Does sexuality ever come up in your sessions but you’re unsure of how to handle it? Maybe you want to give your clients permission to bring these types of topics up but haven’t been able to since you aren’t sure what to do if and when they do? Maybe you’ve considered investing in some sex therapy training but you’re unsure where to start. This is where we come in – As leading experts in our field, we want to pass along our knowledge so other professionals just like yourself can empower clients in their sexuality without needing to come see a sex therapist.
These are professional trainings, and are suitable if you are a:
Why take our trainings?
presented by experts in our field, including allura’s founder and other experts!
Allura sex therapy centre is an aasect approved ce provider (#22-103-AST), trainings offering aasect ce credits are indicated
all of our trainings take a trauma-informed & inclusive approach and focus on the practical application of what you are learning to different clients
Offering self-paced courses on variety of topics through allura’s educational platform, the westland academy for clinical sex therapy
Don’t see any trainings or dates that work for you? Add your name below to be contacted as we post new trainings & dates!
Group Consultation & Supervision
Working in isolation can leave you with more questions than answers, unsure of how to navigate the complex presenting concerns around sexuality and relationships that your clients bring in. That’s where consultation & supervision come in! AASECT Certified Sex Therapist & Certified Sex Therapist Supervisor, Diana Sadat, offers weekly opportunities for case consultation and AASECT group supervision. Please see below our options for consultation & supervision.
Looking to get hours towards certification as a Certified Sex Therapist through AASECT? Join this closed supervision group that meets monthly through the fall with the same participants to discuss complex topics and gain clinical wisdom, get support on your cases and your process, and connect with a group of peers moving through a similar process.
Sex Therapy Group Supervision: Drop in groups
Can’t commit to a regular supervision group or want to join in as needed? The following groups are open to participants to join when works for them! These groups can be utilized either towards AASECT Certification or for your own professional development in sex therapy.
Cost: $180 + tax per 2-hour group
Friday October 11th from 12-2pm PST
Thursday October 31st from 10:30am-12:30pm PST
Thursday November 14th 10:30am-12:30pm PST
Thursday December 12th 10:30am-12:30pm PST
Have questions or interested in registering? Please contact Diana directly to discuss if this is the right fit for you!
Sensate Focus Fundamentals: Transforming Intimacy in Therapeutic Practice [$767 CAD]
Dates: Friday February 7th, February 21st, March 7th, and March 21st 2025
9am-3pm PST each day with a 1 hour lunch break
Location: ZOOM
CE Credits: 20*
Presenter: Paula Leech, LMFT, CST, CST-S
When training to become a Sex Therapist, we are learning how to work with the intimate relationship between the body and the mind. Emotional states (some from the present, others carried from the past) follow us into the bedroom and play themselves out in our physiology. Day-to-day stress, deep trauma, attachment wounds, sociocultural factors, feelings of insecurity, “performance pressure,” and/or relational discord can all interfere with the unfolding of the arousal process and, in some cases, can lead to sexual discomfort, avoidance, or dysfunction. Sensate Focus aids the clinician in identifying these barriers to intimacy and embodiment, and then engages them via touch exercises that are prescribed for the client to do at home. Each exercise builds on the next bringing the client(s) into closer contact with themselves, their partner(s) (if present), sensation, learning, and possibility. The end result? Resolution of “sexual dysfunction;” greater ease in identifying and communicating sexual needs; a mindset of ongoing sexual curiosity, discovery, and expansion; and a more nuanced, intimate understanding of the dynamicism of our sexual selves and relationships.
The Competency Training takes participants deeply into the philosophy and conceptual underpinnings of Sensate Focus as a diagnostic and treatment methodology. This kind of deep understanding is pivotal in confidently identifying and shaping the appropriate SF exercises for each client or relationship as well as feeling armed with the ability to thoroughly explain the “method to the madness” each step of the way.
Building on this, we will delve into several sexual struggles or “diagnoses” in-depth, laying out the progressions and discussing what adaptations might be helpful with a variety of presentations. Participants will be asked to take a critical eye to several media depictions of therapists prescribing, as well as clients navigating SF, in addition to some basic practice in pairs. Students will leave the course equipped with a sense for how it might fit into their practice and where to begin in prescribing the exercises it provides.
Goals:
Understand the intimate connection between Mindfulness and the Sensate Focus technique
Define Sensate Focus
Describe the many important elements of human and sexual experience that SF addresses
Understand the influence of anxiety on the sexual response cycle
Conceptualize Sensate Focus’ place in working with sexual trauma
Conceptualize Sensate Focus’ place in working with clients who have a history of substance abuse / addiction
Identify what Sensate Focus is for you and how it may be incorporated into your practice.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
Break-down sexual functioning as a natural process as defined by Masters and Johnson
Compare the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
Discuss how the sympathetic nervous system response thwarts the sexual response cycle
Name several basic principles of mindfulness as they relate to the Sensate Focus approach
Prescribe the Basic Back Caress utilizing the tools and techniques described in the course
Conceptualize the importance of buy-in as it relates to a specific case
Name several ways SF can be beneficial beyond addressing specific sexual challenges
Analyze the impact of anxiety on the body and its role in sexual struggles
Locate the role of the pelvic floor in heightening and/or eliminating difficulties with sexual functioning
Describe Peaking and Plateauing
Discuss the first therapeutic task when working with Erectile Dysfunction
Describe a few of the basic SF progressions related to treating ED.
