A Gentler, More Holistic and Evidenced-Based Alternative to Becoming a Sex Addiction Therapist, Counselor or Adjacent Professional.
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“In today’s world, understanding how to prevent sexual behavior problems and abuse is more important than ever...we can’t always refer these problems away.”
JOIN leading experts, DR. DAVID LEY & Michael A. Vigorito with SEXUAL HEALTH ALLIANCE IN An ADVANCED COURSE ON PROBLEM SEXUAL BEHAVIOR.
Problem Sexual Behavior certification training Program
A training and consultation program for therapists, counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists and sex therapists* interested in helping people who are concerned about sexual behavior problems or identify as sexually addicted or compulsive. This program is also open to anyone that is already in the SHA Certification program (e.g., coaches, educators, counselors, and consultants).*
*Professionals that are not therapists and/or not in the SHA Certification Program may be accepted upon review. Please email us with your interest and information.
EARN 125 *AASECT CES
“Sex Addiction” Therapy Certification vs. Problem Sexual Behavior Certification
Problem sexual behavior can include any sexual expression that leads people to seek treatment or assistance:
Infidelity
Values conflicts
Problematic pornography use
Relationship conflicts over the type or frequency of sex.
Legal or financial problems
Sex-drug linked behaviors
Historically, these issues were viewed as a symptom of a sex addiction. Groundbreaking new research indicates that self-identifying as a porn or sex addict likely increases people’s pain and suffering over time. Rather than a symptom of a sexual disorder, current research suggests that people seeking treatment for sexual behavior problems are a heterogeneous group with varying underlying problems and individual needs. As such, the PSB Certification Program will train you on providing the most up-to-date and effective treatment approaches to meet the diverse needs of these clients including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, The Out of Control Sexual Behavior Model, psychopharmacology, and much more.
The Sexual Health Alliance, along with industry-leading experts, Dr. David Ley and Michael Vigorito, have designed this program as a sex-positive and evidence-based alternative to the outdated sex addiction treatment model.
STUDENTS RECEIVE:
A specialized & pace-accessible online learning platform
Including articles, discussions, engaging projects, and media facilitated by SHA
Modules release each month to assist in successfully pacing each student. While there are no hard deadlines besides the culmination of the course Fall 2024, we highly encourage each student to follow the monthly release schedule as best they can to stay engaged.
live webinars with Q+A led by Dr. David Ley or Michael A. Vigorito
Held every month on the 2nd Thursday. (Recorded for you to watch anytime at a later date!)
Monthly case consultations with Dr. David Ley or Michael A. Vigorito
Every month directly following the live webinars, stay online to discuss current cases and learn more from example case studies. Don’t have a specific case to discuss? Listen & learn for your future work. (Recorded for you to watch anytime at a later date!)
Monthly Special Topic Recorded Webinars with expert guests
Special Guests will challenge your notions on “sex addiction” and problem sexual behaviors.
A Specialized SHA Certification in Problem sexual behavior
Receive a specialized certificate and extensive knowledge to assist in all forms of designer relationships in your work in the helping professions. You will receive this certification with or without AASECT credits.
Certification in Problem Sexual Behaviors prepares clinicians to:
Conduct a thorough, careful, and individualized assessment in order to identify and plan treatment that addresses an individual’s specific needs.
Provide all assessments and treatment within a sexual health framework, rather than promoting or condemning certain sexual acts.
Learn to promote the development and growth of positive coping skills, social supports, and personal resources, enhancing patients’ motivation for change and creating a personal context that facilitates sexual health.
Assess and treat (where appropriate) problems related to viewing sexually explicit material. Improve client mindfulness, personal responsibility, and negotiation skills for viewing this material while helping clients better understand the coping strategies this behavior sometimes fulfills.
and much more!
Tuition
Submit your tuition to receive acceptance into SHA’s Problem Sexual Behavior Certification Program.*
Sexual Health Alliance offers various payment options for those interested in our certification programs. You are able to pay the full tuition fee in full or over a period of 9 months.
