
Sex Therapy Course
This Sex Therapy Course gives mental health professionals the clinical knowledge and practical skills to assess, diagnose, and treat the full spectrum of sexual dysfunctions and concerns. Grounded in current research and ethical standards, it prepares you to work confidently with individuals and couples across diverse backgrounds and presentations.
What you will learn:
You will develop a comprehensive understanding of human sexuality across the lifespan, covering anatomy, physiology, and theoretical frameworks such as biopsychosocial, cognitive‑behavioral, and attachment models. You will learn to conduct structured sexual history interviews, choose validated assessment tools, and create individualized treatment plans. The course teaches evidence‑based interventions including sensate focus, cognitive restructuring, directed masturbation, and specialized protocols for erectile dysfunction, genito‑pelvic pain, and sexual compulsivity. You will also gain skills in trauma‑informed care, affirming work with LGBTQ+ and non‑monogamous clients, and interdisciplinary collaboration with medical providers. Ethics, professional boundaries, and scope of practice are woven throughout.
How you study in practice Sex Therapy Course
How you practice Sex Therapy Course
For companies looking to train their teams
With Dedika for businesses, the course includes exercises and examples tailored to your own business and the way your company needs.
Course Content
8 Chapters • 39 LessonsDuration between 4 and 360 hours (you decide)
Chapter 1HideHide detailsSee detailsFoundations of Human Sexuality
Foundations of Human Sexuality
Lesson 1 • Diversity in Sexual Expression
Introduces the spectrum of sexual orientations, gender identities, and relationship structures. Affirming diversity is foundational to ethical, competent sex therapy.
Lesson 2 • History of Sex Research and Therapy
Traces the evolution of sexuality science from early pioneers to modern evidence-based practice. Provides historical context that informs current therapeutic approaches.
Lesson 3 • Sexual Anatomy and Physiology
Covers male, female, and intersex anatomy alongside the physiological mechanisms of arousal and response. Accurate anatomical knowledge underpins all clinical assessment.
Lesson 4 • Models of Sexual Response
Compares linear and circular models of sexual response, including desire, arousal, and orgasm phases. Understanding these models guides accurate case conceptualization.
Lesson 5 • Sexual Development Across the Lifespan
Examines sexuality from infancy through older adulthood, including puberty, midlife, and aging. Lifespan perspective prevents age-related blind spots in assessment.
Chapter 2HideHide detailsSee detailsTheoretical Frameworks for Sex Therapy
Theoretical Frameworks for Sex Therapy
Lesson 1 • Systemic and Relational Models
Examines how couple dynamics, family systems, and social context shape sexual functioning. Systemic thinking enables therapists to treat the relationship, not just the individual.
Lesson 2 • Psychodynamic and Attachment Perspectives
Explores unconscious processes, early relational experiences, and attachment styles as contributors to sexual difficulties. Deepens understanding of complex, treatment-resistant cases.
Lesson 3 • Integrative and Biopsychosocial Models
Presents the biopsychosocial framework as a unifying lens combining biological, psychological, and social factors. Prepares students to conduct holistic, multidimensional case formulations.
Lesson 4 • Behavioral and Cognitive Approaches
Covers classical conditioning, operant principles, and cognitive restructuring as applied to sexual concerns. These approaches form the backbone of structured sex therapy interventions.
Chapter 3HideHide detailsSee detailsEthics and Professional Standards
Ethics and Professional Standards
Lesson 1 • Confidentiality and Mandatory Reporting
Covers privacy obligations, limits of confidentiality, and mandatory reporting duties relevant to sexual health practice. Students learn to navigate disclosure dilemmas ethically.
Lesson 2 • Therapist Self-Awareness and Values
Examines how personal values, biases, and sexual attitudes affect clinical work. Self-awareness prevents value imposition and supports affirming practice.
Lesson 3 • Scope of Practice and Referral
Defines the boundaries of sex therapy competence and criteria for referral to medical or other specialists. Appropriate referral is an ethical and clinical skill.
Lesson 4 • Core Ethical Principles in Sex Therapy
Applies autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice to the unique context of sex therapy. Ethical principles guide every clinical decision throughout training.
Lesson 5 • Boundaries and Dual Relationships
Defines appropriate professional boundaries and the risks of dual or multiple relationships in sex therapy. Clear boundary management protects clients and practitioners alike.
Chapter 4HideHide detailsSee detailsClinical Assessment of Sexual Concerns
Clinical Assessment of Sexual Concerns
Lesson 1 • Conducting the Sexual History Interview
Teaches structured and flexible approaches to gathering a complete sexual history in a non-judgmental manner. The sexual history is the cornerstone of accurate diagnosis.
Lesson 2 • Standardized Assessment Tools
Reviews validated questionnaires and inventories for measuring sexual function, satisfaction, and distress. Standardized tools enhance objectivity and track treatment progress.
Lesson 3 • Case Conceptualization and Treatment Planning
Integrates assessment data into a biopsychosocial formulation and individualized treatment plan. This section bridges assessment and intervention phases of therapy.
Lesson 4 • Differential Diagnosis of Sexual Dysfunctions
Applies current diagnostic criteria to distinguish among desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain disorders. Accurate differential diagnosis directs appropriate treatment planning.
Lesson 5 • Medical and Pharmacological Factors
Identifies medical conditions and medications that commonly affect sexual function. Recognizing medical contributors prevents misattribution and guides referral decisions.
