2026 SHA Annual Sexological Conference
Attend the 2026 Sexological Conference and connect with hundreds of sexology experts!
October 15th - 17th, 2026, at the Grand hyatt downtown denver
Attendees include the world’s leading sexologists and those aspiring to be one.
Sexual Health Alliance (est. 2015), is a global leader in training and continuing education for mental health practitioners, medical professionals, academics, and researchers.
Learn from world-class keynotes and 30+ expert presenters in an in-person, immersive event. Join fellow psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, physicians, gynecologists, urologists, pelvic floor physical therapists, registered nurse practitioners, mental health nurse practitioners, scientists, researchers, educators, counselors, sexologists, coaches from all over the world.
Upgrade to VIP!
Your VIP registration provides additional gatherings designed for connection, advanced networking, and celebration. In addition to the events on the full conference schedule (to be emailed separately), you'll have exclusive access to special events throughout the weekend.
Your VIP Perks include:
Up to 20 Continuing Education credit hours
VIP SHA Shirt
VIP swag and surprise goodies!
Front-row access to sessions and events
VIP-Only reception
VIP-Only lunch
VIP-Only additional special event
Networking opportunities with our headline presenters
2 tickets to Friday Evening Festivities
Become a Sponsor for the 2026 Annual Sexological Conference!
Conference Schedule
Thursday, Oct 15
1:00–4:00 PM — Pre-Conference Workshops
4:00 PM — Conference Check-In
5:00–6:30 PM — Opening Keynote
6:30–8:00 PM — Opening Reception
8:00–10:00 PM — Evening Activity
Friday, Oct 16
8:30–10:00 AM — Breakout Sessions
10:15–11:15 AM — Breakout Sessions
11:30 AM–12:30 PM — Breakout Sessions
12:30–2:00 PM — Lunch and Learn Keynote
2:00–3:00 PM — Breakout Sessions
3:15–4:15 PM — Breakout Sessions
4:30–6:00 PM — Keynote
9:00 PM–12:00 AM — Evening Gala
Saturday, Oct 17
8:30–9:30 AM — Breakout Sessions
9:45–10:45 AM — Breakout Sessions
11:00 AM–12:00 PM — Breakout Sessions
12:30–2:00 PM — Lunch & Learn Keynote
2:15–3:15 PM — Breakout Sessions
4:30–6:00 PM — Closing Keynote
8:00–9:00 PM — Evening Activity
Sunday, Oct 18
SHA Sponsored Special Event: Sexology in Media Presented by The SexologyLab
Tickets available soon: https://www.sexologylab.com/sexologyinmedia
SHA 2026 annual sexological conference KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Chris Donaghue, PhD, CST
Keynote speaker
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.
Ashley Winter, MD
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Ashley Winter is a board-certified urologist and fellowship trained in sexual medicine with extensive experience in sexual medicine for all genders. She is located in the Los Angeles, California, area. Dr. Winter treats patients of all genders for sexual dysfunction.
She is a huge advocate for vaginal estrogen to support a healthy urinary tract and to treat genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and genitourinary syndrome of lactation (GSL). She provides care for perimenopause and menopause, low testosterone for all genders, erectile dysfunction, low libido, orgasm disorders, and urinary tract infections. She also works closely with pelvic physical therapists onsite to coordinate care for those with pelvic floor dysfunction and chronic pelvic pain.
Dr. Winter received her B.S. in biomedical/medical engineering from Rutgers University. She received her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and completed her residency in urology at Weill Cornell Medical Center. After finishing her residency, she spent an additional year studying male and female sexual medicine in San Diego.
Dr. Winter loves taking care of all genders as individuals and couples. She believes that the capacity for intimacy is fundamental towards helping people thrive.
Evan Goldstein, MD
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Evan Goldstein is a nationally renowned anal surgeon and the Founder and CEO of Bespoke Surgical, the leading private practice specializing in an elite standard of sexual health and wellness care in New York City. His practice caters to a wide range of clientele; however, the majority of his patients are LGBTQ+. Dr. Goldstein is also the Co-Founder of Future Method, an innovative sex care brand that is the result of Dr. Goldstein’s years of experience working with his clients and understanding their sexual needs which people from a wide spectrum of sexualities have embraced.
