FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE EDST CERTIFICATION & PROGRAM:
1. How will this certification benefit my career?
It is more important than ever for clinicians and service providers to have up-to-date knowledge, confident understanding, and expansive perspective of human sexuality in order to help their clients heal and grow, yet these topics are not prioritized in most degree programs. Some programs treat them as elective or optional, which EDST believes to be deeply unethical. The EDST Sex Therapy Certification is designed to fill the knowledge gaps and expand clinicians’ understanding of sex, sexual identity development, bodies and anatomy, relational skills, and more so they are equipped to do this essential work.
Having a Certified Sex Therapist credential shows current and future clients that you take this work seriously and can be trusted to handle their sensitive and personal stories, experiences, needs, and difficulties with knowledge, compassion, and care. Having this credential from an organization like EDST communicates that you intentionally chose a program that centers humanity and justice, and features evidence- and experience-based trainings that can’t be found in most other sex therapy certifications.
Plus, you’ll learn from some of the most forward-thinking thought leaders, educators, and clinicians in the sexuality field while building a community of like-minded professionals who share your professional values and passion for sex therapy. You’ll leave with an enlightened mind, ignited motivation, clearer path, AND a robust referral network.
2. Do I get a certificate?
Yes. EDST attendees who complete the requirements will receive a formal certificate of completion emblazoned with the name of their choice, both in print and high-res digital form. EDST coordinators will confirm name and spelling, as well as mailing address, prior to printing. Attendees on payment plans will receive their certificates following their final payment.
3. Are there tests or exams?
Yes. In order to complete your certification, attendees are required to take an online quiz and attend a verbal review. These are “graded” on a pass/retake scale, and attendees can take each of them twice in order to ensure understanding of key concepts. There is no “fail” grade. Please review question #6 for more about the online quiz and verbal review.
EDST recognizes the unique ways humans learn and express information, and we do not require attendees to follow any kind of academic standard that does not respect or affirm their own cognitive process. Should an attendee require a quiz re-take, we provide verbal and written coaching to assist them in more effectively responding to quiz questions. EDST’s Sex Therapy Certification is a supported process from start to finish.
4. What is the format of each training?
The EDST Sex Therapy Certification is designed to maximize your time in the comfort of your home, office, dorm, or learning space. It features a series of live trainings that take place online and include time for breaks. Each training features group facilitation, large and small group discussion, interactive activities, and Q&A designed to help solidify understanding of key concepts and practices.
EDST uses a video conferencing program called Zoom. You do not need a Zoom account to attend and there is no log-in process to join the Zoom “rooms.” One week prior to Day 1 of each training, you will be emailed a link to the Zoom “room" and any course materials you may need. When you click the Zoom link, you will be put in a waiting room until the trainer opens it for everyone.
EDST facilitators will not require your camera or microphone to be on during their trainings. Attendees are welcome and encouraged to participate using the text chat function. However, due to recent changes in the U.S. climate regarding sexuality education and discussions of sexuality topics, there may be times during the program that you will be asked to turn your cameras on in order to maintain a sense of safety and community in the digital space. If you have questions about this, please email us at hello@everyonedeservessexed.com.
5. What are EDST’s accessibility considerations?
EDST works hard to improve accessibility with each training and we are always exploring capabilities that are unique to an online setting.
Every session features live closed captioning, which shows up as white text on a black background at the bottom of the screen. Attendees can adjust the font size according to their needs. Each session also features a live transcript, which displays what is being said in real time on the right-hand side of the screen. This transcript can be downloaded as a PDF document to attendees who request it. The closed captions and live transcript are imperfect, however; people’s names are often spelled incorrectly and some sexuality words are censored using asterisks (*) in place of letters.
Attendees are not required to have their cameras or microphones on during the training, and they are encouraged to show up to sessions as they are. The text chat is utilized in every session, and attendees are encouraged to participate using the chat if they are unable or do not want to participate verbally. Facilitators read out loud what attendees write in the chat so that it is included in the discussion.
