Full Course Description

Module 1: Introduction and Orientation to the Course

Sex comes up in almost every practice — and most therapists were never trained to handle it. The Integrative Sex Therapy Certificate Training, developed by Dr. Tammy Nelson, Board Certified Sexologist and world-renowned relationship expert, gives you the framework, language, and confidence you need to address sex and intimacy competently, ethically, and within your existing license.

Program Information

Outline

Module 1: Introduction & Orientation to the Course

Overview of the profession of sex therapy
Distinctions between sex therapy, psychotherapy, medical care, and coaching
Scope of practice, role boundaries, and professional responsibilities
Establishing therapeutic limits and clarifying expectations with clients

Module 2: Foundations of Sex Therapy

Historical evolution of sex therapy
Major theoretical frameworks shaping contemporary practice
Ethical foundations of sex therapy

Licensure constraints
Confidentiality and informed consent
Dual relationships and self‑disclosure
Technology‑related risks and digital ethics

Core clinical models
Consent‑based and permission‑based frameworks
Applying foundational models to diverse clinical scenarios
Understanding clinical boundaries and decision‑making in complex cases

Module 3: Human Sexuality, Anatomy & Sex Education

Review of sexual anatomy and physiology

Inclusive, accurate, and affirming terminology
Variations in anatomy and function

Language use in sexual health conversations

Clinically precise, non‑pathologizing communication
Gender‑inclusive and culturally sensitive terminology

Sexual response patterns

Medical contributors (illness, medication, disability)
Biopsychosocial influences
Variations across individuals and contexts

Module 4: Gender & Sexual Orientation

Gender identity and sexual orientation in clinical assessment
How identity influences sexual functioning and relational dynamics
Hormonal transitions and their psychological and sexual impacts
Internalized bias, minority stress, and their clinical implications
Trans‑affirmative and queer‑affirmative care models

Module 5: Diversity in Clinical Sex Therapy

Cultural, racial, and religious influences on sexual wellbeing
Working with BIPOC, immigrant, CNM, and kink communities
Understanding relational structures and sexual subcultures
Historical and contemporary pathologization of marginalized sexualities
Creating inclusive documentation and intake systems

Language, forms, and data collection
Reducing bias in assessment

Module 6: Developmental & Lifespan Sexuality

Sexual development from childhood through late adulthood
Puberty, menopause, aging, and identity shifts
How developmental stages shape sexual functioning and relational needs
Designing age‑sensitive interventions

Cognitive, relational, and contextual considerations

Module 7: Relationship Styles, Attachment & Sexual Symptoms

Overview of relational structures

Monogamy, polyamory, open relationships, and other configurations

Attachment theory in sexual dynamics

How attachment patterns shape intimacy and sexual behavior

Differentiating sexual dissatisfaction from diagnosable dysfunction

Evidence‑based criteria
Common presenting concerns

Module 8: Assessment & Sex Therapy Intake

Conducting a comprehensive sex therapy intake
Standardized sexual health assessments

SSE, FSFI, IIEF
When and how to use them

Identifying clinical red flags

Trauma indicators
Abuse concerns
Medical contributors requiring referral

Developing a sex‑focused treatment plan

Integrating biopsychosocial data
Prioritizing goals and interventions

Module 9: Couples Work, Intimacy & Desire

Applying couples therapy principles to sexual concerns
Communication models relevant to sexual intimacy
Emotional safety and relational attunement
Rebuilding erotic connection

Desire discrepancy
Sensate focus and structured exercises

Working with relational dynamics that affect sexual functioning

Module 10: Sexual Trauma & Assault Recovery

Neurobiology of sexual trauma
Trauma‑informed assessment and treatment
Grounding, consent‑based, and somatic‑informed strategies
Avoiding retraumatization in sexual health interventions
Supporting survivors through a safety‑centered clinical approach

Module 11: Sex and Technology

Digital sexual behaviors

Pornography use
Sexting
Virtual reality and emerging technologies

Distinguishing healthy vs. compulsive digital sexual behavior
Ethical considerations in technology‑mediated intimacy