As the preeminent expert and thought leader in the field, Dr. Goldstein is committed to education and awareness not only bringing the important issues surrounding sexual health to the forefront but also eliminating the stigma attached to anal engagement. Relating to a wider audience, Dr. Goldstein leaves the medical jargon behind and communicates in a straight-forward, direct manner, breaking down taboos and allowing for more conversational and open discussions.
Dr. Goldstein has extensive experience educating and shedding light on healthcare issues relating to both the LGBTQ+ community and mainstream audiences. He is a frequent resource for journalists and has been published in many national media outlets including NBC.com, GQ, Well + Good, Men’s Health, Cosmopolitan, HuffPost, NY Magazine, Forbes, and many others. He was named one of New York City’s top LGBTQ+ business leaders by Crain’s New York in 2020. He maintains his own collection of essays relating to his practice and daily life on Medium.com, as well as a weekly IGTV series that covers familiar issues he sees at his practice, as well as user-submitted questions and topics.
David Ley, PhD, CST-S
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
David Ley is a clinical psychologist in practice in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Philosophy from Ole Miss, and his Master's and Doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from the University of New Mexico. Dr. Ley is licensed in New Mexico and North Carolina, and has provided clinical and consultative services in numerous other states. He is the Executive Director of New Mexico Solutions, a large outpatient mental health and substance abuse program in Albuquerque, NM. Dr. Ley also serves on the advisory board for the Sexual Health Alliance and leads SHA’s Sexual Attitude Reassessment or Adjustment (SAR) as well as SHA’s Advanced SARs in Mexico and Jamaica.
Dr. Ley has been treating sexuality issues throughout his career. He first began treating perpetrators and victims of sexual abuse, but expanded his approach to include the fostering and promotion of healthy sexuality, and awareness of the wide range of normative sexual behaviors. Insatiable Wives is his first book and won a Silver Medal in the Foreword Magazine Book of the Year contest for 2009. Dr. Ley wrote Insatiable Wives following two years of interviews with couples around the country. His controversial second book, The Myth of Sex Addiction was released in March 2012, challenging the concept of sexual addiction and exploring a different model of male sexuality. The Myth of Sex Addiction triggered a firestorm of debate, allowing people to finally challenge the media hype of this pseudo-disorder. His most recent book, Ethical Porn for Dicks, A Man's Guide to Responsible Viewing Pleasure has been a staple for any curious individual.
Justin Lehmiller, PhD
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Justin Lehmiller leads the Sexual Health Alliance Study Abroad program to Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Iceland, Barcelona and more coming soon. He received his Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Purdue University. He is a Research Fellow at The Kinsey Institute and author of the book Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Help You Improve Your Sex Life. Dr. Lehmiller is an award-winning educator, having been honored three times with the Certificate of Teaching Excellence from Harvard University, where he taught for several years. He is also a prolific researcher and scholar who has published more than 50 academic works to date, including a textbook titled The Psychology of Human Sexuality (now in its second edition) that is used in college classrooms around the world. Dr. Lehmiller's research focuses on topics including casual sex, sexual fantasy, sexual health, and friends with benefits. His studies have appeared in all of the leading journals on human sexuality, including the Journal of Sex Research, Archives of Sexual Behavior, and The Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Dr. Lehmiller has run the popular blog Sex and Psychology since 2011, and it now receives several million page views per year. He has been interviewed by numerous media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Boston Globe, CNN, The Atlantic, The Globe and Mail, and The Sunday Times. He has been named one of 5 "Sexperts" You Need to Follow on Twitter by Men's Health and one of the "modern-day masters of sex" by Nerve. Dr. Lehmiller has appeared on the Netflix series Sex, Explained, he has been on several episodes of the television program Taboo on the National Geographic Channel, and he has been a guest on Dr. Phil. Dr. Lehmiller has also appeared on numerous podcasts and radio shows, including the Savage Lovecast, the BBC’s Up All Night, and several NPR programs (1A, Radio Times, and Airtalk).
He is a popular freelance writer, penning columns and op-eds for major publications, including The Washington Post, Playboy, USA Today, VICE, Psychology Today, Men’s Health, Politico, and New York Magazine. In addition, the articles he writes on Sex and Psychology have been syndicated on major websites, including Business Insider, Huffington Post, and Thought Catalog. He has also interviewed several prominent authors, journalists, and psychologists about their work for his blog and podcast, including Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Lisa Ling, Drs. John and Julie Gottman, and bestselling authors Christopher Ryan (Sex at Dawn) and Lisa Taddeo (Three Women).
