Equip yourself for the ever-changing world of sexuality and intimacy training.
We offer world-class evidence-based Christian sex therapy training for all therapists. Enhance your current practice or work towards certification.
"I recently attended a training offered by Jennifer Konzen. I was drawn to this training because she holds them monthly for a reasonable fee. An additional draw was Dr. Konzen's background as a Christian therapist. I tried to approach the training with a skeptical view that I would get anything out of it, but from the moment I arrived, I could tell that not only is Dr. Konzen legit as a person, she is well-versed as an expert in her field of study. I found the material nicely presented and informative, some of which validated what I already knew, and also which taught me a new perspective on addressing sexual behavior in relationship counseling. I highly recommend attending Dr. Konzen's trainings, both for the benefit of her insight and the certification program she offers."
Steps to becoming a certified sex therapist
The Art of Intimate Marriage: The Konzen Marital Intensive for Couples
(Weeklong version)
If you are interested in becoming certified in sex therapy, below are the steps needed. Please contact us directly at The Center for Sexuality with any questions you may have.
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Pursue and complete training in a master 's-level counseling/therapy/ social work program.
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Begin participation in coursework for sex therapy certification.
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Coursework can be done either as a licensed professional, as an associate therapist/counselor/social worker (in your internship), or as a student in your master's.
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Classes can be taken concurrently with supervision.
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You can register for our courses here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sex-therapy-training-from-a-christian-perspective-tickets-111915014822)
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After you have obtained your master's, supervision can begin after taking the required basic courses.
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With the Center for Sexuality, the required courses to begin supervision are Essentials One and Essentials Two, and a total of 30 hours of training for licensed therapists and 60 hours of training for pre-licensed therapists.
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30-60 hours of coursework required to begin supervision can include classes from The Center as well as from ABCST or other approved organizations/classes.
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See below for beginning supervision (becoming a member, contract with a supervisor)
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Become a member of the American Board of Christian Sex Therapists
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Learn about membership with ABCST: https://abcst.sexualwholeness.com/
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Find an ABCST-approved supervisor. Dr. Konzen is an approved supervisor. Contact Dr. Konzen directly if you are interested in supervision (jenniferkonzen@yahoo.com)
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Complete the contract for supervision (https://abcst.sexualwholeness.com/abcst-applications/)
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Document all coursework and supervision (see application link above).
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Finish taking all required specialized classes in sex therapy (150 hours of coursework).
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See the link for the ABCSTs application for information on all required course topics and required hours of coursework.
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See the course topics provided by Dr. Konzen below.
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Obtain supervision for the required number of hours (200 hours of supervised treatment and 50 hours of supervision; see ABCST application for details).
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If you are not already, become a licensed counselor/therapist. Though coursework and certification can be done pre-licensure, a license is required for sex therapy certification.
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Complete all requirements for certification and apply for certification with ABCST.
In Summary, each class in Dr. Konzen's program is $150. They are held once a month on Saturdays. Dr. Konzen teaches 16 classes, which provide 60 hours of the required 150 hours of instruction for ABCST certification. Dr. Konzen also provides supervision. 50 hours of supervision are required, along with 200 client hours. Each 1 hr supervision fee is based on each therapist's fee in their office. If someone has a $100-$150 fee range, an hour of supervision is $150. This class work and supervision process takes most people 2-3 years.