Facilitators are provided with written instructions for making their trainings more visually accessible. This includes: using presentations slides and creating them using high-contrast colors, large sans-serif fonts, and graphic and audio descriptions. Slides are also available to attendees to review afterward.
If you require sign language interpretation, a daily transcript, teaching materials additionally modified for vision or hearing impairment, or any other accessibility accommodations not listed here, please email us at hello@everyonedeservessexed.com 60 days prior to Day 1 of the training so we have time to accommodate your needs.
6. How many attendees are in each session?
Maximum capacity for each EDST training is 20 people. We find that smaller, more intimate learning environments allow for a more engaged and effective educational experience and enable more individualized attention to attendees.
7. Who’s teaching?
Each training is led by a facilitator, clinician, or educator specializing in the subject matter that they present. You can read more about our current and past facilitators here. For an example of our Sex Educator Certification lineup, click here to see who taught during EDSE’s most recent program.
8. Does this training include CEs?
Yes. EDST’s Sex Therapy Certification, and all EDST programming, qualifies for CEs from the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) and counts toward AASECT certification or renewal.
9. Does this training mean I’ll also be an AASECT-certified Sex Therapist?
The only way to become an AASECT-certificated sex therapist is to complete their rigorous certification process, which is outlined here. Because it is an important step for many EDST attendees, we have ensured that completing EDSE’s Sex Therapy Certification will fulfill the 90-hour human sexuality education, 60-hour sex therapy skills and 14-hour Sexual Attitude Reassessment.
Attendees will be responsible for completing the 50-hour supervision requirement on their own. (#s 6-9 in AASECT’s requirement list). EDST does not require attendees to work with particular AASECT supervisors and we do not profit off of supervision. Attendees get to choose whom they work with. If you would like recommendations for AASECT supervisors that are aligned with EDST’s values, we are happy to do so at your request.
10. Can I attend from outside the U.S.?
Absolutely! Our EDSE programming has had attendees from Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Australia, England, the Middle East, and South Asia, and we are honored to host students and professionals from around the world. If you are outside the U.S. and interested in attending, we’d love to have you.
Before applying, we recommend that you look at the time difference and what it would require from you to attend in your time zone. This will allow you to decide whether it is feasible or comfortable for you to be present for each training.
11. Can I use this certification if I live or work outside of the U.S.?
Yes. This certification, our SAR, and the rest of our trainings are valuable professional and personal development that provide expansive, affirming information along with valuable facilitation and communication skills that you can use right away. If you are concerned about whether the hours will count toward licensure or additional certifications, that depends on the organization(s) in charge of approvals. We recommend that you reach out to your supervisor or the person(s) in charge and ask them directly. Many organizations consider a variety of training programs and allow a portion of the hours to count toward their requirements.
That said, we have people attend from around the world and do so because they recognize the value of EDST’s programming, regardless of whether it is approved by a specific licensing or certifying board.
about the application process & requirements:
12. What is the application process?
Simply complete the General Application. You will receive a reply via email within 5 business days. If you are accepted, your email reply will include steps to follow to confirm enrollment, which will include submitting a $750 nonrefundable deposit. It also will include options for paying your full tuition balance in full, set up a 12-month payment plan, or set up the payment of your remaining balance at a later date.
13. What if I am not accepted?
The only reason an applicant would not be accepted is if they do not meet the requirements to qualify for the program. Should that happen, your application reply will outline why and list potential alternative trainings or career paths they can take.
14. What is the minimum level of education required to apply?
EDST Sex Therapy Certification applicants must:
Have a Master’s or advanced clinical degree in psychology, social work, family therapy, counseling, psychiatric nursing, or a related field. If the applicant lives outside of the U.S. or Canada, they must hold an equivalent degree. Email us if you aren’t sure if you’ve met these requirements.
OR
Be in the process of completing a Master’s or advanced clinical degree in psychology, social work, family therapy, counseling, psychiatric nursing, or a related field; and can provide proof of enrollment along with an expected date of completion.
