Transforming Sexual Shame in Ourselves and Others

If you’re considering the Human Sexuality Certificate program but still aren’t sure, consider how it can open doors for you as a practitioner…and as a sexual being. 

• Sexual problems are among the most common difficulties not disclosed to therapists (Hook and Andrews, 2005).
• Feeling ashamed was the most commonly cited reason, followed by lack of trust in the therapist and lack of empathy from the therapist. Some respondents feared negative judgment and worried about rejection. Others reported that the issue was too painful to talk about, that they felt too guilty or that it was too private. And still others responded that they assumed sexuality and related material was not important for treatment.

Many therapists feel anxious initiating a conversation about sexuality. This, in turn, can create anxiety for clients, who both dread and long for their therapist to invite these issues/topics into therapy.

Consider this — when was the last time YOU got to have a safe and open conversation about sex? The Sexual Attitudes and Development course invites you to…

• Write about experiences that have shaped your thoughts and feelings about your own sexuality.
• Reflect on your own erotic blueprints and sexual scripts – to be thoughtful and inquisitive about what turns you on and what unsettles or disgusts you sexually.
• Create art that reflects your own relationship with your body.
• Challenge sexual shame and release it
• Explore how love/affection was shown in your family, how religion has influenced your developing sexuality, and how gender stereotypes influences your own sexual expression.
• Discuss the messages you received about your body and re-write them

As part of the course, you’ll get to experience the Sexual Attitudes Reassessment, a primary training for the American Association of Sexuality Educators’ requirement for becoming a sex educator or sex therapist. This powerful, transformative training has been used to educate clergy, teachers, therapists, and activists with the dual purpose of (1) promoting an increased understanding of the participant’s own sexuality and (2) helping participants analyze their attitudes toward the sexuality of others.

We’d love for you to join us in the Human Sexuality certificate program!

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