Sex Therapy Certificate

Instructor: Dr. Candice Cooper-Lovett
Dates: January 19 – March 23, 2027
Schedule: Tuesdays, 5:00–8:15 PM ET
Format: Live Online
Instructional Hours: 30
Continuing Education: 30 AASECT CE Credits
Tuition: $2,0000

This foundational module introduces essential concepts in sex therapy and explores how sexuality intersects with relationships, culture, identity, and personal experiences.

Participants will explore:

• Sexual anatomy, functioning, and response
• Foundational sex therapy assessment approaches
• Sexual desire and relationship dynamics
• Cultural and social influences on sexuality
• Professional ethics and clinical considerations
• The role of personal values and self-awareness in therapeutic practice

This module is ideal for clinicians seeking an introduction to sex therapy or looking to incorporate additional perspectives into their existing clinical work.

AASECT Core Knowledge Areas Covered in Module 1

A: Ethics
B: Developmental sexuality
C: Sociocultural factors
D: Sexual orientation and gender identity
E: Intimacy skills and family dynamics
F: Diversities in sexual expression
G: Sexual anatomy and physiology
H: Health and medical factors
I: Range of sexual functioning
N: Learning theory
O: Professional communication
P: History of the discipline

Instructor: Anne Mauro
Dates: April 6 – June 8, 2027
Schedule: Tuesdays, 5:00–8:15 PM ET
Format: Live Online
Instructional Hours: 30
Continuing Education: 30 AASECT CE Credits
Tuition: $2,000

Building on foundational sex therapy concepts, this advanced module explores sexuality and intimacy through a systemic and relational lens.

Participants will examine:

• Advanced approaches to sex therapy
• Sexuality, identity, and relationship diversity
• Technology and its influence on intimacy
• Alternative relationship structures
• Ethical considerations in clinical practice
• The influence of personal values and experiences on therapeutic work

The module emphasizes culturally responsive and thoughtful approaches to supporting clients with diverse sexual and relational experiences.

Module 2 Eligibility & Prerequisites

Module 2 is open to licensed or graduate-level mental health professionals who have completed approximately 30 hours of introductory sex therapy training through one of the following pathways:

• Successful completion of Module 1: Introduction to Sex Therapy
  Completion of an equivalent introductory sex therapy training program
• Relevant graduate coursework in human sexuality, with one semester credit equivalent to 15 instructional hours

Applicants seeking to enroll directly in Module 2 without completing Ackerman’s Module 1 must provide documentation of their prior training.

A transcript or course syllabus will be required as part of the application process to support the review of equivalent coursework or training.

All equivalency determinations are subject to review and approval by the Ackerman Institute for the Family.

AASECT Core Knowledge Areas Covered in Module 2

A: Ethics
C: Sociocultural factors
D: Sexual orientation
J: Sexual exploitation, including abuse, harassment, and assault; paraphilic disorders, sexsomnia, and surrogate partner therapy
K: Cybersexuality and social media
L: Substance use and sexuality
M: Pleasure enhancement skills, including sensate focus
N: Learning theory
O: Professional communication
P: History of sex research, theory, education, counseling, and therapy
Q: Research methods, including engagement with and evaluation of sexuality research