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Foundations of Sex Therapy

Tuesday, August 11th, 2026   12:00 PM EDT -3:00 PM EDT
Dr. Caleb Jacobson, PsyD, PhD
$59.99

This class provides IAPST credits which are eligible for credits toward Certification as a Sex Therapist.  See iapst.org/certification

See complete list of certificates available in the Accreditation tab

Introduction to Sex Therapy provides a foundational overview of the field of sex therapy and its role within clinical practice. This course introduces students to the core principles of sex therapy, explores what it means to be a sex therapist, and examines the professional responsibilities involved in this specialized area of practice. Participants will critically engage with common myths and misconceptions about sex therapy, gaining clarity on what sex therapists do—and what they do not do. The course also highlights the pathways to becoming a sex therapist, offering students insight into training, ethics, and professional identity development. By the end of the course, participants will have a clear understanding of the profession and its importance in promoting sexual health and well-being.

To register or access the part 2 asynchronous/self study click -> HERE <-

About the Presenter

Caleb Jacobson is an internationally recognized clinical psychologist, sex therapist, and Bible scholar. He holds a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree in clinical psychology and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Hebrew Bible, biblical archaeology, and psychological exegesis. In his clinical practice, Dr. Jacobson specializes in working with religious and conservative patients, treating male sexual dysfunction, and addressing rare and problematic sexual issues. A pioneer in the integration of sex therapy and religion, he is the author of the award-winning Sex Therapy with Religious Patients: Working with Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Communities (2024) and the editor of The Routledge International Handbook of Sex Therapy and Religion (2025). Dr. Jacobson currently serves as president of both the School of Sex Therapy and the International Association of Psychosexual Therapists, where he leads initiatives in education, research, and clinical advancement within the field.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Define sex therapy and the role of a sex therapist within clinical practice, including scope of work, qualifications, and ethical boundaries.
  2. Identify and critically examine common myths and misconceptions about sex therapy, distinguishing them from evidence-based professional practice.
  3. Evaluate the personal and professional qualities that contribute to becoming an effective sex therapist.

Agenda:

Total Duration: 3 hours (with an additional 2 hours of required work for certificate program participants)

Hour 1: Foundations of Sex Therapy

  • Defining Sex Therapy: Scope, purpose, and place within mental health

  • Who Are Sex Therapists? Training, qualifications, and areas of specialization

  • The Role of a Sex Therapist in clinical and interdisciplinary care

  • Activity: Group Reflection – “What comes to mind when you imagine a sex therapist?” (guided discussion to surface assumptions and preconceptions)

Hour 2: Addressing Misconceptions

  • Common myths about sex therapy and sex therapists

  • Distinguishing sex therapy from sex work and other professions

  • Ethical boundaries and the importance of professional conduct

  • Activity: Small Group Exercise – Identify myths and misconceptions about sex therapy, then share with the class for discussion and clarification

Hour 3: Becoming a Sex Therapist

  • Pathways to training and certification

  • The personal and professional qualities of effective sex therapists

  • Building a mission: clarifying values and motivations for entering the field

Additional Certificate Program Requirement (2 hours)

For participants completing this course as part of the Certificate in Sex Therapy:

  • Reading Assignment: Assigned article on the professional identity of sex therapists

  • Reflective Writing: Develop a personal mission statement (1–2 pages) articulating your motivations for pursuing sex therapy training and your vision for professional practice

This workshop offers 3 Live Interactive Continuing Education Credits

This presentation is open to:
  • Social Workers
  • Professional Counselors
  • Therapists
  • Psychologists
  • Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
  • Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
  • Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
Course Level: introductory
Level of Clinician: intermediate
  • New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
  • Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
  • Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
  • Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives

Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.

Disability Access - If you require ADA accommodations, please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification. Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often, and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly to obtain a ruling. The grievance policy for trainings provided by NEFESH INTERNATIONAL is available here Satisfactory Completion Participants must have paid the tuition fee, logged in and out each day, attended the entire workshop, and completed an evaluation to receive a certificate (If this is a pre-recorded program, a post-test with a passing grade of 80% to receive a certificate.) Failure to log in or out will result in forfeiture of credit for the entire course. No exceptions will be made. Partial credit is not available. Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion by clicking here.
There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.
  • The American Psychological Association approves the School of Sex Therapy to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The School of Sex Therapy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
    The School of Sex Therapy is an approved continued education provider for the International Association of Psychosexual Therapists. The School of Sex Therapy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed creative arts therapists. #CAT-0122.
  • Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0129.
  • Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0325.
  • Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0275.
  • Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0129.
  • Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0325.
  • Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0774.
Refund Policy:
Full Refund until 48 hours before scheduled date.
48 hours before: full refund less $5.00 processing fee. After event no refund will be given.
*exclusions apply for reasonable need and cause.