*Not sure if this program is for? Please email us with your interest and information and we’ll help guide you.
WORKING TOWARDS AASECT CERTIFICATION?
Using this program to apply towards your AASECT renewal or AASECT certification application? Gain 125 AASECT CEs to apply towards their certification.
Have more questions? Check out our Q&A video!
WHAT MAKES SHA best in class?
The Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) stands out as a leader in sexuality training because we connect you with the leading experts in the world. We build the most inclusive communities and offer support throughout the program with our original happy hours, mixers, Facebook groups, and in-person events with our sexceptional weekend conferences, study abroad programs all over the world, SARs in Mexico and Jamaica and Sex Nerd Trivia. Finally, our latest specialized programs are accelerated, self paced, and are one of the only programs with the option to attend live monthly events with the leading voices and stars in the field.
Our programs are at the forefront of the field because we focus on progressive and comprehensive content presented through multiple channels so that no matter what kind of learner you are, you will become sexceptional at graduation.
SHA consists of professionals from every walk of life that go on to change the field and make a huge difference in their client’s lives. We support and encourage our students throughout the program and provide a wealth of areas to network. We love offering collaboration with our presenters and through our conferences as well—we want your education to be about you!
Since 2015, SHA has hosted over 5500 people at our events, while certifying sex therapists, counselors, educators, and coaches. We have been lucky enough to collaborate with many of the leading experts in sexuality and relationships. Throughout the year, SHA facilitates communication among sexual health providers through our signature workshops and conferences, special events, and social media. Our events and programming are intended to build community, spark dialogue and encourage collaboration.
We build communities that are well-informed and all-inclusive. We're dedicated to bringing the brightest minds and biggest game changers in sexual health to every area of the world. Join a program that’s more than watching videos and answering questions, join SHA and transform your career and make lifelong friends.
EXPERT INSTRUCTORS
Dr. David Ley
Dr. David J. Ley is a world-renowned clinical psychologist, known for bringing scientifically accurate and clinically sound information to discussions about modern sexuality.
He serves on the board of the Sexual Health Alliance as an expert advisor and is an internationally recognized expert on issues related to sexuality, pornography, and mental health.
He has appeared on television with Anderson Cooper, Katie Couric, Dr. Phil, and others. He has been interviewed in publications ranging from the New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times, and the London Telegraph, to Playboy and Hustler magazines. Dr. Ley has published extensively in both the academic and “pop” realms of literature. His latest book, Ethical Porn for Dicks, A Man's Guide to Responsible Viewing Pleasure has endorsements from Dan Savage and Pornhub.com and is a humorous and provocative handbook for men who want to think more comprehensively about porn.
The Myth of Sex Addiction (2012) and Insatiable Wives (2009) were revolutionary explorations of sexual issues which blended a powerful client-centered narrative with a rich understanding of psychology, biology, and sociology.
Michael Vigorito, MFT, CGP, CST-S
Michael Vigorito is a sex therapist, author, and trainer. In his practice, he provides individual, couples, and group therapy for a range of sexual and behavioral health concerns including problematic and out of control sexual behavior, sexual disorders, and sex-drug linked behaviors.
In addition to his Washington, DC private practice, Michael* developed a sexual health assessment and treatment program, which was published in Treating Out of Control Sexual Behavior - Rethinking Sex Addiction (SSTAR 2018 Health Professional Book Award Winner).
Michael designed and implemented SAMHSA and CDC-funded training programs to integrate sexual health services into behavioral health care in the Baltimore and DC metro Areas. He is currently affiliated with University of Maryland - Prevention Research Center where he is implementing the Sexual and Gender Diversity Learning Community** – a CDC-funded, LGBTQ+ affirmative care training program for mental health providers and organizations.
Michael provides various sexual health trainings nationwide and was recently selected as a SSTAR Academy Speaker.
