University of Guelph OpenEd
2009001 – Intensive Sex Therapy Training Program
Delivery Options Remote Instruction
Engage in specialized training to explore the relationship between issues in sexual development and sexual functioning with a focus on theory, research, and clinical interventions for sex therapy with a range of clients in a clinical setting.
This course is primarily designed for people in the clinical field, as the course material and assignments focus on working with clients. Applicants are required to have a Bachelor or Masters degree in a related field, clinical experience and a strong foundation in the theory and skills of relationship therapy, knowledge of basic anatomy, gender socialization, basic models of sexual arousal and response and an overview of sexuality over the lifespan.
Facilitative learning will take place within small group discussions, practice therapy sessions, lectures and videos.
This course does not certify you to be and/or practice as a Sex Therapist. For more information about how to become a certified sex therapist, contact an accrediting association, such as the Board of Examiners in Sex Therapy and Counselling in Ontario (BESTCO), or the American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, or Therapists (AASECT).
This course involves:
A one-hour pre-course orientation – to orient you to the online tools used throughout the course
Five (5) full days of live synchronous classes via Zoom (8 hours per day)
Additional coursework (approximately 10 – 15 hours)
Pre-course reflection assignment
Readings and graded discussions
Post-course reflection assignment
Considering the intensive nature of this course, it is advised that participants avoid scheduling other engagements during the course.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
Create a framework for addressing clinical issues involving sexual, relational and physiological components
Appreciate the complexities of working with a variety of clients and articulate a rationale for the choices in their assessment and/or intervention
Identify the contextual variables that effect human sexuality
Identify and assess for a range of common presenting individual and relational sexual problems and their etiology.
Recognize “self-as-therapist”, your social location (e.g., class, gender, culture, sexual orientation, positionality, ethical self, etc.), and how it impacts your clinical work.
Discuss the complexities of working with a variety of clients and articulate a rationale for the choices in their assessment, model, and/or intervention.
Apply interdisciplinary and integrative assessment/s, diagnosis/es, and model/s for addressing clinical issues involving sexual, relational, and physiological components.
Course Topics
Assessment of Sexual Problems and Difficulties
Models, Interventions, and Treatments within Individual and/or Relational Contexts
Ethical Considerations in Practice
Gender, Sexual, Erotic, and Relational Diversity
Identifying Sexuality Difficulties/Problems/Disturbances/Dysfunctions
Relational Dynamics
Consensual and non-consensual non-monogamy
Sexually Explicit Material, Pornography, and Digisexuality
Problematizing Sexualized Behaviors (out-of-control sexual and digital behaviors)
Sexual and related mental health issues
Pleasure
Masturbation
Sexual Enhancement
Life Course Considerations (e.g. aging adults, young to mid-life adults etc.)
Sexuality within Sociopolitical Cultural Contexts
Additional Requirements
You will be required to submit a CV/resume upon registration outlining your therapy/clinical background/experience and/or associated educational background. You will be informed of your acceptance within 2 weeks from your registration date.
This course is primarily designed for people in the clinical field, as the course material and assignments focus on working with clients. Clinical fields include: medicine, psychology, counselling, couples and family therapy, social work, and psychotherapy.
Course Acceptance Requirements:
A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field
Clinical experience
A strong foundation in the theory and skills of relationship therapy, knowledge of basic anatomy, gender socialization, basic models of sexual arousal and response and an overview of sexuality over the lifespan.
This course is offered via remote delivery utilizing live video conferencing combined with the University’s online learning management system. You are required to be present and engaged via live video-conferencing for the full 5 days of the course.
Considering the intensive nature of this course, it is advised that participants avoid scheduling other engagements during the course.
All class times are Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Proficiency in English – written and verbal required. This course will be delivered in English and assignment submissions are to be submitted in English.
Assessment
Assessment Item Weight
Attendance and Participation 50%
Assessment #1 – Pre-Course Self-of-the-Therapist Pre-Assessment and Reflection 25%
Assessment #2 – Post Course Self-of-the-Therapist Post-Assessment and Reflection 25%
Total 100%
Please note that the course assessment is subject to change.
Professional Accreditation
The outcomes have been intentionally designed to meet professional accreditation core competencies set by the following organizations:
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)
Historically, this program has met the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). AASECT approval is expected to be confirmed by the end of January and all registrants will be updated via email.
Sponsoring Partner
Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition (FRAN), College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
