We train therapists and educators to competently counsel, speak, and write about Sexuality and Sex Therapy
ISW has developed 150+ clock hours of graduate-level training in sexuality and sex therapy from a Christian perspective, offered at several locations in partnership with universities and seminaries. Courses are equivalent to 28-40 hours (or 2-3 graduate semester hours in accordance with the partner school) and depending on location are offered in intensive formats taught Friday through Sunday or Monday through Friday.
All courses require professional reading and assignments, attendance, and a final exam.
To complete the program, students must pass 5 ISW courses (1 Introductory Course, 3 Intermediate Courses, and 1 Advanced Course from a selection of 4). Participants and students can complete the entire program within one year, though many of our students pace the program to meet their professional and personal goals and needs.
Our program was designed to prepare students for Sex Therapy Certification through the American Board of Christian Sex Therapists, but you do not need to be an ABCST member (or even be pursuing Sex Therapy Certification) to enroll. However, while some courses are appropriate for physicians, pastors, other allied professionals, and occasionally lay caregivers, our courses are developed with the assumption that the student has already received at least basic training in therapy skills and theoretical models.
Classes will open for registration 2-3 months before scheduled intensive.
Standard Enrollment: $800.00*
CE Enrollment (22 CEUs): $800.00*
Academic Credit: Varies by partner school
*Listed cost is per EACH course. Does not include textbooks
Advanced Sex Therapy: Addictions
Prerequisites:
Introduction to Human Sexuality & Sex Therapy
This course takes an in-depth and advanced look at current theories and treatment approaches to addressing problematic hypersexuality (compulsive and addictive sexuality). Students will explore the diagnosis, etiology, disease process, treatment, recovery process, and current research findings for sexual addictions in males and females.
Intermediate Sex Therapy Medical and Trauma Issues
Prerequisites:
Introduction to Human Sexuality & Sex Therapy
This course covers two main subject areas: Physiological issues impacting sexuality and Trauma-Informed Care in sex therapy. Students will explore how medications and hormones impact the body and sexual functioning. Current theories and research on trauma, including the neurobiology of attachment and trauma, will be examined. Lectures will also cover trauma from infertility and birth problems, and an overview of the effects and treatment of infidelity will be discussed.
Advanced Sex Therapy: Trauma and Abuse
Prerequisites:
Introduction to Human Sexuality & Sex Therapy
Intermediate Medical & Trauma Issues
Introduction to Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy
This is a prerequisite for all other Sexual Wholeness classes.
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Intermediate Foundations of Sex Therapy
Prerequisites:
Introduction to Human Sexuality & Sex Therapy
Intermediate Sex Therapy Protocols
Students will be trained to identify and diagnose sexual dysfunctions and how to use standard treatment protocols for addressing:.
Desire Disorders
Sexual Aversion/Sexual Anorexia
Female Sexual Dysfunctions: Arousal Disorders/PGAD, Orgasmic Disorder, Genito-pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder
Male Sexual Dysfunctions: Erectile Dysfunction, Ejaculatory Problems, Pain
Body Image
Atypical Sexuality
Sexual Addiction
In addition, students are introduced to the current perspectives and recent changes in the diagnostic considerations, treatment models, and risk assessments of sexual addiction/compulsivity, paraphilias, and paraphilic disorders.
Prerequisite:
Introduction to Human Sexuality & Sex Therapy
Introduction to Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy
Introduction to Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy is the prerequisite for all other ISW courses, offering an overview of:
A brief history of sexology
Reproductive anatomy/physiology
Sexual response
Sexual dysfunctions
Basic interventions for common sexual problems
Sexual development and identity
Typical and atypical sexual behavior
Compulsive sexuality
Informed by current research and theory in sexology, students will explore and define a biblical and practical theology of sex.