Chapter 5HideHide detailsSee detailsCore Sex Therapy Interventions
Core Sex Therapy Interventions
Lesson 1 • Cognitive Interventions for Sexual Concerns
Applies cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, and acceptance strategies to maladaptive sexual beliefs. Cognitive change reduces spectatoring and performance-related anxiety.
Lesson 2 • Homework Design and Compliance
Teaches principles for designing, assigning, and reviewing between-session sexual exercises. Effective homework accelerates progress and extends therapy into daily life.
Lesson 3 • Communication and Intimacy Skill Building
Trains clients in assertive sexual communication, active listening, and vulnerability expression. Communication skills generalize across all sexual and relational concerns.
Lesson 4 • Sensate Focus Therapy
Presents the theory, stages, and clinical delivery of sensate focus as a primary sex therapy technique. Sensate focus reduces performance anxiety and rebuilds embodied intimacy.
Lesson 5 • Psychoeducation and Sexual Skills Training
Covers evidence-based psychoeducation methods and directed masturbation programs for skill development. Accurate information and skill practice are often curative in themselves.
Chapter 6HideHide detailsSee detailsTreating Specific Sexual Dysfunctions
Treating Specific Sexual Dysfunctions
Lesson 1 • Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
Integrates psychological and medical approaches to erectile dysfunction across age groups and etiologies. Psychogenic and mixed-etiology cases benefit most from sex therapy.
Lesson 2 • Genito-Pelvic Pain and Penetration Disorders
Presents integrated treatment for vaginismus, vulvodynia, dyspareunia, and related pain conditions. Pain disorders require close collaboration with pelvic health specialists.
Lesson 3 • Desire and Arousal Disorders
Addresses hypoactive sexual desire, sexual interest disorders, and arousal difficulties using targeted interventions. Desire disorders are among the most prevalent and complex presentations.
Lesson 4 • Orgasmic Disorders
Covers primary and secondary anorgasmia, delayed ejaculation, and premature ejaculation with specific treatment protocols. Orgasmic disorders respond well to structured behavioral intervention.
Lesson 5 • Sexual Compulsivity and Out-of-Control Behavior
Examines assessment and treatment of problematic sexual behavior patterns using evidence-informed approaches. Distinguishing compulsivity from high desire is a critical clinical skill.
Chapter 7HideHide detailsSee detailsSex Therapy with Diverse Populations
Sex Therapy with Diverse Populations
Lesson 1 • Non-Monogamous and Kink-Affirming Practice
Provides frameworks for working ethically with consensually non-monogamous and kink-practicing clients. Therapists must distinguish lifestyle choices from clinical concerns without pathologizing.
Lesson 2 • Sexuality and Physical Disability
Covers sexual concerns specific to clients with physical disabilities, chronic pain, and acquired injuries. Disability-affirming sex therapy expands access and improves quality of life.
Lesson 3 • Affirming Practice with LGBTQ+ Clients
Addresses the unique sexual health concerns, minority stress, and identity development of LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Affirming practice requires active knowledge, not merely tolerance.
Lesson 4 • Cultural Humility in Sex Therapy
Develops cultural humility as an ongoing practice for working across racial, ethnic, and religious diversity. Cultural context profoundly shapes sexual norms, values, and help-seeking behavior.
Lesson 5 • Sexuality and Mental Health Conditions
Examines how depression, anxiety, trauma, and psychotic disorders affect sexual functioning and treatment. Mental health comorbidities require integrated, sequenced treatment planning.
Chapter 8HideHide detailsSee detailsTrauma-Informed Sex Therapy
Trauma-Informed Sex Therapy
Lesson 1 • Safety and Stabilization Phase
Teaches stabilization skills, grounding techniques, and window-of-tolerance work before addressing sexual concerns. Safety must be established before trauma processing begins.
Lesson 2 • Understanding Sexual Trauma
Defines sexual trauma, its prevalence, and its neurobiological and psychological impact on sexuality. A trauma-informed foundation is prerequisite to all subsequent intervention.
Lesson 3 • Therapist Resilience and Secondary Trauma
Addresses vicarious traumatization, compassion fatigue, and self-care strategies for trauma-focused sex therapists. Therapist wellbeing is essential for sustained, ethical practice.
Lesson 4 • Reconnecting with Sexuality After Trauma
Guides clients in reclaiming sexual agency, pleasure, and intimacy following trauma processing. This phase requires careful pacing and client-led goal setting.
Lesson 5 • Trauma Processing and Integration
Introduces evidence-based trauma processing approaches compatible with sex therapy goals. Processing reduces trauma-driven sexual avoidance and intrusive symptoms.
Your valid completion certificate
This course is for you:
Licensed therapist: ready to add sexual health as a specialty area.
Couples counselor: clients frequently raise intimacy concerns without clear guidance.
Social worker: seeking structured tools for sensitive reproductive and relational topics.
Psychiatrist or nurse practitioner: wanting deeper psychotherapeutic context for sexual side effects.
Graduate student in counseling: building a specialty before entering independent clinical practice.
Career changer from education or coaching: drawn to human sexuality as a helping profession.
What our students say
Your classes are perfect. I purchased the one-year package and finally have the opportunity to follow various topics of interest without needing to switch platforms... I thank you for everything you do, I've already recommended you to other people...

I like how the lessons are straight to the point and how I can switch chapters and skip content I don't need.

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The platform is fast, simple to use. The diversity of content and complementary videos really help with learning.

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