Full Course Description

Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh’s Sex Therapy Informed Training

Sara Nasserzadeh brings you a comprehensive program on integrating sex and couples therapy. Supercharge your work with couples by learning this exceptional approach to couples and sex therapy.

Program Information

Target Audience

  • Physicians
  • Physicians Assistants
  • Social Workers
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • Counselors
  • Psychologists

Objectives

  1. Identify the scope, gaps, and transformative potential of a holistic, interculturally informed model.
  2. Evaluate the limitations of conventional diagnostic labels and expand inclusive assessment practices across orientations, genders, and cultural contexts.
  3. Apply the H.A.T. Initial Assessment Form and interpret findings within a cultural and contextual framework.
  4. Identify patterns in language and subtext to guide context-sensitive diagnosis.
  5. Apply treatment modalities and clinical tools to common sexual issues through case-based learning and collaborative planning.
  6. Develop clinical fluency in diagnosing sexual dysfunctions using ICD and DSM criteria while incorporating real-world complexity and client context.
  7. Compare and contrast diagnostic frameworks to refine individualized care plans.
  8. Identify how cultural rites and embodied practices influence identity, empowerment, and sexual narratives across client populations.
  9. Interpret and apply the Relationship Panoramic Inventory (RPI) to guide relational assessment and interventions.
  10. Analyze the Emergent Love Model’s 6 ingredients and 8 relational configurations to support evidence-informed couple therapy and case conceptualization.
  11. Integrate evidence-informed treatment strategies and develop management plans for diverse sexual health presentations in individuals and couples.
  12. Evaluate clinical case examples to apply ethical, culturally responsive, and multidisciplinary treatment interventions in psychosexual care.

Outline

Module 1: Foundations of the H.A.T. Model

  • The 4 critical roles of the provider in psychosexual care: Authority, Facilitator, Demonstrator, and Delegator
  • Overview of psychosexual therapy as a subspecialty
  • Integration vs. isolation: bridging psychological, biological, sociocultural, and legal frameworks
  • Individualistic versus collective social systems and the care considerations
  • Why “holistic” matters: introduction to the H.A.T. model
  • Introduction to of an umbrella tool: PLISSIT(R) and interdisciplinary practice
    • Permission giving
    • Limited Information
    • Specific Suggestions
    • Intensive Therapy
    • Referral
  • The power of language: how terminology shapes outcomes

Module 2: Redefining Normal: Assessment Tools and Frameworks

  • Defining “normal”, “dysfunctional” and their limitations
  • DSM and ICD definitions of “disorders” and “disfunctions”
  • Tools: FSFI, IIEF, SSI, RPI, custom intake forms
  • Differentiate between standardized tools and informal measurements, including clinical applications and limitations
  • Inclusive assessment for all orientations, genders, relationship types
  • Cultural context in sexual symptom presentation (including cultural camouflages)
  • Discuss criteria of success from clients’ perspectives: sexual satisfaction, frequency, desire, conception goals, and relational needs

Module 3: Assessment and Diagnosis

  • Defining and measuring success
  • Types of Sexual Dysfunction
  • H.A.T Initial Assessment Form
  • Case examples
  • Language & Subtext: Review how to elaborate a presenting problem using biopsychosocial-cultural frameworks
  • Practical Considerations
  • Creating a context-sensitive practice

Module 4: Treatment Pathways and Clinical Tools

  • Standardized Tools
  • Challenges with diagnosis: benefits and risks, ethical considerations
  • Treatment modalities for the most common sexual issues
  • Case studies for individuals and couples for each issue with suggested clinical tools
  • Multidisciplinary referral pathways
  • Bold Addition: Explain the use of standardized tools and their validation process (e.g., FSFI, DSM-5 checklists)
  • Clarify differences between tools and general measurements, including use for tracking and documentation

Module 5: Diagnosing Sexual Concerns with Depth

  • DSM-5 and ICD-11
  • Clinical utility and coding
  • Summary of Key Differences
  • MHSDD, ED, DE, PE, FOD, etc
    • Male and Female Sexual Dysfunctions
    • Beyond binary sexes
  • Clinician tips
  • Tools and exercises

Module 6: Genital Practices Around the World

  • Genital grooming, piercing, steaming, scarification, circumcision, etc.
  • The impact of cultural rites: coming-of-age, fertility, adornment, menopause, andropause, etc.
  • Empowerment or shame? Navigating meanings with clients
  • Case-based examples from global settings

Module 7: A validated tool for a 360-degree review of the main dynamics of a coupledom

  • Emergent love model, 8 relational configurations, 6 ingredients for thriving relationships (respect, attraction, shared vision, compassion, loving behavior and trust).
  • Review of a sample RPI report of a couple
  • Learning about the relationship Panoramic Inventory (provider and client journey).
  • How to work with RPI to elevate your practice from experiential to evidence-informed

Module 8: Treatment and Management

  • The use of standardized tools and their validation process (e.g., FSFI, DSM-5 checklists)
  • The differences between tools and general measurements, including their use for progress tracking and insurance documentation
  • Explore how virtual tools, including biofeedback devices and digitally delivered interventions, are shaping treatment options for psychosexual care
  • Clinical and ethical considerations of integrating AI-supported diagnostics and online platforms in therapeutic work

Bonus Tools for Working with Sex

  • Language around Sex
  • Sexuality Blueprint
  • Touch Lexicon
  • Sexy Time Menu

Copyright : 07/16/2025