Dr. Lehmiller has given talks around the world on sex, love, and relationships. He is available as an expert speaker and has experience consulting on legal cases, including taking the stand as an expert witness. Dr. Lehmiller has also worked with several major sexual health and wellness brands and is available as a spokesperson, as well as a media, marketing, and product development consultant.
Concurrent Session Presentations
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Dr. Amy M. Pearlman is a board-certified and fellowship-trained urologist based in South Florida, specializing in male sexual and hormonal health, genitourinary reconstruction, and gender-affirming genital surgery. She co-founded the Prime Institute, where she offers comprehensive medical and surgical care for conditions such as erectile dysfunction, testosterone deficiency, penile curvature, and buried penis, alongside innovations in male cosmetic procedures like penile girth enhancement using hyaluronic acid fillers. A passionate educator, Dr. Pearlman collaborates with multidisciplinary providers and serves on the editorial boards of Urology Times and Therapeutic Advances in Urology, and is board-member for the Sexual Medicine Society of North America. Her mission centers on demystifying men’s sexual health, encouraging healthy behaviors, and empowering patients to live authentically with confidence and understanding.
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Dr. Russell Johnson received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School. Prior to medical school he was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Melbourne in Australia and during medical school he was a National Institutes of Health Fogarty Scholar at the International Center for Diarrheal Diseases Research, Bangladesh. Dr. Johnson went on to complete a dual residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Utah. During residency he pursued training in tropical and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) medicine while attending the Gorgas Course in Clinical Tropical Medicine in Lima, Peru. Throughout his final year of residency he gained clinical experience in HIV primary care medicine seeing patients in the University of Utah Clinic 1A. He subsequently became certified as an HIV specialist by the American Academy of HIV Medicine
Dr. Johnson spends the majority of his clinical time at the UCLA Clinical AIDS Research and Education (CARE) Center. There he provides primary care for patients living with HIV, as well as HIV preventative services for adolescents and adults at risk for HIV infection. Dr. Johnson is also part of the CARE Center’s anal cancer screening and prevention team, performing high resolution anoscopy to diagnose and treat precancerous lesions in at risk individuals. Dr. Johnson spends the remainder of his time seeing pediatric patients at the Santa Monica 16th Street Internal Medicine and Pediatrics clinic, both as a primary care and urgent care physician. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Johnson is involved in teaching medical students, residents, and LGBTQ fellows.
Dr. Johnson is passionate about the medical humanities and health messaging through media. He has published numerous op-eds in news outlets such as STAT! and has a TikTok channel educating viewers about HIV and sexually transmitted infections. In his spare time, he enjoys surfing, telemark skiing, drumming, writing, and traveling.
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Dr. Tolulope Oko-Igaire, also known as “The Fixer”, is one of Africa’s leading couples, sex, and mental health therapists. She is a clinical counselor specializing in sexual health, sexual dysfunction, trauma, depression, PTSD, and family dynamics, with advanced training in Gestalt Therapy, CBT, and Psychodynamic approaches. A pioneer in advancing professional mental health counseling in regions where sexual and mental health topics remain taboo, Dr. Oko-Igaire has worked extensively with multinational organizations, government agencies, and NGOs across Africa as a speaker, facilitator, and consultant. She is the President of the Association for Counseling, Matchmaking & Psychotherapy of Nigeria (ACMPN) and the Executive Director of the Institute of Counseling in Nigeria. Dr. Oko-Igaire is a U.S.-certified Human Sexuality Specialist, holds an honorary doctorate in counseling, and is currently completing PhDs in Counseling Psychology and Sexology. She is internationally recognized for her commitment to ethical, inclusive, and evidence-based sexual health education.
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Cynthia Graham is currently a Senior Scientist at the Kinsey Institute and a Professor of Gender Studies at Indiana University Bloomington. She has been Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Sex Research since 2009. Her current research focuses on male condom use, hormonal contraceptives, women’s sexuality, women’s sexual pleasure, sexual problems and sexual health among older adults.
She has been a member of the Kinsey Institute Condom Use Research Team since 2000. Her research has been funded by the UK Medical Research Council and the National Institute of Health Research.