* developed with Douglas Braun-Harvey, LMFT, CST, CST-S
** developed with Sean Lare, LCSW-C
Dr. Cameron Staley
Dr. Cameron Staley is a clinical psychologist who is passionate about counseling, teaching, and training mental health professionals. Cameron completed his psychology internship at Brigham Young University’s Counseling and Psychological Services where he first learned Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as an effective treatment for unwanted pornography viewing. In his TEDx talk, Changing the Narrative Around the Addiction Story, Cameron shares details from his research and counseling experience regarding helpful ways to talk about sexuality and how to effectively reduce unwanted pornography viewing through mindfulness. In an effort to make these principles more accessible, he developed an online self-directed program called LifeAfterPornography based on ACT concepts proven effective in research to reduce unwanted pornography viewing in adults. Cameron also hosts The Life After Series Podcast where he interviews experts, shares insights, and provides education on ways to improve mental and sexual health. Cameron has presented his research on pornography at the International Academy of Sex Research (IASR) and the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS) along with peer-reviewed publications in the journals of Socioaffective Neuroscience and Psychology, Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, Biological Psychology, Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, and Archives of Sexual Behavior.
Markie Louise Christianson (L. C.) Twist
Markie Louise Christianson (L. C.) Twist (she/they) was born and raised in Houston, Alaska and is currently based out of the Las Vegas, Nevada area. Dr. Twist earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology with a minor in criminal justice and a Master of Education from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. Dr. Twist then attained a Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy with an emphasis in sex therapy from the University of Louisiana at Monroe followed by a Doctor of Philosophy in human development and family studies with a specialization in marriage and family therapy from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Dr. Twist serves as Teaching Faculty at Antioch University New England working with doctoral and masters level students in the Applied Psychology Program. Dr. Twist is also a licensed marriage and family therapist and mental health counselor, as well as a clinical fellow and approved supervisor of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and certified sexuality educator and supervisor through the American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. Dr. Twist is co-author of the books, The Internet Family: Technology in Couple and Family Relationships and Focused Genograms: Intergenerational Assessment of Individuals, Couples, and Families (2nd ed.). Dr. Twist serves as the Newsletter Editor of the AAMFT Queer and Trans Advocacy Network (QTAN) Newsletter, the Editor-in-Chief of Sexual and Relationship Therapy: International Perspectives on Theory, Research and Practice and is co-editor of the book Eco-Informed Practice: Family Therapy in Age of Ecological Peril. Dr. Twist has been a faculty member of the: Couple and Family Therapy Program and the School of Public Health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Intensive Sex Therapy Training Program at the University of Guelph, Couple and Family Therapy Program and Sex Therapy Certificate Program in the University of Wisconsin-System, and Psychology department at the University of Alaska Anchorage. To learn more about Dr. Twist visit: drmarkie.com.
Dr. Chris Donaghue
Dr. Chris Donaghue is an international lecturer, therapist, and educator. Dr Donaghue is the Director of Clinical Education for The Sexual Health Alliance (SHA), host of the LoveLine podcast, weekly expert on “The Amber Rose Show”, and frequent co host on “The Doctors” tv show. He previously hosted WE tv’s “Sex Box”and Logo tv’s “Bad Sex”. He is published in various professional journals and top magazines, and has been featured on The Today Show, VICE, CNN, HLN, OWN, Nightline, Dr Drew and in Newsweek, New York Times, Daily Beast, Mens Health, Cosmo, and National Geographic. Author of the book, “Sex Outside the Lines: Authentic Sexuality in a Sexually Dysfunctional Culture”. Dr. Donaghue has lectured at prestigious Universities including USC, UCLA, and Princeton as well as being the keynote at various professional conferences such as Chicago Ideas Week, American Association for Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT), and The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS). Dr. Chris Donaghue is a Doctor of Clinical Sexology and Human Sexuality, Doctoral trained in Clinical Psychology, Licensed Clinical Therapist, a Certified Sex Therapist and a Certified Sexologist. Dr. Donaghue practices general psychology and specializes in individual and couples sex, relational, and marital therapy. His work also includes sexual compulsivity, sexual anorexia, sexual dysfunctions, and non-traditional sexuality, identities, and relationships. His work is also with diverse individuals, including all gender expressions, sexual orientations, and Kink/BDSM/Poly issues. His office is located in Los Angeles.