This course counts toward ABCST certification:
30 hours toward the 150 Academic hour requirement
Intermediate Medical & Trauma Issues
This course covers two main subject areas: Physiological issues impacting sexuality and Trauma-Informed Care in sex therapy. Students will explore how medications and hormones impact the body and sexual functioning. Current theories and research on trauma, including the neurobiology of attachment and trauma, will be examined. Lectures will also cover trauma from infertility and birth problems, and an overview of the effects and treatment of infidelity will be discussed.
Prerequisites:
Introduction to Human Sexuality & Sex Therapy
Advanced Sex Therapy: Dysfunctions
Prerequisites:
Introduction to Human Sexuality & Sex Therapy
Intermediate Sex Therapy Protocols
Currently taught by Dr. Clifford and Joyce Penner, this advanced course takes an in-depth look at treatment for sexual dysfunctions. Benefitting from the Faculty’s 85+ years of combined experience as sex therapists and trainers, students will develop an assessment tool for use in their therapy sessions. Case studies are presented, and treatment goals and techniques fine-tuned by class discussion with these expert faculty.
This course counts toward ABCST certification:
30 hours toward the 150 Academic hour requirement
2 hours toward the 50 Consultation hour requirement
Introduction to Sexuality & Ethics
This course examines historical and contemporary views of human sexuality and ethics from both theological and secular perspectives, with attention to the meaning and implications of humans as sexual beings. Sexual meanings, practices, and values will be addressed specifically in the topics of gender, singleness, marriage, intimacy, social sexuality, erotic sexuality, sexual identity, gender identity, and sexual disorders. The course includes a number of guest lecturers representing specific areas of expertise. Specific ethical issues will be applied to both ministry and clinical settings.
This course does not count toward ABCST certification.
Introduction to Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy (Hybrid)
Introduction to Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy is the prerequisite for all other ISW courses, offering an overview of:
A brief history of sexology
Reproductive anatomy/physiology
Sexual response
Sexual dysfunctions
Basic interventions for common sexual problems
Sexual development and identity
Typical and atypical sexual behavior
Compulsive sexuality
Informed by current research and theory in sexology, students will explore and define a biblical and practical theology of sex.
This course counts toward ABCST certification:
30 hours toward the 150 Academic hour requirement
Advanced Sexual Identity and Gender Identity
Prerequisites:
Introduction to Human Sexuality & Sex Therapy
Intermediate Foundations of Sex Therapy
Currently taught by Dr. Mark Yarhouse and team, this advanced specialization course focuses on an intermediate and advanced understanding of the topics of sexual orientation, sexual identity, and gender identity. It considers theological, biological, and sociocultural perspectives on sexual orientation, sexual identity, and gender identity, as well as clinical and applied perspectives with a focus on assessment and intervention when clients present with concerns related to sexual or gender identity.
This course counts toward ABCST certification:
30 hours toward the 150 Academic hour requirement
2 hours toward the 50 Consultation hour requirement
Intermediate Foundations of Sex Therapy
Prerequisite:
Introduction to Human Sexuality & Sex Therapy
Intermediate Foundation of Sex Therapy builds upon the ISW Introductory Course and focuses on:
The profession of sex therapy
The impact of Historical, Ethical, Cultural, and Research Issues on the field of Sex Therapy
Ethical dilemmas and Decision-making in Sex Therapy
Skills in working with sexuality in special populations, such as aging, chronic illness, and neurodiversity.
Special Attention and emphasis is placed on Patient Intake and Assessment.
This course counts toward ABCST certification:
30 hours toward the 150 Academic hour requirement
Introduction to Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy
Introduction to Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy is the prerequisite for all other ISW courses, offering an overview of:
A brief history of sexology
Reproductive anatomy/physiology
Sexual response
Sexual dysfunctions
Basic interventions for common sexual problems
Sexual development and identity
Typical and atypical sexual behavior
Compulsive sexuality
Informed by current research and theory in sexology, students will explore and define a biblical and practical theology of sex.
This course counts toward ABCST certification:
30 hours toward the 150 Academic hour requirement