Understanding AASECT Certification: A Guide to Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists

Navigating the world of sex therapy and sexuality education can be complex. When seeking a qualified professional to address your concerns or enhance your knowledge, it's important to understand the credentials and certifications that signify specialized training and expertise. The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) is a leading organization in this field, offering certifications that are widely recognized as the gold standard. This article delves into the meaning of AASECT certification, the different categories it offers, and why it matters when choosing a sexuality professional.

What is AASECT?

Founded in 1967 by Patricia Schiller, the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) is a non-profit, interdisciplinary professional organization. AASECT's mission is to promote understanding of human sexuality and to advance the fields of sex therapy, sexuality counseling, and sexuality education. AASECT achieves this through various activities, including:

Setting standards for professional training and ethical practice
Offering certifications for qualified sexuality educators, counselors, and therapists
Providing continuing education opportunities for professionals in the field
Publishing peer-reviewed journals, such as the American Journal of Sexuality Education and the Journal of Sex Education and Therapy
Advocating for sexual health and sexual freedom

Why AASECT Certification Matters

When searching for a sex therapist, sexuality counselor, or sexuality educator, you may encounter a long list of providers. However, not all of them hold AASECT certification. Choosing an AASECT-certified professional ensures that you are working with someone who has met rigorous standards of education, training, and experience. AASECT certification signifies:

Specialized Knowledge: AASECT-certified professionals have completed extensive study in the biological, psychological, and social aspects of sexuality.
Rigorous Training: Certification requires specific coursework, supervised clinical experience, and adherence to a strict ethical code.
Commitment to Ethical Practice: AASECT-certified professionals pledge to uphold high standards of practice and stay updated on the latest research and developments in the field.
Assurance of Expertise: AASECT certification provides assurance that the professional has the expertise and knowledge to effectively address your sexual and romantic difficulties.

AASECT's Core Values: Sexual Health and Sexual Freedom

AASECT is a strong advocate for sexual health and sexual freedom, believing that:

Healthy sexual activity should always be consensual, freely chosen, individually governed, and free from undue risk of physical or psychological harm.
All individuals should be supported in seeking and finding opportunities to pursue a healthy and happy sexual life of their own choosing.
There is an urgent need for comprehensive education about sexual health to be made available to all people.
Sexual healing practices, including biopsychosocial care, therapeutic intervention, and personal growth opportunities, should be accessible to all who are compromised in their pursuit of sexual health and happiness.
Opportunities for sexual healing should be provided in a manner that secures the client's or patient's privacy, confidentiality, and self-respect.

AASECT opposes any forces that restrict, curtail, or interfere with these fundamental values.

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AASECT Certification Categories

AASECT offers certification in four categories, each representing a distinct area of expertise:

1. AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator

Certified Sexuality Educators teach and train about a range of topics related to sexuality, including:

Sexual health
Sexual and reproductive anatomy and physiology
Family planning, contraception, and pregnancy/childbirth
Sexually transmitted infections
Sexual orientation
Gender identity
Sexual function and dysfunction
Sexual pleasure
Sexual variation
Sexuality and disability
Sexuality and chronic illness
Sexual development across the lifespan
Sexual abuse, assault, and coercion
Sexuality across cultures

Sexuality educators may work in various settings, such as:

Elementary, secondary, and higher education classrooms
Community-based organizations
Healthcare settings
Corporate environments
Faith-based institutions

2. AASECT Certified Sexuality Counselor

Certified Sexuality Counselors assist clients in resolving concerns related to sexuality through:

Problem-solving techniques
Communication skills training
Accurate information
Relevant suggestions for specific exercises and techniques in sexual expression

Sexuality counselors come from diverse professional backgrounds, including:

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Planned Parenthood counselors
Nurses and other health professionals
School counselors
Clinical pastoral care and counseling providers

3. AASECT Certified Sex Therapist

Certified Sex Therapists are licensed mental health professionals (or the equivalent in approved countries) who specialize in treating clients with sexual issues and concerns. They provide in-depth psychotherapy to address a wide range of sexual concerns, including:

Sexual function and dysfunction
Sexual pleasure
Sexual variation
Sexuality and disability
Sexuality and chronic illness
Sexual development across the lifespan
Sexual abuse, assault, and coercion
Sexual orientation
Gender identity

4. AASECT Certified Supervisor

AASECT also offers certification for supervisors who provide guidance and mentorship to professionals seeking AASECT certification as sexuality educators, counselors, or sex therapists. AASECT Supervisor status pertains solely to the supervision process of those seeking AASECT Certification status as a Sexuality Educator, Sexuality Counselor, or Sex Therapist. AASECT does not condone or encourage anyone to provide supervision that is beyond the scope or jurisdiction of their professional license or credentials.

The Path to AASECT Certification

The process of becoming AASECT certified is rigorous and requires a significant investment of time and effort. Here's an overview of the general requirements:

Membership: The first step is to become an AASECT member, which grants access to the AASECT community and resources.
Education: Candidates must meet specific academic qualifications, which vary depending on the certification category. Sexuality Educator and Sexuality Counselor certifications require a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree, while Sex Therapist certification requires a Master's Degree in a clinical specialty that includes psychotherapy training.
Coursework: Candidates must complete academic coursework specific to the field of sexuality, as well as education, counseling, and/or therapy.
Supervision: AASECT certification candidates must complete a specified number of supervision hours with an AASECT Certified Supervisor. For example, those pursuing certification as a Sex Therapist must complete at least 50 hours of supervision with an AASECT Certified Supervisor of Sex Therapy. Supervision must occur over a period of no less than eighteen (18) months.
Experience: Candidates need two years of post-degree clinical experience if they have a master’s degree and one year of they have a doctoral degree.
Application: Once all requirements are met, candidates can submit their certification application to AASECT.

Finding an AASECT Certified Professional

If you're looking for an AASECT certified professional, here are some resources:

AASECT Directory: AASECT maintains a referral directory on its website, where you can search for certified professionals by location and area of expertise.
Ask for Guidance: If you're unsure where to start, you can contact AASECT for guidance on finding a qualified professional.
Search Keywords: When searching online, use specific keywords such as "AASECT certified sex therapist" or "sexuality educator near me."

Maintaining AASECT Certification

To maintain their certification, AASECT certified professionals must:

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Adhere to AASECT's ethical guidelines
Stay updated on the latest research and developments in the field
Complete continuing education requirements
Renew their certification every three years

The Importance of Supervision and Consultation

Supervision plays a crucial role in the development of sexuality professionals. AASECT Certified Supervisors provide guidance, support, and feedback to those seeking certification, helping them to:

Develop their skills and expertise
Explore cultural dynamics and biases
Navigate tricky cases and ethical dilemmas
Grow into the best therapist, counselor, or educator they can be

Consultation is another valuable resource for professionals in the field. It offers a way to:

Gain fresh insights into particular cases
Solve specific challenges
Receive a second opinion from an experienced professional

Beyond AASECT: Other Certification Programs

While AASECT certification is widely recognized, other organizations and universities also offer sex therapy and sexuality education certification programs. While these programs can provide valuable training and education, it's important to compare their requirements and content to AASECT's standards.

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