Julieta Chiaramonte

BUS-1010-415-Sp16
Inst. Russell
19 April 2016
E-porfolio Term Project: Sex Therapy as a Career
In this paper I will be discussing the ups and downs of going into a career in Sex
therapy, which is what I someday hope to do. I will be covering things such as job
descriptions, salaries, educational paths, and put my personal touch on why I want to
pursue one of the most commonly taboo professions in the U.S. Sexual therapists and
professionals come in all shapes and forms, ranging from a high variety of male and
female counselors, psychologists, social workers, marriage and family counselors, and
spiritual healing guides. What is a sexual therapist? Why are sexual therapists needed?
This paper should help mold a better answer to those questions.
Inquiring a simple explanation, according to www.therapycareers.com, sexual
professionals provide counseling and assistance related to sexual problems(How to
become a sex therapist). This very broad statement can mean a number of things in the
community of psychological help. The most common forms of sexual problems that are
treated include fear of sexuality, marriage problems, gender identity, sexual abuse, failure
to achieve orgasm, shame of ones body, confusion of self, ect. One thing to remember is
that sexual professionals are also just normal, clinical therapists or counselors as well.
Their expertise specializes in sex, but covers many different aspects of an individuals life
that may tie into their sexual problems (Needle). A big part of our sexual professionals
actually come in the form of sexual educators, such as certain counselors who teach

sexual education in high school or college level settings. On average, the median income
for a sexual professional is $49,270 annually, averaging $12-$36 the hour. The top 10%
of sexual professionals average $75,000+ annually (How to become a sex therapist).
With those questions answered, now many ask, how does one technically become
a sex therapist/professional? After the research I conducted, it shows that sexual
professionals take their education seriously, making it a lifelong process of learning and
interacting with new theories and stories to solve. The general career path of sexual
professionals start with their degree. Said individual will need to complete Associates (in
related field preferably), and obtain a Bachelors degree in education, psychology, or
human services. To become a clinical psychologist that can treat patients, one must
graduate with a masters of science, which requires : 3000 hours supervised clinical
experience, passing state exams and licensure, and completing annual continuing
education (MS). One does not need to be certified in sexual therapy or counseling in
order to treat clients for it, unless you live in Florida. Getting certified to be a sex
therapist is not a professional necessity, but better for your reputation, business, and
relationships. Usually most universities and grad programs do not offer a degree or
doctorates in sexuality, but there are organizations in place to help facilitate the growth of
this community.
Organizations such as AASECT (American Association of Sex Educators,
Counselors, and Therapists) and SSTAR (Society for Sex Therapy and Research) offer
exclusive courses and memberships to certify someone in sex therapy, healing, and
counseling. They hold a very high standard when it comes to who they let into the
association, and who is willing to qualify for the honor. For AASECT, to obtain

certification you must have your Bachelors degree in given field, be licensed as a
psychologist, social worker, or educator, and at least three years of clinical experience
diagnosing (AASECT). According to SSTARs website, members who are granted in
have access to all its specific courses, which include sexual counseling, teaching, and
certifications to become a sex therapist. There is access to seminars, weekend getaways to
learn, and travel all over the country to meet with your association to discuss the latest
ideas and trends in human sexuality. As mentioned above, almost all states don't require
the professional to be certified to treat sexual problems, but being involved and active in
this community, as well as certified can boost career and credibility.
Furthermore, the above shows an extensive amount of training in order to fulfill
my dream, and I ask myself, is it worth it? According to Dr. Rachel Needle, it is well
worth it to obtain such a lengthy educational process. During her interview with
www.careersinpsychology.org, she describes her role in her career very clearly: I
normalize their feelings and experiences. Just as my career path describes, Needle
obtained her clinical psychology degree, and earned her certification as a sexual therapist.
Needle and I share many common grounds, such as finding sexuality interesting and
appealing from a young age. We also shared many common scenarios where many of
those around us came seeking sexual advice, sometimes for the self, or sometimes for
relationships. This is a interest that stemmed from our similarities, even having our
mothers be very open with us about our sexual education. Once she achieved her
certification, Needle spoke of how the only con in her career is explaining to society what
her job really entails. Some mistake her as a sexual surrogate (one who performs sexual
acts with client to help them overcome sexual fears), or believe she watches people have

