Finding quality education around sexuality and sexual health can be quite difficult. There are so many questions we get about where to go, what’s needed and how to start. The amount of education you need differs depending on what field within sexual health you are planning to enter.
If you are thinking about becoming a sex therapist, the training is the most extensive. Sex Therapy requires a masters degree in counseling, mental health or marriage and family therapy. Then you will need to get additional training in sexuality after you graduate.
If you are looking to become a sex educator, typically you need some college or a bachelors degree. In order to become AASECT Certified, you will need a bachelors degree and relevant experience within the sexual health field. In order to become a certified sex educator through Sexual Health Alliance or other organizations, you will need some college experience and/or relevant work experience.
Sexuality Counselors can range in education from some college to a medical degree. This designation within AASECT is typically for healthcare providers or those that work in healthcare facilities.
Then of course, there are so many careers that are outside the lines. From sex bloggers, to sex toy reviewers, to sexual health app developers, to sexuality podcasters, to sexuality surrogates or bodyworkers and beyond! These areas within the field vary widely in what education is required. We’re excited to dig into all of the above and learn more about the training resources out there to progress the field in the future!
Heather McPherson is a Licensed Couples and Sex Therapist Supervisor and owner of a group psychotherapy in Colorado and Texas called Respark (www.respark.co). She is the CEO of Sexual Health Alliance (www.sexualhealthalliance.com) which provides training and sex therapy, sex coaching and sex education certification programs. She is a consultant, blogger, and podcaster who has been featured in Huffington Post, Playboy, CNN, and a bunch of podcasts. To apply to work with her go to www.practiceoutsidethelines.com/services
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