Syllabus
1
Essentials I: Anatomy, Physiology, Self-of-Therapist, Assessment I
Anatomy and Physiology of the Sexual Response Cycle:
Understanding Female Sexual Functioning
Understanding Male Sexual Functioning
Sexual Development: Through the Lifespan (childhood to later years)
The Character of a Sex Therapist: Attitudes, Values, and Beliefs
Assessment I: Assessment of Sexual Problems - DEC-R and PLISSIT
4
Treatment of Sexual Problems: Strategy and Interventions
Ethical Practice of Sex Therapy
Theory and Treatment:
DSM-5 Review
Theoretical Approaches to Treatment
Interventions and Treatment Plans
Treatment II: EIS Model Intro & Overview
7
Sexual Trauma and Abuse
Experiences, Indicators, and Consequences of Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault, and Trauma
Symptoms of Trauma (incl. PTSD)
Assessment of Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault, and Trauma
Treatment of Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault, and Trauma
Interventions for Couples
Therapist Self-care during Trauma Treatment
10
The Sex Therapy Profession
Legal and Ethical Issues in Sexual Treatment and Research
History of Sexual Research
Identifying Evidence-Based Treatments and Using Research in Treatment
Collaboration, Consultation, Professional Communication, and Certification
Codes of Ethics and Ethical Decision Making (incl. e-counseling)
13
Couples Recovery from Addiction and Infidelity
Sexual Addiction
Sexual and Emotional Affairs and Couples' Sexuality
Healing Sexual Attachment Injuries
Long-term Sexual Recovery during Addiction Recovery
16
Advanced Treatment: Male and Female Sexual Dysfunction, Couples Recovery from Addiction and Infidelity
Review: Treating Low Desire
Treating Premature Ejaculation
Treating Erectile Dysfunction
Treating Delayed Ejaculation (male orgasmic dysfunction)
Treating Sexual Pain
Treating Orgasm for Women
2
Essentials II: History, Assessment II, and Medical Aspects of Sexuality
History of the Treatment of Sexual Problems
Assessment II: Assessment of Sexual Dysfunction and DSM-5
Medical Aspects of Sexual Problems:
Aging, Disability, Pain, Hormones, Medications
5
Integration of Sex and Theology
Theologies of Sexuality
Personal Theology of Sexuality
Self-of-Therapist
Religious Cultural Competency and Treatment Choices
Process of Integration of Sex Therapy and Theology in Treatment
8
Gender, Sexual Attraction, and Sexual Identity
Concepts of Masculinity and Femininity
Assessment of Gendered Issues and Gender Diagnoses (incl. DSM)
Development of Sexual Identity
Alternative Sexualities and Treatment
Genital Considerations: Intersex Conditions and Genital Alterations
11
Sexual and Reproductive Issues, STDs, and the Pelvic Floor
Application of Knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology to Treatment
Sexually Transmitted Infections and Disease (HIV, AIDS, other STDs, and Skin
Conditions)
Infertility and Sexuality
Treating the Pelvic Floor
14
Illness, Disease, and Sexuality
Sexuality and Pre-Cancer Treatment
Surgery and Hormones
Chronic Illness, Chronic Pain, and Sexuality
Body Image and Sexuality with Illness, Disease, and Surgery
Sexual Functioning Post-Cancer Treatment
3
Intimacy: Culture, Assessment, and Treatment
The Joy of Intimacy and Pleasure and Influences on Intimacy
Sociocultural Factors in Sex and Intimacy: Culture, values, beliefs, expectations, gender, norms, and body image
Assessment of Intimacy
Treatment I: Basics of Intimacy Treatment - Relationship and Intimacy Skills and Intimate Communication
6
Addiction and Sexuality
Sexual Addiction: Compulsivity and Cyber sexuality
Co-Addictions: Substance Addiction and Behavioral Addiction
Assessment of Sexual and Co-Addictions
Treatment of Sexual and Co-Addiction
9
EIS Model Sex Therapy
Assessment with the EIS Model
Areas of Treatment: Communication, Body Image, Friendship, Touch, Sensuality, and Sexuality
Graduated Levels: Step-by-Step training in Treatment utilizing the Graduated Intimacy Manual
Case Applications
12
Treating Sexual Desire
Assessment of Sexual Desire
Influences on Sexual Desire
Increasing Sexual Desire
Treatment for Low Sexual Desire
15
Sexual Assault and Sexual Offenders
Legal Definitions of Sexual Offending
Types of Sexual Offences: stranger rape, acquaintance rape, child molestation, incest, sexual harassment, sex addiction and paraphilias vs. illegal sexual activities
Impact of Sexual Offending on Families and Couples
Adolescent and Adult Sexual Offenders
Forms of Sex Offender Treatment