< Back to workshops

Psychology of Sex

Previously Recorded
Michael Sytsma, PhD, LPC, CST, C-PST™, CPCS
$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

The Psychology of Sex focuses on the psychological dimensions of sexuality, integrated with social influences within a bio-psycho-social framework. It examines historical and contemporary psychological theories—including psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive, systems, feminist, narrative, and modern models like Incentive-Motivation and Human Affectome—and their clinical applications. Participants will explore critical components for sex therapy, such as cognitive scripts, cultural messaging, psychological barriers, intimacy skills, power dynamics, and neurodivergence. Independent study involves a confidential personal journal exploring the therapist’s own psychology of sex, with a reaction paper submitted to reflect on implications for therapeutic practice. Emphasizing ethical, inclusive approaches, the course equips learners to integrate psychological insights into sex therapy, complementing the broader training program’s bio-psycho-social perspective.

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

About the Presenter

Michael Sytsma, PhD, LPC, CST, C-PST™, CPCS has over 35 years of clinical experience in marriage and sex therapy and is the founder of Building Intimate Marriages, Inc. and co-founder of Sexual Wholeness, Inc.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will analyze the influence of historical and contemporary psychological theories (e.g., psychoanalytic, cognitive, Incentive-Motivation) on clinical sex therapy practices by discussing their applications to a case study.
  2. Participants will identify relevant psychological aspects of sexuality (e.g., cognitive scripts, intimacy dynamics) and their influence on sexual experiences and problems, illustrated by small group discussion of case studies.
  3. Participants will evaluate personal biases about sexuality and propose a way to maintain neutrality in therapy, as shown in a reflective reaction paper submitted after journaling during independent study.

Agenda:

Introduction – 10 minutes

Part 1 – 80 minutes

A.        Is the “Psychology of Sex” a real distinction?

B.        Past models from psychology and counseling

a.         Psychoanalytic

b.         Behavioral

c.         Cognitive

d.         Systems

e.         Feminist

f.            Narrative

C.       Current and future models, including:

a.         Incentive-Motivation Model

b.         Tipping Point Model

c.         Human Affectome Model

Break – 10 minutes

Part 2 – 80 minutes

D.       Critical components for the sex therapist

a.         Cognitive scripts

b.         Perception (self and other)

c.         Fantasy and imaging

d.         Cultural messaging

e.         Psychological barriers (trauma, anxiety, psychopathology, etc.)

f.            Intimacy skills (attachment, trust, self-differentiation, communication, etc.)

g.         Power dynamics

h.         Neurodivergence



This workshop offers 3 Continuing Education Credits
This webinar is recorded and will not grant live 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: beginner
  • 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.