Dr. Nicole Prause
Nicole Prause, PhD is a neuroscientist and psychologist. She trained at the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction at Indiana University and expanded her training as a research fellow at Harvard University in addictions. She is extensively published in the neuroscience of human sexuality, funded by non-profit grants, and conducts laboratory studies using novel protocols and statistical approaches to understand sexual motivation.
Charles P. Samenow, MD, MPH
Charles P. Samenow, MD, MPH is a licensed, board-certified psychiatrist in adult psychiatry. He has additional training in psychosomatic medicine, which is the interface between medical illness and psychiatric illness. Dr. Samenow is currently an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the George Washington University School of Medicine where he sees patients on an outpatient basis. His clinical practice, research, and teaching focus on human sexuality, sexual disorders, and addictions. He serves a large LGBTQ population in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. He has served as the academic editor of Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention. He was a member of the board of directors for the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH). ln that capacity he was one of the lead developers for Advanced Training in Problematic Sexual Behaviors (ATPSB). He developed the sexual health curriculum at the George Washington University School of Medicine. He serves as a psychiatric consultant for Internet Behavior Consulting, LLC, specializing in LGBTQ clientele who engage in online sexual offending behaviors. He currently serves as the medical director of the Washington D.C. Medical Society's Physician's Health Committee which monitors and advocates for physicians with mental health and substance-related disorders.
N. JASMINE JOHNSON, LCSW AKA JETSETTING JASMINE
N. Jasmine Johnson, MSW, MA, LCSW, is a licensed clinical therapist and owner of virtual mental health practice Blue Pearl Therapy LLC. She has a strong therapeutic emphasis on Intimacy Post Injury & Illness, Trauma, Drama and Kink, and Sex-Positive Parenting. Jasmine offers her expertise to train other therapists and professionals on the use of erotica in practice and also to create safe spaces for Sex Workers, Kinksters, and Alternative Lifestylers to engage in stigma and bias-free therapy.
Jasmine is the co-owner of royal Fetish FilmsandJet Setting Jasmine LLC where the love of the arts, film, and sex education are combined to produce content that stimulates and engages the audience to push their sexual boundaries. Jasmine shares more than 20 years of experience, with partner King Noire as Adult Entertainers, Educators, and Master Fetish Trainers. The duo are award-winning adult film stars and have dedicated their craft to creating a more inclusive and ethically sound adult entertainment industry.
Craig Perra
Don’t let Craig’s frequent use of the phrases sex addiction and porn addiction in his marketing fool you. He’s a life coach who meets his clients where they are and then helps them create healthy sexual expression and a great, purpose-driven life. When he can’t do that, he refers clients to sex-positive counselors and therapists.
He also trains counselors and therapists in his healthy sexuality and great life model that he calls the Mindful Habit System. Combining the science of habits, mindfulness, (unmet) needs, parts work, purpose, and self-care, clients call his program a refreshing alternative to 12 steps and the disease-based model.
He’s worked with clients in 27 different countries, has appeared on the Steve Harvey Show, the Katie Couric Show (appearing with the master Dr. David Ley), Lifetime television, and is currently shooting with the television show Intervention where he is also an approved provider.
A self-induced near-death experience 11 years ago led him to his current path of helping others. He learned at this low point that his decades of sex and porn addiction treatment using the disease-based model was actually keeping him stuck. Dr. David Ley’s book, the Myth of Sex Addiction changed his life and he’s honored to be sharing his journey with you.