15. Are there any other requirements?
Yes. EDST Sex Therapy Certification attendees must demonstrate a commitment to expansiveness as defined as: having respect and openness for, and supporting and promoting the differences in humankind, including race, culture, language, age, gender, ability, disability, sexual orientation, and relationship styles; and sex-positivity as defined as: practicing, holding, and promoting affirming attitudes about the vastness of sex and human sexuality; demonstrating respect for the sexual identity and sexual behavior* (or lack thereof) of others; and being willing and able to examine and take responsibility for biases, judgments, and knowledge gaps as they arise.
*In the context of sex-positivity, sexual behavior refers to consensual activity done with the intention of expressing, sharing, or experiencing sexual identity, pleasure, desire, or other forms of play or exchange. If it is not consensual, it is not considered sexual behavior — it is instead abuse or harm.
We also require EDST applicants to read and agree to a specific set of terms, conditions, and conduct code. You can find a copy of them here.
16. What is a SAR and why is it part of the EDST Sex Therapy Certification?
A Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) is a unique professional development experience that is recommended for every kind of service provider, whether you work in education, healthcare, mental health, social services, or in the sexuality field. SARs help attendees evaluate and examine their beliefs and value systems around sexuality, autonomy, race, identity, relationship dynamics, and more, and helps facilitate an even more expansive view on the unique and diverse ways humans live and express themselves. When done with compassion and intention, a SAR is an extensive and enlightening training and workshop for individuals who support clients in various ways in their work — but not all SARs are created equal.
As a justice-centered education organization, EDST believes that it is essential for practitioners to do professional development work not only in topics related to sexuality, but also our own gaps in perspective and understanding regarding topics that we do not have lived experience with, or that we have limited familiarity with. This can help not only reduce the risk of harm caused by lack of knowledge or compassion, but also as a result of the power or privilege we may hold. Our SAR is co-hosted by Anne Hodder-Shipp and Dr. Bianca Laureano of ANTE UP! and centers the values, intentions, and community focus that we demonstrate in our programming while assisting attendees in developing and honing them for themselves. Most people who complete our SAR share that it changed them for the better both professionally and personally.
If you plan to apply for AASECT certification, it is required that you attend a 14-hour SAR. Our SAR fulfills this requirement.
You can pay for your SAR when you submit your General Application, or you can sign up and pay for it separately at no additional cost. Learn more about the SAR here. If you pre-pay for your SAR as part of your certification tuition, please note that you will not be eligible for a refund and are expected to attend. You must inform EDST of which SAR you would like to attend at least 30 days before the SAR’s start date. If your preferred SAR is sold out, you will be placed on a waitlist. If you do not make it into your preferred SAR, you must inform EDST of which other SAR you would like to attend at least 30 days before that SAR’s start date. Please carefully consider your selection prior to confirming your attendance.
It is mandatory to attend all three days to complete this SAR. If you are not present for the entirety of this SAR, your EDST certification will be considered incomplete. If you enroll in one of our SARs but learn of a conflict and need to reschedule, you must email us at hello@everyonedeservessexed.com at least 30 days before your SAR’s start date. You can be moved to a different SAR only once. Requests made outside of these parameters will not be accommodated.
17. If I bundle the SAR with my tuition, how do I enroll in the SAR?
When you fill out your application, you will be asked to checkmark which SAR you desire to attend. Once you are accepted into the program, you will be automatically added to the SAR you chose. If you select “I don’t know,” you will not be added to any of the scheduled SARs. EDST will not send you reminders to sign up.
As stated above, if you pre-pay for your SAR as part of your tuition, please note that you will not be eligible for a refund and are expected to attend. You must inform EDST of which SAR you would like to attend at least 30 days before the SAR’s start date. If your preferred SAR is sold out, you will be placed on a waitlist. If you do not make it into your preferred SAR, you must inform EDSE of which other SAR you would like to attend at least 30 days before that SAR’s start date. Please be proactive and carefully consider your selection prior to confirming with us.
