Have you ever felt like you didn’t get enough information on sexual health during your medical or mental health training? it’s more common than you might realize.

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.

How do you feel about your body? Feeling good about your body isn’t just about looking in the mirror and liking what you see; it’s about creating a positive relationship with yourself that spills over into every aspect of your life, especially your sexual health. Let’s talk a little more about the significance of body esteem, how it affects your sexual health, and strategies to boost your self-esteem. Plus, we’ll give you a sneak peek into SHA’s Annual Sexological Conference, where you can learn even more about this empowering topic.

We have an interesting topic to talk about today: pornography in relationships! Whether it’s something you and your partner watch together or a bit of a sore spot, it’s crucial to understand its impact on intimacy and trust. Let’s take a look at the complexities surrounding pornography use, explain different viewpoints, and provide practical advice to help couples navigate this sensitive issue. Plus, if you’re interested in digging deeper into topics like this, don’t miss SHA’s Annual Sexological Conference in Denver this October! There will be so many fascinating topics around sexuality that you won’t want to miss. 

Grab your gear, we are going myth-busting! This is a topic that we think needs more open, honest discussion—sexual dysfunction. Unfortunately, this is a subject with lots of myths and misunderstandings, often leading to unnecessary stigma and shame. But fear not, because we’re here to debunk these myths and offer some fresh, evidence-based insights into sexual health issues. Plus, if you're curious to dive even deeper into this topic, you won’t want to miss our Annual Sexological Conference in Denver this October—a fabulous opportunity to learn from experts and connect with like-minded folks!

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!