Wendy E. Miller PhD
Dr. Wendy Miller is a clinical psychologist with 35 years of experience treating
individuals and couples. She received her PhD from George Washington University in 1985 and has a certificate in psychoanalysis from the NYU Postdoctoral Program in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis. She has trained extensively in Emotionally Focused Couples therapy and sex therapy and is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. She is on the faculty and a supervisor at The Women’s Therapy Centre Institute, a training center in NYC, where she teaches on sexuality and is on the Executive Committee of The Center for Optimal Living, a premier harm reduction treatment and training center in NYC. She currently runs an ongoing Men’s Sexual Health Group that focuses on men struggling with out of control sexual behavior. Her interests are in the intersection of psychoanalytic thinking, sex therapy, couples therapy and Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy.
Dr. Reece Malone
Based out of Winnipeg, Canada, Dr. Reece Malone (he/him/siya) is the CEO of Sexuality Consultants and Support Services Manitoba, Inc. He is a certified sexologist and holds a Masters of Public Health and Doctorate of Human Sexuality. Dr. Malone is a certified sexuality educator and supervisor through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists, and a Florida State certified sex therapist. As a sexual health educator and advocate, he provides sexuality consultation and training to healthcare, social services and education sectors as well as delivers public presentations. His therapeutic practice centers client collaboration, and creating an environment for individuals and relationships to be understood, valued, and respected. He is the co-editor of the recently released book An Intersectional Approach to Sex Therapy. Centering the Lives of Indigenous, Racialized and People of Color. Complementing his private practice, Dr. Malone is an adjunct professor at Antioch University Seattle Couple and Family Therapy Department.
Crystal Mundy
Crystal Mundy is currently finishing her pre-doctoral residency through the Edmonton Consortium. Her doctoral dissertation was successfully defended in September 2020 and she will be completing her Clinical Psychology Ph.D. at the end of her residency in August 2022. Crystal has provisional registration within Alberta and is under supervised practice until the completion of her residency. Crystal's primary research interests involve understanding sexual attractions and providing effective, supportive therapy. They also include investigating human sexuality, stigma, well-being, life after legal involvement, and community reintegration.
David Prescott
A mental health practitioner of 37 years, David Prescott is the Director of Acquisitions and Training for the Safer Society Press. He is the author and editor of 20 books in the areas of understanding and improving services to at-risk clients. He is best known for his work in the areas of understanding, assessing, and treating sexual violence and trauma. Mr. Prescott is the recipient of the 2014 Distinguished Contribution award from the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers and the 2018 recipient of the National Adolescent Perpetration Network’s C. Henry Kempe Lifetime Achievement award. Mr. Prescott currently trains and lectures around the world.
Joshua Grubbs
Joshua Grubbs is an associate professor in the clinical psychology Ph.D. program at Bowling Green State University. Dr. Grubbs’s research program generally focuses on behavioral addictions and the social context of addiction. Additionally, Dr. Grubbs researches the intersection of values and behaviors in determining how people perceive their own actions. Dr. Grubbs has published over 80 peer-reviewed academic articles on topics related to addiction, sexuality, morality, religion, and personality. Dr. Grubbs has also authored over 10 book chapters and has had his worked featured in various media outlets in print, audio, and television formats.
Aaron Alan, MA, LMFT
Aaron Alan, MA, LMFT is licensed as a licensed psychotherapist in private practice and has been specializing in treating out-of-control sexual behavior since the beginning of his two-decade-long career. He treats individuals and couples as well as conducts group therapy. He is a former CSAT who has come to reject the dogma of the ‘traditional’ sexual addiction treatment model. His personal journey to sexual acceptance and liberation has informed a treatment perspective that is focused on sexual integration, personal integrity, and overall balance and well-being.
EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS
Contributors are leaders including therapists, scientists, researchers and educators that will offer a diverse viewpoint on Problem Sexual Behavior.
AASECT CREDITS
*This program meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 125 AASECT CE credits. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. For further information please contact ce@aasect.org