The Importance of Working with a SHA or AASECT Certified Sex Therapist

The sexuality field is one that is constantly changing and evolving. We have come to know that human sexuality is fluid and professionals in the field make sure to stay up to date with information by ensuring they have the proper education. If you’re looking for a sex therapist, you’re probably looking to work with someone who has these knowledgeable certifications. Unfortunately, there are some individuals out there who practice sex therapy but do not actually have the correct certifications or are out of touch with the reality of human sexuality. In order to avoid meeting with a sex therapist who is not properly certified, you should look for an AASECT-certified individual. 

“AASECT offers certification of sexual health practitioners in four categories: sexuality educator, sexuality counselor, sex therapist, and supervisor. For the vast majority of professionals in healthcare and human services, certification is a prerequisite to practice. AASECT credentials sexual health professionals on the basis of rigorous standards for academic preparation, supervised training and consultation, field-related experience, and applied skills.”  (AASECT) 

AASECT is the most comprehensive certification available for sex therapists and the curriculum is quite extensive. Students pursuing the certification are held to rigorous academic standards and are not only required to learn the academics of sex therapy but also learn how to practice sex therapy in a hands-on way. AASECT certified sex therapists are trained to follow the P-LI-SS-IT model when practicing. It’s important to work with a therapist who follows this model because it is based on a realistic therapeutic approach:

• Permission (P): The practitioner creates a climate of comfort and permission for clients to discuss sexual concerns, often introducing the topic of sexuality, thereby validating sexuality as a legitimate health issue.

• Limited Information (LI): The practitioner addresses specific sexual concerns and attempts to correct myths and misinformation.

• Specific suggestions (SS): The practitioner compiles a sexual history or profile of the client

• Intensive Therapy (IT): The practitioner provides specialized treatment in cases that are complicated by the coexistence of other complex life issues which may also include psychiatric diagnoses such as depression, anxiety disorders (including obsessive-compulsive disorder), personality disorders, or substance abuse, or by interpersonal or intrapersonal conflict. (AASECT)

Sex therapists who get certified with SHA have this AASECT certification as well as SHA-specific knowledge! SHA AASECT Certified Sex Therapists “…are mental health professionals, trained to provide in-depth psychotherapy, who have specialized in treating clients with sexual issues and concerns.” (sexualhealthalliance)  More than this, 

“sex therapists work with sexual concerns and, in addition, where appropriate, are prepared to provide comprehensive and intensive psychotherapy over an extended period of time in more complex cases.” (sexualhealthalliance)  

SHA AASECT Certified therapists are the most qualified to help with any sexual issues or concerns you may have- that is the main reason why you should work with one. 

Ready to take the next step? 

Contact us to schedule an appointment 512-537-0922. Or, Schedule an appointment now.

What online counseling options do I have? 

For the past decade, we have excelled at online therapy, teletherapy, and phone counseling. We have seen couples online and conducted Sex Therapy online through video platforms. Everything can be completed online including your intake, first session all the way through graduation! You can even find a Respark Therapist or Coach and book your first session online without having to pick up the phone. Many of our clients love online therapy as there are so many pros! Learn more about our online couples therapy, online individual therapy and online Sex Therapy process here.

By: Alyssa Morterud