18. What is supervision and why is it required?
Supervision, also called clinical supervision, is a common requirement for most clinicians to obtain and maintain their licensure and professional standing. Some consider supervision to be akin to mentorship. Most credentialing, academic, and licensure organizations require a minimum number of supervision hours in addition to a minimum amount of coursework or academic training. EDST and AASECT are require this in the sexuality field.
Supervision typically consists of one-on-one and/or small group meetings with a certified or approved supervisor whose role is to provide structured support with and evaluation of their supervisees’ case work and client care. (Someone attending supervision is considered a supervisee.) Supervision sessions enable supervisees to troubleshoot difficult cases, practice accountability, ask direct questions, share fears and concerns, and demonstrate their ability to provide the care and treatment required of them by their certification and/or licensure.
19. Is it included in my EDST tuition? How much does supervision cost?
No, supervision is not included in your EDST tuition because EDST does not provide supervision. Attendees are responsible for hiring a supervisor of their choice and following their supervisor’s standards and practices, as well as compensating them for their supervision hours. Each supervisor charges different fees for one-on-one and small group supervision.
While EDST does not employ its own supervision staff, we do have a small catalog of recommended Supervisors of Sex Therapy, most of whom are also approved by AASECT, who are aligned with EDST’s professional standards and values. Click here to view our catalog.
ATTENDANCE & MISSED SESSIONS:
20. I can’t make it to one or more of the trainings. Can you record it for me?
EDST Sex Therapy Certification trainings are recorded for attendees in case of emergency or a schedule conflict. However, attendees must be present live at 80% of the trainings in order to obtain certification. For example, if the training features 50 total trainings, attendees must be present live at 40 of them.
If a training is missed, attendees must watch the recording and submit any additional homework required by the facilitator in order to confirm attendance and comprehension of the material.
Attendees can not miss the Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) and must be present live for the full 14 hours. There are no recordings. If attendees miss an hour or more of the SAR they signed up for, they will need to complete it a second time at their own expense.
EDST can not accommodate last-minute changes to attendees’ schedules. EDST is not responsible for days or trainings that attendees miss.
Please refer to our terms, conditions, and policies for a more detailed outline of our attendance policy.
21. What happens if I miss 20% or more of the trainings? Can I do makeup sessions?
If an attendee misses more than 20% of the trainings, they will not be eligible for certification until they are able to attend the minimum required number of live trainings. Attendees can not miss the Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) and must be present live for the full 14 hours.
For example, if the certification features 50 total trainings, attendees can only miss 10 of them in order to complete their certification. If they miss 11, they will need to attend 1 live in order to complete their certification. If they miss 20, they will need to attend 10 live in order to complete their certification.
22. Why is this attendance policy non-negotiable?
One of the reasons why the EDST Sex Therapy Certification is unlike most others is its uniquely active and interactive learning experience that is most effective with live attendance. We have intentionally chosen to create a program that prioritizes discussion, processing, and other engaging learning methods that promote comprehension, critical thinking, media literacy, and developing an expansive perspective of the material. This something we have found is lacking in the professional development space, especially with regard to sex education, coaching, and therapy, and one of the primary reasons why our program was created in the first place.
This policy was thoughtfully reasoned out to avoid additional labor by our facilitators and our support staff that would add to the cost of the program and the ability of EDST to function as seamlessly and fairly as possible. Violating or attempting to negotiate this policy disrespects and devalues the many hours of labor spent creating, modifying, and enforcing it. It also disrespects those who understand it, agree to it, and willingly invest the time, energy, and labor necessary to attend.
We understand that this attendance policy and program format is not universally accessible. Fortunately, there are some sex therapy trainings that do not require as much live attendance and utilize more passive learning methods, like lectures and pre-recorded content. If EDST can not accommodate you and your needs, you have many alternative options.
23. Are there any exemptions?
A religious exemption is considered for attendees who are unable to use technology on Saturdays and can not attend live. If you are enrolled and anticipate needing this exemption, please contact us at hello@everyonedeservessexed.com. We require 60 days notice in order to confirm.
24. What if I experience a medical emergency?
If you fear this could be something that happens during your attendance, please email us at hello@everonedeservessexed.com to discuss possible options.
