June 5, 2026
3-6:15 p.m. PT (includes one 10-min. break)
$275

3 AASECT CEs

Facilitator: Paula Leech, LMFT, CST, CSTS

This course is open to all sexuality professionals. It is required for those completing the EDST Sex Therapy Certification.

Therapists and sexuality professionals receive communication from so many sources during our work. We are spoken to via our own memories, sensations, emotions, “gut” instincts, mental imagery, energy, and beyond. What surfaces through these channels carries a wisdom that we can partner with as we uncover clues, make connections, and find break-through moments with our clients. But how deeply can we trust it, even understand it, when it is often framed in clinical training programs as an intrusion, “counter-transference” to be managed, or something to keep out of therapeutic conversation — especially in the context of sex?

This part of therapists’ professional development doesn’t live in theory or methodology, via textbooks and research. It’s found within themselves and is a critical skill to build in the work of healing. Self as Instrument is designed to help sexuality professionals connect to and more confidently interpret the valuable abstract aspects of ourselves that come up during their work.

This course is designed to help clinicians tap into and glean understanding and utility from the wisdom and insight that live beyond our rational minds. Through personal reflection and case examination, attendees will link the information and techniques provided back to the art of sex therapy. They will also learn how to differentiate memories and experiences that are barriers to client connection (aka problematic counter-transference) from memories and experiences that illuminate valuable insight and pathways toward healing.

Attendees will leave this course with a greater appreciation for the vast capacity of their instrument, and even more trust in themselves as multidimensional professionals.

This course meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 3 CE credits. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. For further information please contact info@aasect.org.

This course covers the following AASECT Core Knowledge Areas:

M. pleasure enhancement skills

This course covers the following AASECT Sex Therapy Training:

A. Theory and methods of sex-related psychotherapy, including several different models.