The Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) offers a Sexuality Counselor Program that equips professionals with clinical training in human sexuality, gender, and pleasure. This certification is designed for therapists, educators, and coaches seeking to specialize in sexual health counseling. The program provides a progressive curriculum, flexible online learning, and access to a supportive professional community.

Graduate Courtney Johnson Benson credits SHA with helping her launch her private practice, Seasoned Sexuality, and shaping her career in clinical sexuality. SHA’s emphasis on lifelong learning, inclusivity, and real-world application makes it a top choice for those committed to transforming social narratives around sex and gender.

Learn how to apply, explore the program’s benefits, and join a global network of change-makers in the field of sexual health.

What is sex addiction therapy?

Sex addiction therapy traditionally treats compulsive sexual behavior using an addiction-based framework, often including abstinence and 12-step models. However, experts like Dr. David Ley challenge this model for increasing shame and avoiding accountability. New approaches, such as the Out of Control Sexual Behavior (OCSB) model, offer science-based, harm-reduction alternatives that empower clients without moral judgment.

What does a certified sex therapist think about sex addiction? Michael Vigorito explains why the traditional model is flawed, highlighting the role of shame, identity, and context in out-of-control sexual behavior. Learn how clinicians can adopt a more effective, compassionate approach—and how to get trained through SHA’s Problem Sexual Behavior certification.

This blog explores Dr. Daniel Watter’s expert perspective on why the term “sex addiction” may do more harm than good. Drawing from over 40 years of clinical experience, Dr. Watter critiques the limitations of diagnostic labeling and promotes an existential, individualized approach to treating out-of-control sexual behavior. He highlights the role of mortality, trauma, and cultural influences as deeper drivers of sexual behavior, urging therapists to move beyond rigid protocols toward compassionate, person-centered care. The post also invites readers to attend the Sexual Health Alliance’s upcoming online event, Rethinking Sex Addiction, to learn more.

What is sex coach certification?
Sex coach certification is professional training that equips individuals to support others in their sexual well-being through coaching, education, and communication strategies. It differs from therapy and focuses on goal-oriented client work.

Learn how sex therapists, educators, counselors, and clinicians can ethically use AI in their professional practice. Find out what AI can and cannot do, including tips on privacy, bias, and best practices. The post also includes recommended tools and real-world examples to support sexual health professionals in integrating AI responsibly.

In recent years, the mental health field has made significant strides toward recognizing the complexity of human sexuality. Yet, as Silva Neves—an acclaimed psychosexual and relationship psychotherapist based in London—reminds us, there is still work to be done, particularly when it comes to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals in clinical settings. In a recent interview, Silva shared invaluable insights about the limitations of sex addiction models, the importance of cultural competency, and how trauma, shame, and heteronormativity often intersect in ways that harm queer clients.

For professionals seeking to better serve their clients, or individuals seeking affirming care, working with an LGBTQ Certified Sex Therapist can be transformative. These clinicians bring a much-needed understanding of sexual diversity, relational nuance, and the broader social forces that shape intimacy and behavior.

How is it 2025, and we still do not recognize the full humanity of people with disabilities?

How have we climbed the invisible staircase of technological advancement and yet we cannot completely wrap our hearts around the tapestry of human connection threaded within us all?

My forays into the research world regarding sexuality and disability were motivated by the fact that I felt like I was an outsider. I felt as though dating, romance, and sexuality were the perpetual parties I was never invited to; the adorable guy who sat next to me in every class but never indicated anything beyond platonic interest; the secrets of collegiate enterprise that would never be whispered in my ear.

As sexual health becomes a more mainstream topic, professionals entering the field are exploring diverse and exciting paths. In a recent Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) poll, we asked: “What trend in sexual health careers do you find most exciting?” The top responses revealed how wide-ranging and innovative this field has become.

From SexTech to trauma-informed therapy, sexual health professionals are shaping the future through tech, advocacy, research, and clinical excellence. Whether you’re a clinician, educator, researcher, or entrepreneur, there’s a growing community and career path ready to support your goals.

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.

If you're passionate about helping others explore healthy, informed, and fulfilling sexual lives, you've likely come across the terms "sexologist" and "sex therapist." But what exactly do these titles mean? More importantly, what are the differences in certification, training, and career paths for each? In this blog, we’ll break down the definitions, responsibilities, and educational requirements for both roles. We’ll also highlight how the Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) offers the most respected and flexible training for professionals looking to grow their careers in the field of sexual health.

