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Sexuality through the Lifespan

Previously Recorded
Dr. Laurie Betito
$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

This workshop examines human sexuality as a lifelong developmental process, framed through the biopsychosocial model. Participants will explore how sexuality evolves from childhood curiosity and identity formation through adolescence, adulthood, and later life. Special emphasis will be given to cultural influences, consent, and the ways relational and biological changes shape sexual expression across the lifespan. Case studies and group discussions will provide opportunities to apply concepts to clinical practice.

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

About the Presenter

Dr. Laurie Betito is a Clinical Psychologist and Certified Psychosexual Therapist, recognized as a Fellow of the International Association of Psychosexual Therapists (IAPST). A respected authority in the field of sexual health and relationships, Dr. Betito is the author of The Sex Bible for People Over 50, host of a popular podcast, and a two-time TEDx speaker. With a background as a radio and television host, she brings warmth, expertise, and authenticity to conversations about intimacy, aging, and human connection.

Learning Objectives:

  1. 1. Understand how sexuality evolves across different stages of life.
  2. 2. Identify biological, psychological, and social influences on sexual development and expression
  3. 3. Recognize common myths and challenges related to sexuality in different life stages.

Agenda:

Part 1: Introduction & Foundations (30 minutes)

A. Welcome & Icebreaker (10 min)

  • Quick poll or activity: "At what age were you aware of your own sexuality?"
      • “When did you first learn about sexuality”
  • Brief sharing and reflection

B. Key Concepts & Definitions (10 min)

  • What is sexuality? (beyond just sex)
  • Dimensions: biological, emotional, psychological, cultural, relational

C. Framework for Lifespan Perspective (10 min)

  • Influences: biopsychosocial model
  • Brief overview of developmental stages we'll cover

Part 2: Childhood to Adolescence (30 minutes)

A. Childhood (0–12 years) (10 min)

  • Gender identity formation
  • Body awareness and early curiosity
  • Role of caregivers and education

B. Adolescence (13–18 years) (20 min)

Break (10 minutes)

Part 3: Emerging Adulthood to Midlife (50 minutes)

A. Emerging Adulthood (18–29 years) (15 min)

  • Exploration of identity and relationships
  • College culture, hookup culture, dating apps
  • Risk-taking behaviors and safe sex
  • Evolving definitions of consent

B. Adulthood (30–49 years) (15 min)

  • Parenthood and its impact on sexuality
  • Infertility, body image, and relationship stress

C. Midlife (50–65 years) (20 min)

  • Menopause, andropause, and biological changes
  • Changing desires and intimacy
  • Divorce, re-partnering, and dating
  • Mental health and its impact on sexuality

Part 4: Older Adulthood (65+) (30 minutes)

A. Myths & Realities (10 min)

B. Physical and Social Factors (10 min)

  • Chronic illness, medication effects
  • Long-term partners or new relationships
  • LGBTQ+ aging populations and unique challenges

C. Consent and Elder Abuse (10 min)

  • Importance of ongoing conversations around consent
  • Addressing sexual abuse and capacity in older adults

Part 5: Integration, Application & Wrap-Up (30 minutes)

A. Case Studies / Scenarios (15 min)

  • Small groups discuss age-specific scenarios (e.g., teen exploring gender identity, older adult with new partner post-widowhood)
  • Share insights with class

B. Key Takeaways & Discussion (10 min)

  • What surprised you?
  • How can we support healthy sexuality at all ages?

C. Q&A and Closing (5 min)

  • Final questions
  • Resources for further learning (books, websites, organizations)

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: intermediate
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.
  • CE You! is an approved sponsor of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for continuing education credits for licensed social workers in Maryland.
    CE You! maintains responsibility for this program.
  • This program meets the requirements for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification. AASECT Knowledge Areas: Developmental Sexuality, Health/Medical factors that influence sexuality, Intimacy Skills, Learning theory and its application, Range of sexual functioning and behavior, sexual and reproductive anatomy, Socio-cultural and familial factors. May be used for Sex Therapy Training ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5, ST6, ST7.
  • 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.