Becoming a Sex Therapist
1) pick a career base to launch from
To become a sex therapist you would generally first have achieved
a certain level of education (doctoral level or state license) and experience
in one of the following careers:
psychologist
mental health counselor
marriage and family therapist
clinical social worker
2) once established in a career, become state certified
In the state of Florida the requirements for certification in sexual counseling include
120 continuing education units in clinical core courses in sexology,
evidence of competence under supervision (1 year in sexology with 50 hours supervised),
and passing an examination (based on the book: An Outline of Sexology: a core curriculum -
published by the American Board of Sexology)Information on various careers
Which educational route is best for you?
That probably depends on which of the career pathways appeals to you most
and offers you the most possibilities for personal fulfillment. To find out about careers that could eventually provide for a base
from which you could enter the field of sex therapy I recommend you start with the following informational pages provided by the US Department of Labor.Here you will find information on:
how many people are presently employed in these careers projected future prospects for these careerswhat level of education is requiredwhat typical working hours are like (hours/week, evening and weekend hours etc)skills, stresses, and satisfactions associated with the careeraverage income for various types of jobs in that careerPsychologists
Counselors
(including mental health counselors as well as marrriage and family therapists)
Social Workers
Information on becoming a certified sex therapist in Florida
If you want to look ahead to the details of what is required for certification in Florida as well as one specific program that helps you meet those requirements you might want to check out:
Certification Program
What does it mean to be certified?
Other Resources
How to become a Sexuality Educator, Counselor or Therapist
An informational Brochure produced by the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists
A Career as a Marriage and Family Therapist
produced by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Clinical Training Programs in Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy
A list compiled by Carol Boulware, Ph.D., ABS Board Certified Sex Therapist
Human Sexuality Programs
A list provided by California State University Northridge
