Certified Sex Therapist Journey: AASECT Requirements, SAR, and the Buehler Institute
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My Journey to Becoming a Certified Sex Therapist Through American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT)
Becoming a certified sex therapist through AASECT has been one of the most fulfilling and challenging professional journeys I’ve undertaken. It demands time, dedication, and a willingness to lean into often vulnerable and complex conversations about sexuality. But it’s also deeply rewarding—both for me as a clinician and for the clients I’m honored to serve.
The Requirements: What It Takes
AASECT certification isn’t handed out lightly. To be eligible, therapists must meet specific educational, clinical, and supervisory benchmarks, including:
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300+ Hours of Clinical Sessions: Over 300 hours of direct client contact specifically addressing sexual concerns—intimacy, desire, trauma, identity, performance anxiety, and more.
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50 Hours of Supervision: Specialized supervision from a certified sex therapist, offering clinical guidance and emotional support to navigate the complexities of this work.
- Master’s degree plus two years of post-degree clinical experience or a doctoral degree plus one year of post-degree clinical experience.
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Comprehensive Coursework: Completion of approved sexuality education courses covering anatomy, sexual development, dysfunction, trauma-informed care, cultural competence, and more.
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Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR): An experiential group workshop designed to help therapists confront their own attitudes and biases about sexuality. This is often a transformative part of training, fostering empathy and openness essential for effective client work.
My Personal Experience: SAR in Amsterdam & Training with the Buehler Institute
One of the most transformative parts of my journey was attending a Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) in Amsterdam. Experiencing the SAR in an international setting added a rich cultural dimension to the process. It challenged me deeply to explore my own values, biases, and discomforts around sexuality in a way that felt both safe and profoundly eye-opening. That week in Amsterdam wasn’t just training—it was a personal journey of growth that continues to inform how I show up in therapy sessions today.
Before that, I completed my formal training program with the Buehler Institute, a program well-known for its thorough, integrative approach to sex therapy. The Buehler Institute provided the foundational coursework I needed to meet AASECT’s requirements. Their emphasis on systemic and family dynamics helped me broaden my understanding of how sexuality interacts with relationships, identity, and emotional health.
What the Journey Looked Like for Me
Over a couple of years, I accumulated over 300 clinical hours working with clients on a wide range of sexual health concerns—from performance anxiety and desire discrepancies to exploring sexual identity and healing from trauma. My supervisor, an experienced certified sex therapist, offered invaluable guidance and helped me refine my clinical skills while supporting my growth as a compassionate therapist.
When I submitted my AASECT application—complete with clinical logs, supervision hours, coursework certificates, and recommendation letters—I felt a mixture of nerves and excitement. The review was thorough, and when I received my certification, it was a deeply validating milestone.
Why It Matters
AASECT certification is more than just a credential. It represents a commitment to ongoing education, ethical practice, and compassionate care. It signals to clients that you have the knowledge and sensitivity to navigate sexual health topics professionally and empathetically.
For me, becoming certified expanded my confidence to hold space for clients’ unique sexual stories and challenges. It also connected me to a community dedicated to destigmatizing sexuality and promoting well-being.
If you’re considering this path, know it’s a journey requiring patience, curiosity, and heart. But the impact—for both you and your clients—is truly profound.
To discuss how coaching or therapy could help you during this season of your life, please schedule your free 15 minute consultation.