Cynthia was a member of the DSM-5 Workgroup on Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders. In 2023, she won the Masters and Johnson Award from the Society for Sex Therapy and Research. In 2016 she was awarded the Distinguished Scientific Achievement Award and in 2019 the Distinguished Service to SSSS Award by the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality. In 2009 she was elected president of the International Academy of Sex Research.
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Coral is a Certified Sexologist, Sex & Intimacy Coach, Sex Consultant.
Coral is not just a mentor - she’s a movement.As a sex & and intimacy coach, Coral specializes in helping individuals navigate the complexities of sexual desires and intimate relationships, fostering radical self-awareness and autonomy.
Her own lived experience and healing journey led her to sexology. Coral’s work is rooted in empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of the human experience.
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Norma Buster is Chief of Staff at C.A. Goldberg, PLLC, a victims rights law firm in Brooklyn, NY, where she oversees business operations, marketing, and client relations. In her years at the firm, Norma has listened to, processed, and translated the stories of thousands of victims of sexual, domestic, and tech-facilitated abuse. Norma’s career stemmed from a personal experience—at 19, she became the victim of stalking and image-based sexual abuse by her ex-boyfriend.
Norma’s commitment to empowering others to demand justice for themselves goes beyond her work at the firm. She is the creator and host of the podcast Oral Arguments, where she has candid conversations with others doing significant work at the intersection of sex, tech and victims’ rights. Her advocacy and activism around the fight for sexual privacy rights have led Norma to attending events at the White House, championing major legislation, and sharing her own lived experience as a survivor and adult content creator to push for reform. Norma is also a member of the inaugural Board of Directors for MyOwn Image, a nonprofit organization with a mission to combat image-based sexual abuse and other forms of technology-facilitated gendered violence.
Conference Venue: Grand Hyatt Denver
SHA’s 2026 Annual Conference will be held at the Grand Hyatt Denver Downtown, October 15–17, 2026. Known for its modern luxury, exceptional service, and top-tier location, the Grand Hyatt remains one of the highest-rated hotels in Downtown Denver. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel is just minutes from Union Station, Coors Field, the Colorado Convention Center, Michelin-starred restaurants, parks, nightlife, and boutique shopping. It’s also pet-friendly, making it a convenient and comfortable stay for all attendees.
Secure your room early at the Grand Hyatt Denver and enjoy the full conference experience onsite with the SHA community.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
We’re honored to be supported by our 2026 Sexological Conference sponsors. Their commitment to advancing sexual health, inclusive sex education, and professional development in sexology helps make this event possible.
Partner with SHA to Support the 2026 Conference!
Gain visibility among sexologists, therapists, educators, and healthcare professionals shaping the future of sexual health.
What Our PAST Attendees Had to Say!
Hear firsthand experiences from last year’s participants—leaders, educators, and professionals who joined us for an unforgettable weekend of learning, connection, and growth.
Become SHA Certified, Enroll Today!
Imagine completing your Certification in Sexology+ (including a personalized AASECT transcript/application), saving you hundreds of hours of time and money. You’ll also be gaining every CE you need, all supervision, SARs plus plenty more you haven’t even thought of yet. When you become SHA Certified, you’re not just checking boxes and doing the bare minimum; you’re going above and beyond while also joining a global community of sex therapists, educators, counselors, coaches, and medical practitioners who are shaping the future of sexology.
Instead of piecing together conferences one by one and hoping they align with International standards or the (US AASECT requirements), you can enroll in SHA’s Sex Therapy, Sexologist, Sexuality Counselor, Sex Educator or Sex and Relationship Coach Certification Program, where every training is intentionally curated, tracked, and streamlined to support your AASECT path. No guesswork. No overwhelm. Just a clear, supported journey from start to finish.
As an SHA Certified professional, you’ll gain:
Access to a thriving global community of practitioners and leaders
Expert faculty, mentorship, and guidance every step of the way
Exclusive SHA trainings, tools, and support you won’t find anywhere else
A complete, organized portfolio for international associations (including AASECT-aligned hours)
If you’re ready to take your sexual health education further—and become truly sexceptional—apply to become SHA Certified today. Your future clients (and your future self) will thank you. Apply HERE.
2025 Annual Sexological Conference Best moments!
Sexual Health Alliance has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7730. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Sexual Health Alliance is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
This event is eligible for a maximum of 20 CE hours.