sex to critique them, which is quite the opposite (Dr.Rachel Needle). Needle explains that
most sexual problems stem from a variety of problems one has in their life, that need to
be addressed as a whole in order to achieve a goal, such as a healthy gender identity or
even achieving an orgasm.
Furthermore, such a taboo career is bound to come with its pros and cons. As
discussed above, one big misconception of sexual professionals is that they either critique
the actual act of sex, or participate in sex, which is absurd. In religious states such as
Utah where I reside, I have been called a disgrace for wanting to help people explore and
embrace their sexualities. This may seem harsh, but it really doesn't phase me considering
I see all the good that can be done with such a title. A big pro in this profession is
changing ideologies around you. Todays sex education is no more about sexual issues
that kids are facing than creationism in biology, states Doctor Paul Joannides
(Joannides). Needless to say, sex education has been a big problem in several states,
lacking any education to those who need it. This is why pregnancy and STD rates
skyrocket due to lack of formal education, since sex is scene as taboo. Sex educators like
Doctor Joannides are helping shape community and public policy, showing that sex
education is absolutely essential to the growth and development of a healthy society.
Another pro is the development they can make in individuals lives from saving
marriages, rekindling the fire, securing safety in ones sexuality, helping make peace with
sexual identity, and building confidence. This sounds more of a lifelong profession of
building relationships close to the heart, rather than a corporate profession. It is
meaningful and necessary to society to welcome sex educators.

My fit in this career would be a broad term to speak about. I am very passionate in
a multitude of areas such as womens sexuality, womens choices with their bodies, and
public acceptance of different sexuality types. Female sexual desire is different than, but
not inferior to male sexual desire promotes Barry W. McCarthy (McCarthy).This
ideology presented by McCarthy is a problem I hope to face in my academic career, since
a womans sexuality is deemed as wrong, daring, or irrelevant in many cultures and
societies today. In my future, with my proven educational record, I do hope to open a
center for sexual arts and healing. Although I am interested in diagnosing and treating
sexual problems, I am more interested in blossoming a individuals sexual identity. A
healing center for sex would help take away the stigma that sex is dirty, private,
uncommon, ect. I have listed ideas in my long term goals to host classes teaching self
confidence in sex, bonding techniques with partners, and even support groups for those
who may fear sex, which is a quite common word of mouth issue here in Utah.
In conclusion, sexual professionals are a very important branch of clinical
psychologists, counselors, and educators. Sex is one of our main natural instincts that
creates the world around us. With society, over the course of hundreds of years we have
faced distortions that may hinder a persons sexual identity, ability, and comfortableness
with themselves. In my education I hope to achieve being a sexual therapist not only as a
career, but a meaningful life path that could open doors for me, helping my community
and those close to me achieve piece with themselves. Many might see my professional
path as taboo or unorthodox, but I see myself as a vital part of the community that will
help shape ideas and goals.

Sources
"American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists." About |
AASECT:: American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists.
Web. 19 Apr. 2016.
"Benefits of Membership." Sstarnet.org. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.
"Dr. Rachel Needle." CareersinPsychology.org. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.
<http://careersinpsychology.org/interview/dr-rachel-needle/>.
"How to Become a Sex Therapist." About.com Careers. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.
Joannides, Paul, Psy.D. "A New Perspective on Sex Education." Psychology Today. 2
Nov. 2010. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.
McCarthy, Barry W., Ph.D. "Female Sexual Desire: A Motivating, Empowering
Approach." Psychology Today. 7 Jan. 2014. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.
"MS in Marriage / Family Therapy - MastersInCounseling.org."
MastersInCounseling.org. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.