life-changing for you and your clients. Imagine enhancing client awareness, promoting a deeper mind-body connection, and helping people achieve greater sexual fulfillment and emotional balance. Sounds amazing, right? So, let’s get ready to learn more about the magic of sexological mindfulness!

Let's chat about something super important and at the heart of everything we do at Sexual Health Alliance: sexual health education. In today’s world, where sexual health is FINALLY being recognized as a vital component of overall well-being, comprehensive sexual health education is more crucial than ever. It’s not just about knowing the mechanics or avoiding unwanted outcomes – it’s about fostering a healthy, informed, and inclusive understanding of sexuality. Modern sexual health education has come a long way! Let’s get into the details about why it’s so important, and you can learn about a special event for sexuality professionals happening this October. 

What is comprehensive sexual health education? Let’s talk about comprehensive sexual health education and explore why it’s so crucial, especially when it comes to certification programs for sex therapists. We’re talking about a transformative approach that goes way beyond the basics, empowering professionals to make a real difference in their clients’ lives. Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) is leading the way with their incredible programs, making it easier than ever to apply for AASECT certification. So, let’s get into it!

Are you ready for SHA’s 2024 Sexological Conference? Along with our curated list of guest presenters, we are thrilled to have Dr. Chris Donaghue returning as our Sexological Conference headliner. His progressive and modern take on sexuality aligns with SHA’s mission to promote radical collaboration and progressive dialogue. This year, Dr. Chris Donaghue will be presenting for a full day as well as giving a closing address. We can’t wait to hear what he has to share with our community. 

I remember the first time I bought condoms, I was around 15 or 16 years old. Given that I was newly sexually active buying condoms was still seen as a sort of scandal and the gas station seemed the only appropriate place to purchase anything sex-related. A row of brightly colored packaged pills caught my eye, specifically one called a “Rhino” pill and another called “Pink Pussycat”. These pills seemed to promise sexual superpowers and even though I thought sex was already amazing, the thought that it could be even better was alluring. The packaging stood out for a reason, it was meant to attract the eyes of younger sexually active folks. Behind the flashy packaging and promising claims of these supplements lie a plethora of risks and considerations that consumers should be aware of. 

In early June, SHA students were lucky enough to attend the Ethics, Ethical Dilemmas, Decision Making And Countertransference conference online. Throughout the weekend, we learned from some incredible subject-matter experts, including Dr. David J. Ley, Jen Meyer, Kelvin Pace, Renee LaVail, Melinda Porter, and SHA’s very own founder, Heather McPherson. While many may worry that learning about ethics might be boring, this fabulous group was able to make it fun, entertaining, and filled with so much incredible knowledge. Here are some of the things we learned during the two-day event…

How has the portrayal of lesbian desire evolved to reflect changes in artistic expression, societal acceptance, and the impact on lesbian identity? The first time I encountered a piece of art coded as "queer" was in 2013 when I was thirteen. The artwork, a photograph of two topless women kissing in a Playboy-esque publication, left me feeling strangely unsettled. This marked the beginning of my journey toward understanding my sexuality. Presently, pornographic male-gaze-type lesbian art does not feel authentic to me.

In mainstream culture, bondage is often relegated to the taboo and kink corner of sexual expression. But what if we told you there's more to it than meets the eye? Have you ever considered how bondage intersects with art and creative expression within human sexuality? This blog aims to explore this connection, focusing on the many applications of bondage—be it for consensual eroticism, aesthetics, or even grounding practices The practice has a solidified place in the kink world, but for this blog, I want to emphasize its role in art and expression.

Do you want to know more about sex therapy and how it can help you? Awesome! Let’s have a chat about sex therapy and explore how it can transform relationships and sexual health. Whether you’re an individual looking to improve your sexual well-being or a couple aiming to reignite the spark, certified sex therapists can make a huge difference. Plus, if you’re considering a career in this rewarding field, Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) offers an incredible sex therapy certification program that might just be your perfect fit.

There’s a whole discipline dedicated to sex, sexuality, and intimacy outside of Planet Earth. Coined “space sexology”, researchers and scientists aim to take a look at sex away from our homeland, and the benefits and/or risks of partaking in the activity.

Jen Meyer is the owner and founder of Jen Meyer Therapy, LLC, a private therapy practice in the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver, Colorado. Jen Meyer will be presenting at Sexual Health Alliance’s event, Ethics, Ethical Dilemmas, Decision Making And Countertransference Online Sexceptional Weekend on June 1st and 2nd, 2024. SHA’s Community Development Coordinator, Michelle Melville-Kashon, interviewed Jen Meyer about ethics and sex therapy and the upcoming ethics event. 

Dr. David Ley will be presenting at Sexual Health Alliance’s event, Ethics, Ethical Dilemmas, Decision Making, and Countertransference Online Sexceptional Weekend on June 1st and 2nd, 2024. He will be sharing information on how to make ethical decisions, learning from the mistakes of others, dealing with complaints, and sex therapy ethics in the modern world of social media. SHA’s Community Development Coordinator, Michelle Melville-Kashon, interviewed Dr. David Ley on sex therapy ethics and the unique situations sexuality professionals can be faced with. It was a great conversation and we hope you enjoy these highlights!

My perception of sex work was first shifted when I watched the show “Sons of Anarchy” in middle school. By no means was sex work portrayed in a perfect light. But, the women on the show who made porn were humanized and respected to a degree; I wanted to learn more about the industry in general. Fast forward to my history class and we are currently tracing the history of sex work and prostitution in that course and looking at all the different forms the industry as a whole has taken since the origin of civilization. 

Most of us still feel oppressed and burdened with sweeping our sexual lives under the rug before anyone gets a chance to color it with their offensive opinions. Thus, in such instances, it might be harder to figure out when we need professional help and what steps to take further. Who to ask? Who to tell? So, if you’re having trouble deciding when, and how to start the process, read on. Let’s first identify and understand the key ingredients of sex therapy and how it is different from other therapeutic interventions. 

Let’s be real, every profession has its challenges, and sex therapy is no exception. Working through these hurdles can be tricky, but with insights from seasoned professionals, you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever comes your way. Sexual Health Alliance has an amazing Ethics workshop coming up on June 1st and 2nd, 2024, which will be super helpful. Let’s chat about some common challenges in sex therapy and how to tackle them.

Congratulations- you’ve got your sex therapy certification! Now it’s time to take the plunge and start your own practice. Exciting, right? But we know it can also feel a bit daunting. No worries, though! We’ve got some tips to help you build a successful sex therapy practice. And guess what? SHA's Business School can help you turn those dreams into reality. Let’s take a look at 10 tips that will help you build your sex therapy practice.