Program:
Couples & Sex Therapy Training Program
Course:
Part II: Human Sexuality, Sex Education & Sex Therapy (HSSEST)
Dates/Time:
August 1 – November 21, 2024 12:15 – 3:00 p.m. PST
Case Consultation:
3:15 – 4:30 p.m. PST
The Human Sexuality, Sex Education & Sex Therapy (HSSEST) course is offered to all mental health professionals, and is designed to incorporate multiple instructional levels (introductory, intermediate and advanced). Each lecture stands on its own, but together gives a comprehensive understanding of sexual issues, problems, and their treatment. Each lecture covers an important area for the clinician’s understanding of human sexuality and sex therapy. We are fortunate that many national and international experts have agreed to present their material to further our understanding of sexual functioning, problems and treatment.
We focus on four issues in sex therapy. These are 1) medical/organic, 2) sexual performance, 3) sexual desire, and 4) lack of sexual information and education. These areas will be covered extensively, along with other sex therapy issues, including sexuality and aging, LGBTQIA+ sex therapy, adult aids and toys, surrogate partner therapy, sex therapy with culturally diverse populations, and sex and couples therapy. Students will have an opportunity to explore their own attitudes and feelings as it pertains to this important area.
Each class includes a a lecture with a slide presentation (12:15-1:30 p.m.), followed by a 15 minute break, then clinical application utilizing video, role play, and demonstrations (1:45 – 3:00 p.m.), followed by an afternoon case consultation class (3:15 – 4:30 p.m.). There are also question and answer opportunities throughout the lecture.
Learning Objectives:
(Each lecture has 2 learning objectives, complete list in course syllabus)
- Identify four common issues in sex therapy (medical/surgical, sexual performance, sexual desire, lack of education).
- Identify three important ethical considerations in sex therapy.
- Acquire a sexual history focusing on four areas (developmental, biological, relational, cultural).
- Assess and apply treatment interventions for three common sexual performance issues in males and females.
- Assess and apply treatment interventions for three common sexual desire issues.
- Identify two indications of sexual addiction/compulsivity.
- Evaluate seven specific factors (culture, religion, age, orientation, gender, lifestyle and disabilities) in diverse and inclusive sex therapy.
- List two benefits and two contraindications for surrogate partner therapy.
- Identify two at risk behaviors for contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Practice at least four specific sex therapy interventions in role-play triads.
Educational Goals:
This course is designed to help participants:
- Provide mental health professionals with techniques that effectively integrate couples therapy and sex therapy in a clinical practice.
- Provide new competencies and knowledge to mental health professionals by presenting new research findings (i.e. neuroscientific, psychomotor, psychobiological) and integrate these findings into existing education, theoretical models, and clinical approaches to the field of couples and sex therapy.
- Advance existing skills and competence in the field of couples and sex therapy to better equip mental health professionals to serve the needs of the public.
- Promote research endeavors by mental health professionals in the field of couples and sex therapy in order to contribute to the discipline of psychology as a whole.
Instructors:
Wendy Cherry, Psy.D, a licensed psychotherapist, is the co-founder and Executive Director of The American Association of Couples and Sex Therapists (AACAST), and the Co-Director of the Couples and Sex Therapy Training Program at UCLA. She trained with renowned couples therapist Dr. Walter Brackelmanns for almost two decades, and is an accomplished educator, lecturer and public speaker for numerous universities, organizations and businesses. Dr. Cherry furthers her knowledge in the field of Interpersonal Neurobiology with membership in Dr. Allan Schore’s Right Brain Psychotherapy study group. She has the distinction of being trained in both business management and as a mental health professional. Prior to her work in the field of psychology, Wendy created and directed one of the very first Internet companies, becoming a well-known media expert on internet issues in the Los Angeles area. She has appeared on numerous television news shows, including Fox 11, Channel 9, Channel 5, and also on Extra! and Inside Edition. Dr. Cherry has a private practice in Encino, CA specializing in couples and sex therapy.
Patrick Jensen, MFT, a Marriage and Family Therapist, was fundamental in the creation of AACAST as a membership organization and also one of the very first AACAST Certified Couples and Sex Therapists, trained directly by AACAST co-founder Dr. Walter Brackelmanns. Patrick received training in psychodynamic psychotherapy working with individuals, families and children at The Maple Counseling Center in Beverly Hills, CA, as well as training in solution-focused, LGBT-affirmative psychotherapy at the LA LGBT Center in Hollywood, CA. He has also received specialized training in working with trauma and anger management issues, an ABIP-certified Domestic Violence Counselor, and an EMDRIA-certified EMDR Therapist. Previously the Director of Marketing, Patrick is currently Co-Director of the Couples and Sex Therapy Training Program of the Department of Adult Psychiatry, the Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, an AACAST Clinical Supervisor, and in private practice in Studio City.
(Additional Guest Lecturers)
Satisfactory Completion: Participants must attend each lecture from 12:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. to receive CE credit for the Human Sexuality, Sex Education & Sex Theray (HSSEST) course (2.5 CE per each lecture). CE credit is not available for missed classes. Participants must have paid tuition fee, logged in to each class for the duration of the lecture, and completed an evaluation in order to receive a certificate. Failure to attend the entire class will result in forfeiture of credit for the class. No exceptions will be made. CE certificates will be emailed to participants within thirty (30) days of course completion in exchange for a completed course evaluation.
Refund Policy: All course cancellations and requests for refunds must be made in writing. Telephone requests will not be honored. Letters and/or an e-mail to the Executive Director should be received no later than 15 days prior to the first day of the course to receive a full refund of the course payments. An exception is made in the case of an emergency situation defined as the death or illness of registrant or a family member. In case of emergency, a full refund will be issued. In the case of a withdrawal from the course after the course has started, for any reason, the refund will consist of a prorated amount based on attendance, minus a $30.00 administrative fee. All refund requests should be made in writing and sent to: AACAST, Attn: Wendy Cherry, Executive Director, 1072 Katherine Rd., Santa Susana, CA 93063 or by e-mail at Wendy@aacast.net.
Accommodations for Disabilities: Participants who have a disability and require special assistance should contact Wendy Cherry, Psy.D. by email at Wendy@aacast.net or by phone at (818) 540-8657.
Grievances, issues, or concerns regarding the conference or registration should be addressed in writing and submitted to Wendy@aacast.net.
The Affirmative Couch, LLC is co-sponsoring this event with AACAST. The Affirmative Couch, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Affirmative Couch, LLC and AACAST maintain responsibility for this program and its content. The BBS also recognizes The Affirmative Couch CE credit for their licenses.