Privacy
Boundaries
Digital risk management

Module 12: Ethics, Values & Cultural Beliefs

Dual relationships, self‑disclosure, and risk management in sex therapy
The role of religion, guilt, and sexual shame in clinical work
Cultural and spiritual frameworks influencing sexual expression
Values clarification strategies
Culturally responsive interventions that reduce internalized stigma

Objectives

Differentiate the scope of practice of a sex therapist from other clinical and medical care models using clearly defined role boundaries.
Analyze the historical and theoretical foundations of sex therapy and identify how they inform contemporary clinical practice.
Evaluate ethical considerations relevant to sex therapy, including licensure limitations, dual relationships, disclosures, and technology‑related risks.
Compare major clinical models used in sexual health counseling (including PLISSIT, BETTER, and consent‑based frameworks) and identify their appropriate applications in practice.
Interpret sexual anatomy and physiology using accurate, inclusive, and affirming terminology.
Assess variations in sexual response associated with medical conditions, medications, and biopsychosocial factors.
Explain how gender identity and sexual orientation influence clinical presentation and treatment planning.
Apply trans‑affirmative and queer‑affirmative care models to case‑based clinical scenarios.
Evaluate the influence of cultural, racial, religious, immigrant, CNM, and kink identities on sexual wellbeing and treatment needs.
Examine the historical and contemporary pathologization of marginalized sexualities and identify its clinical implications.
Map key stages of sexual development across the lifespan, from childhood through late adulthood.
Evaluate how aging, menopause, puberty, and identity changes affect sexual functioning and clinical intervention.
Distinguish monogamy, polyamory, and other relational styles and identify their implications for assessment and treatment.
Differentiate sexual dissatisfaction from diagnosable dysfunction using evidence‑based criteria.
Interpret standardized sexual health assessments (e.g., SSE, FSFI, IIEF) and identify their appropriate clinical applications.
Identify clinical red flags (including trauma indicators, abuse concerns, and medical contributors) that require referral or modified intervention
Analyze communication models, sensate focus protocols, and emotional‑safety strategies used in sex therapy.
Explain the neurobiological effects of sexual trauma and their relevance to assessment and treatment.
Apply grounding, consent‑based, and somatic‑informed strategies appropriate for trauma‑informed sex therapy.
Evaluate digital sexual behaviors (e.g., pornography use, sexting, VR) and their clinical implications.
Formulate a sex‑focused treatment plan that integrates biopsychosocial assessment findings.
Apply foundational couples therapy concepts to sexual concerns, including communication, emotional safety, and relational dynamics.
Evaluate interventions for rebuilding erotic connection and addressing desire discrepancies.
Analyze how religion, guilt, and sexual shame influence sexual expression and treatment engagement.

Target Audience

Counselors
Social Workers
Psychologists
Psychotherapists
Therapists
Marriage & Family Therapists
Addiction Counselors
Case Managers
Physicians
Other Mental Health Professionals

Copyright : 05/10/2026

Full Course Description

Module 1: Introduction and Orientation to the Course

Program Information

Module 2: Foundations of Sex Therapy

Module 3: Human Sexuality, Anatomy and Sex Education

Module 4: Gender and Sexual Orientation

Module 5: Diversity in Clinical Sex Therapy

Module 6: Developmental and Lifespan Sexuality

Module 7: Relationship Styles, Attachment and Sexual Symptoms

Module 8: Assessment and Sex Therapy Intake

Module 9: Couples work, Intimacy and Desire

Module 10: Sexual Trauma and Assault Recovery

Module 11: Sex and Technology

Module 12: Ethics, Values, & Cultural Beliefs

Live Q&A Call #1 - Dr. Tammy Nelson's Sex Therapist Training

Live Q&A Call #2 - Dr. Tammy Nelson's Sex Therapist Training

Live Q&A Call #3 - Dr. Tammy Nelson's Sex Therapist Training