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Working with Sexual Compulsions, Addictions, and Out of Control Sexual Behavior

Tuesday, February 24th, 2026   12:00 PM EST -3:00 PM EST
Wendy E. Miller, 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

"Working with Out of Control Sexual Behavior", provides a comprehensive and integrative clinical framework for understanding and addressing problematic sexual behaviors, especially those popularly conceptualized as sex addiction. It critically examines mainstream diagnostic labels, the cultural influence on sexual norms, and the limitations of the addiction and disease model. Drawing on sexological perspectives and harm reduction principles, the class will explore alternative models such as Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) and Moral Incongruence, and place strong emphasis on individualized assessment, clinical neutrality, and value-sensitive treatment. The perspective presented integrates psychoanalytic, relational, and trauma-informed approaches, advocating for therapy that accepts diverse expressions of sexuality, supports autonomy, and attends to relationship and attachment dynamics.

The main topics to be covered include: 1). Defining OCSB and diagnostic debate, 2). Cultural, social, and political contexts, 3). Problems with the addiction model, 4). Assessment, 5). Biopsychosocial approaches to treatment, 6).Importance of sexual health principles, 7). Special topics, including group therapy for men, working with couples, and non-monogamous relationships.

 

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

About the Presenter

Wendy E. Miller, PhD, is a psychologist, psychoanalyst, and an AASECT-certified sex therapist (CST) with 40 years of experience working with individuals and couples. She is a frequent presenter on OCSB and other sex therapy topics.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Describe the process of conducting a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment for individuals presenting with problematic sexual behaviors.
  2. Name multiple functions of action symptoms( eg. compulsive sexual behavior) as meaningful communications that may express and help manage affect, trauma, or relational conflict, emphasizing the importance of mentalization and integration over symptom eradication.
  3. Identify specific strategies to address ambivalence, shame, and avoidance in clinical work with OCSB, including group therapy, mindfulness techniques and microanalysis of behavior patterns to promote durable change and deeper self-understanding.

Agenda:

The first hour will be an overview of the current field, including controversies and the larger social context.

The second hour will address assessment and treatment models, including a harm reduction approach and working with urges. This will include guidance on using the Sexual Health Principles.  

The last hour will address group therapy, working with couples, non-monogamy, and counter-transference issues. Case vignettes will be given to the class to discuss and develop a treatment plan. Class members will be invited to share their concerns and counter-transference struggles.

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: 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.
  • 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.