ABOUT TUITION & payments:
25. What does my tuition go toward?
Your tuition helps EDST operate as an professional development organization registered in the state of Oregon and afford the costs of hiring top-level facilitators, purchasing or creating teaching materials, developing and updating curriculum, quality control, completing daily administrative duties, managing our CE provider status, and other “invisible” costs related to running a small business of this kind.
EDST does not utilize unpaid labor from interns or volunteers, and we do not balloon class sizes in order to inflate profit. Your tuition enables EDST to fairly and respectfully compensate our facilitators and support staff for their expertise, time, and labor. It also makes space for financial aid to be made available to those with financial limitations and/or queer or transgender attendees who are also Black, Indigenous, Brown, Asian American Pacific Islander, or a different racialized identity that has historically been subject to systemic discrimination, dehumanization, and disenfranchisement.
Our founder, Anne Hodder-Shipp, is compensated for running EDST, handling admissions, creating and maintaining program content and resources, managing each certification, hiring and coordinating facilitators, and more. Our facilitators receive a flat fee for each section they teach. Our education assistant, Alice Silk, receives a flat fee for providing support during each applicable training, as well as mailing attendees’ certificates.
If you bundle your tuition with the Sexual Attitude Reassessment, your additional $500 is split equally between the co-facilitators (Anne Hodder-Shipp and Dr. Bianca Laureano).
26. What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Deposits are non-refundable.
Cancellations can be made for a full refund of the remaining balance up until 30 days of the first training’s start date.
Cancellations made within 30 days of the first training’s start date will be refunded 50% of the remaining balance.
Cancellations made within 7 days of the first training’s start date are not eligible for a refund. If you have a balance remaining, your payment plan will continue until all payments have been made.
Cancellations made after the program has started, including for reasons related to attendance, are not eligible for a refund. If you have a payment plan, you must continue making payments until there is no balance remaining.
Email us at hello@everyonedeservessexed.com to start the cancellation process.
For a reminder of EDST’s payment policies, please refer to our attendee terms, conditions, and policies.
27. How do I pay?
Deposits are accepted via credit card (Stripe), and payment plans and remaining balances are paid via a credit card or debit card authorization form. Should you require a different payment method, email us at hello@everyonedeservessexed.com and we will do our best to accommodate. At this time, we do not accept Paypal due to their hostile policies toward sexuality businesses.
28. What about payment plans?
Yep! We offer a 12-month, no-interest payment plan to help reduce financial stress. To confirm your payment plan, submit your payment authorization form to hello@everyonedeservessexed.com to automate your monthly payments via credit or debit card. You can download the payment plan form here. You must fill out and submit this form via email in order to confirm your payment plan. This form provides the option to bundle your Sex Therapy Certification with the Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) at a $25 discount.
Unfortunately, EDSE is no longer able to authorize a payment plan for attendees who don’t have access to a credit card, debit card, or bank account.
Declined payments come with a $10 fee and may result in your payment plan being canceled with your remaining balance due in full. If payment delays are the result of unexpected financial hardship, please communicate with us at hello@everyonedeservessexed.com so we can explore alternative options.
29. Are there any special exceptions to this payment plan?
No. This payment plan has been created in order to bring ease to the payment process while assuring that your tuition is paid in full without delay.
30. Does EDST offer scholarships?
These details are TDB!
33. If I don’t need a payment plan or qualify for a scholarship, what are my payment options?
You can pay your tuition in full at signup, otherwise you can reserve your seat with a non-refundable $750 deposit and submission of a Remaining Balance Authorization Form, which will automatically withdraw your remaining balance by the payment deadline listed on the form. If you do not pay in full at signup, you must submit this form in order to confirm your seat. Email us at hello@everyonedeservessexed.com if you’d like to pay a different way.
34. What if my employer is paying my tuition?
That’s great! We encourage this, as it benefits the business, its customers, and its company culture. Please make sure your employer is aware of our attendance, payment, and refund policies. We do not make special exceptions for businesses, including non-profits.
