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
The Psychology of Sex focuses on the psychological dimensions of sexuality, integrated with social influences within a bio-psycho-social framework. It examines historical and contemporary psychological theories—including psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive, systems, feminist, narrative, and modern models like Incentive-Motivation and Human Affectome—and their clinical applications. Participants will explore critical components for sex therapy, such as cognitive scripts, cultural messaging, psychological barriers, intimacy skills, power dynamics, and neurodivergence. Independent study involves a confidential personal journal exploring the therapist’s own psychology of sex, with a reaction paper submitted to reflect on implications for therapeutic practice. Emphasizing ethical, inclusive approaches, the course equips learners to integrate psychological insights into sex therapy, complementing the broader training program’s bio-psycho-social perspective.
To register or access the part 2 asynchronous/self study click -> HERE <-
https://frumtherapist.com/workshops/Psychologyof/viewPsychology of Sex
Previously Recorded
Presenter: Michael Sytsma, PhD, LPC, CST, C-PST™, CPCS
Course Length: 3 Hours
This workshop Offers 3 Continuing Education Credits
This webinar is recorded and will not grant live credits.
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
The Psychology of Sex focuses on the psychological dimensions of sexuality, integrated with social influences within a bio-psycho-social framework. It examines historical and contemporary psychological theories—including psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive, systems, feminist, narrative, and modern models like Incentive-Motivation and Human Affectome—and their clinical applications. Participants will explore critical components for sex therapy, such as cognitive scripts, cultural messaging, psychological barriers, intimacy skills, power dynamics, and neurodivergence. Independent study involves a confidential personal journal exploring the therapist’s own psychology of sex, with a reaction paper submitted to reflect on implications for therapeutic practice. Emphasizing ethical, inclusive approaches, the course equips learners to integrate psychological insights into sex therapy, complementing the broader training program’s bio-psycho-social perspective.
To register or access the part 2 asynchronous/self study click -> HERE <-
Introduction – 10 minutes
Part 1 – 80 minutes
A. Is the “Psychology of Sex” a real distinction?
B. Past models from psychology and counseling
a. Psychoanalytic
b. Behavioral
c. Cognitive
d. Systems
e. Feminist
f. Narrative
C. Current and future models, including:
a. Incentive-Motivation Model
b. Tipping Point Model
c. Human Affectome Model
Break – 10 minutes
Part 2 – 80 minutes
D. Critical components for the sex therapist
a. Cognitive scripts
b. Perception (self and other)
c. Fantasy and imaging
d. Cultural messaging
e. Psychological barriers (trauma, anxiety, psychopathology, etc.)
f. Intimacy skills (attachment, trust, self-differentiation, communication, etc.)
g. Power dynamics
h. Neurodivergence