The term cuckolding often carries layers of cultural stigma and misunderstanding. But thanks to education from Sexual Health Alliance and open conversations on platforms like the “Cuck My Life” podcast, more people are exploring what this dynamic truly involves. In a recent interview hosted by Michelle Melville-Kashon, Community and Content Director at Sexual Health Alliance, podcast co-hosts Poboy and Hopeful offer an enlightening look at cuckolding as a consensual, emotionally rich, and deeply personal form of non-monogamy.

Welcome back, my beloved readers! I hope you are all doing well. We have just concluded Module 3 in the last article, but if you aren't familiar with me or my work, let me take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Emily Kane, and I am a 26-year-old artist who has found empowerment through education. My goal is to share the knowledge I've gained about sexual wellness to help others feel free from shame and discomfort surrounding sexuality. To achieve this, I am currently enrolled in SHA’s Sex Educator Certification program at SHA. In module 3, we covered everything about Sex and Power. Whether it was a power imbalance, finding self-empowerment through sex work, or simply finding joy in sex. 

When we step into the space of sexuality education and somatic healing, we are stepping into one of the most intimate terrains of the human experience. Sexuality is more than just physical—it’s emotional, relational, spiritual, and deeply tied to our sense of self. Similarly, somatic practices, which are grounded in body awareness and sensation, can unlock profound healing and understanding. However, as we bring together somatic methods and sexuality education, we must also tread carefully, ethically, and intentionally. 

I’m Dovie Gena, ABS, a passionate advocate for weaving somatic healing into sexuality education. It has been through my own path as a sexual health coach, and my years of supporting clients and students, that I’ve discovered how deeply intertwined the body, mind, and sexuality truly are. With this blog, I want to empower professionals working in this field by exploring how somatic practices enhance the learning process and how we can uphold essential ethical boundaries within our work. 

Consensual non-monogamy (CNM) is an umbrella term encompassing various relationship styles where all individuals involved agree that it's acceptable to pursue multiple romantic or sexual connections. In a recent conversation hosted by the Sexual Health Alliance, Michelle Melville-Kashon, SHA's Community and Content Director, interviewed Dr. Zhana Vrangalova, a renowned researcher on non-traditional relationships. Their discussion sheds light on the realities, challenges, and opportunities within consensual non-monogamy and offers valuable insights for both individuals and mental health professionals.

The Spring 2025 Study Abroad program in Prague from the Sexual Health Alliance wasn’t just a getaway—it was an immersive, mind-expanding, career-shaping journey. This spring, a group of SHA students joined renowned researcher Dr. Justin Lehmiller for a deep dive into the cultural heart of Prague. Over five days, participants explored the intersections of sex, politics, art, and health in one of Europe’s most historically rich and socially complex cities.

SHA Study Abroad programs are designed to take learning into the real world. In Prague, students weren’t just attending lectures—they were living their education. Through city tours, museum visits, local guest experts, and interactive discussions, the group engaged directly with topics that shape sexuality across borders and generations.

This spring, Sexual Health Alliance took the classroom beyond the screen and into the vibrant, cobblestone streets of one of the world’s most sex-positive cities—Amsterdam. For five unforgettable days, participants in SHA’s 2025 Study Abroad program experienced more than just sightseeing. They became immersed in a living, breathing global classroom where sex education, pleasure, and cultural understanding came together in powerful and deeply personal ways.

Whether it was a golden-hour cruise through Amsterdam’s historic canals or thought-provoking discussions over wine and stroopwafels, the SHA Study Abroad experience offered both professional growth and personal transformation. Led by renowned researcher Dr. Justin Lehmiller and a team of local educators, this program exemplified SHA’s mission: to provide world-class, inclusive, and experiential sexuality education that shapes not just careers—but lives.

If you're interested in becoming a sex therapist, you may be wondering: do you need a degree to get certified? The short answer is yes—to become a certified sex therapist through the Sexual Health Alliance (SHA), you need a master’s degree and a license to practice therapy. But there are also certification paths for educators, counselors, coaches, and consultants, each with different educational requirements. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the qualifications for SHA's sex therapy certification, explain how it differs from other organizations like AASECT, and share the many options available if you're just beginning your journey.

Starting or growing a sexual health business isn’t just about entrepreneurship—it’s about shaping the future of sex education, therapy, counseling, and coaching. At Sexual Health Alliance (SHA), we know the business side of this work can feel overwhelming, especially when your passion lies in helping others, not spreadsheets and sales funnels. That’s why we created the SHA Business Summit and SHA Business School—to help you turn your vision into a thriving, impactful business.

SHA offers a variety of certifications tailored to different approaches within the sexual health field. Let’s break down each path so you can discover the one that fits you best. And for those who can’t pick just one (we see you!), we’ll also cover our dual certification options at the end.