We accept people into the program, not businesses or non-profits, so any communication about the program must come from you vs. your supervisor or employer. Should your employment end or be suspended or terminated before being able to attend, your seat in our program remains yours and is not transferrable to another staff member.
Unless you tell us otherwise, you will be responsible for any remaining tuition balance you may have, and we will expect to see you on Day 1. Should you be unable to attend without your employer’s financial assistance, you must email us at hello@everyonedeservessexed.com immediately so we can give your seat to someone on the waitlist. If your employer would like to have a new or future staff member attend this training, that person will need to undergo the application and acceptance process as all other attendees do.
By funding a staff member’s attendance, businesses and non-profits incur the risks listed above. It is not the staff member’s or EDST’s responsibility to manage these risks or find solutions on the employer’s behalf.
ABOUT CERTIFICATION RENEWAL:
35. What do I need to do to maintain or renew my certification?
Your EDST Sex Therapy Certification will be valid for 3 years upon receipt of your certificate. To renew your certification and maintain the title of Certified Sex Therapist, certificate holders must complete 20 continuing education hours and follow EDST guidelines.
36. Do I have to renew? Can I simply complete the program to enhance my knowledge and skills?
Absolutely! The time, money, and energy spent completing our program have value beyond a Certified Sex Therapist title, and a Certificate of Completion is a legitimate representation of that effort and expense. The knowledge and experiences gained during the Sex Therapy Certification are invaluable to build skills and proficiency with the subject matter, regardless of whether you choose to continue maintaining your Sex Therapy Certification.
37. What happens if I don’t renew my certificate?
Certificate holders who choose not to renew their certification with EDST:
Will removed from the database of EDST Certified Sex Therapists.
Do not have authority to refer to themselves as a Certified Sex Therapist, unless they received the designation from a different program.
Will be required to complete the EDST Sex Therapy Certification a second time, should their certification lapse longer than 6 months and they wish to re-obtain a Certified Sex Therapist title.
OTHER INFORMATION:
38. Are you affiliated with AASECT? Why does your certification also cover AASECT Sex Therapy Certification requirements?
EDST is an approved CE (continuing education) provider for AASECT, which means attending our programming counts toward AASECT certification or renewal. Because this is important to many people, we have made sure that EDST certification requirements automatically also cover AASECT certification requirements, plus more.
AASECT stands for the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, and it is the oldest professional credentialing organization for the sexuality field in the U.S. It does not provide trainings or workshops! It sets strict guidelines for professionals who want to receive AASECT credentials, which are outlined here. To receive AASECT credentials, you must follow these guidelines, which includes attending a set number of CE hours, usually from an AASECT-approved CE provider like EDST or EDSE.
EDST certification covers far more content and training hours than AASECT requires! We built this program based on feedback, requests, and experiences shared by therapists, supervisors, and clinicans working in academia and/or the sexuality field. EDST is not simply a path toward AASECT certification.
39. I’d like to train my entire staff. Are private certifications available?
EDST offers private Sex Therapy Certifications to groups of 10 or more. Pricing remains the same, though we may consider discounts for large groups. Availability is subject to EDST’s schedule — contact us at hello@everyonedeservessexed.com to see if this option is right for you!
40. I have an issue or complaint to report. What is your grievance policy?
Grievances shall be submitted by email to hello@everyonedeservessexed.com and acknowledgement of receipt sent within 24 business hours. EDST's Administrative Support team will respond to the participant within 72 business hours. All grievances and related communication must be sent to hello@everyonedeservessexed.com; anything sent directly to the Program Administrator via email, social media, private messages, or other public commentary will not be responded to.
41. I have an idea for EDST’s Sex Therapy Certification, or for a different EDST training or event. Whom should I contact?
Please email hello@everyonedeservessexed.com to share your idea. Please note that sharing your idea does not mean EDST is committed to accepting it, and if you do not receive a reply from us, it is because your idea was not a good fit. It does not mean we don’t appreciate you, your time, or your enthusiasm, however!
Have a question that isn’t answered here? Hit us up!