Name several pre-requisites for implementing Sensate Focus with a client(s)
Describe Emotional Sourcing
Discuss what modifications might be made to the Basic progressions to accommodate trauma in the body
Identify considerations for utilizing Sensate Focus with clients in recovery from addiction or substance abuse
Conceptualize how Sensate Focus can be incorporated into your style and approach to therapy
Understand what aspects of prescribing a Basic SF progression are in need of further practice for you and why
Critique an instructional video depiction of the Genital Caress
Describe some of the Sensate Focus progressions used to treat Vaginismus.
This program meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 20 CE credits. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification.
Sex & Trauma: Helping Clients Move Beyond Trauma & Reclaim Their Sexuality [12 CEs]
Traumatic experiences, especially sexuality-based traumas, can have a lasting effect on survivors. The effects of trauma are seen in many areas of life – healing often has entailed looking at safety, nervous system regulation, and unpacking the deeply profound emotional impacts that clients experience in their day-to-day lives. In particular, trauma of any kind changes our clients' sense of self, boundaries, and ability to be vulnerable in all relationships, and particularly sexual relationships. Trauma healing must look not only at the completion and integration of traumatic experiences, but moving further into helping clients actively regain their sexual voices and identities. This training is focused specifically on helping clients focus on healing the sexual parts of themselves and learn to not only regain their "no", but their true authentic YES.
In this training, clinicians will develop a deep understanding of trauma, the important role the body plays in the sexual healing process, and learn psychological, emotional, relational, and somatic tools to helping trauma clients reclaim their sexuality beyond their trauma.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
Identify at least one way that trauma impacts the nervous system
Recognize at least five ways trauma affects client’s sex lives.
Understand how to help respond to triggers during sexual experiences
Explain how embodiment is a core aspect of sexual healing
Apply the triphasic model of trauma treatment to sex therapy
Recite individual sensate focus as a take-home practice for clients
Provide three clinical examples of interventions that can help clients move beyond healing and reclaim sexuality
Analyze case studies of individuals and their relationships within the lens of trauma
Launch date: October 31st, 2024!
BDSM: Working with Kinky Clients [ 6 CEs] - $297 CAD
An online introduction to BDSM and working with kinky clients for mental health and wellness professionals seeking to become Kink-Aware Practitioners.
Many clients report being hesitant to share their participation in BDSM activities with helping professionals due to fear of judgement, stigmatization, active shaming, and a misunderstanding of legal implications.
And many helping professionals report being hesitant to even ask about sex ~ particularly BDSM/Kinky sex ~ because of a lack of personal comfort with the subject or a lack of access to specific training to work effectively and ethically with this community.
This is where our training, “BDSM: Working with Kinky Clients” comes in.
Designed for psychotherapists, clinical counsellors, and mental health or health care professionals looking to expand their existing skills and awareness for working with members of the BDSM community.
This online program will:
Introduce you to many of the fundamental issues and concerns facing those practicing BDSM, and those in the BDSM community
Help increase your confidence and competencies in working with clients from the kink community
Help you explore your own sexual beliefs to identify biases and assumptions that may get in the way of working with this group
Help you develop a basic understanding of some of the principles and techniques of sex therapy as it relates to BDSM and becoming a Kink-Aware practitioner
And help you gain new knowledge and an expanded ability to integrate new insights about sex and sexuality in a clinical setting
“BDSM: Working with Kinky Clients” is an overview of theory and research covering the historical, neurological, psychological, and social/cultural influences of BDSM on human sexuality and sexual expression.
And since theory only makes sense with context, we also explore clinical applications for working with members of the kink community so you can see how this information applies to you and your clients immediately.
We cover:
BDSM Relationship Types and Dynamics
Difference between BDSM as a behaviour vs. BDSM as a Lifestyle
Determining Consensual Kink vs. Abuse
The Difference between BDSM and Trauma Reenactment
Encouraging Open Sexual Communication
Frameworks for Establishing Consent
Barriers to Accessing Mental and Physical Healthcare for Kinky Clients
The PLISSIT Model for Clinical Conceptualization
What it means to be a Kink-Aware Therapist
Among others …
Throughout the program, you will have opportunities to thoughtfully and critically examine your own personal stories, biases, and reactions to BDSM and how they relate to a client’s presenting concerns – all from the comfort of your own home at your own pace.
4 Bonus Expert Interviews Included!
Penis Problems: Working with ED, DE, PE [12 CEs] - $397 CAD
The course encourages you to critically examine your own personal beliefs, biases, stories, and reactions to penis problems and existing treatments, and consider how these show up in your office as you relate to clients.
Our goal is to help you become a ED/PE/DE-informed practitioner by helping you expand your knowledge around working with Erectile Dysfunction, Pre-Mature Ejaculation, and Delayed Ejaculation:
Introducing you to many tangible issues and fundamental concerns including relationship issues with ED/PE/DE clients
Helping you increase your confidence, competence, and tools for working with clients who suffer from issues related to thier penises
Introducing you to screening, assessment, and types of referrals
Providing ways to identify your own biases and stigma that may impact your work with clients
Giving you practical resources to implement in your practice immediately and share with clients
Whether it is a difficulty in getting or keeping an erection, achieving orgasm too quickly (i.e., premature ejaculation), too late (i.e., delayed ejaculation), or not at all (i.e., Anorgasmia), ED and ejaculatory issues can significantly impact individuals and relationships. If not addressed, these concerns can lead to sexual dissatisfaction, relationship challenges, heightened performance anxiety, infertility, lowered sexual interest, and even increased rates of depression.
Considering approximately 52% of men experience ED at some point in their lives (Lakin & Wood, 2018), and the DSM-5 reports that 25% of men report struggling with ejaculating during sex, this is an issue for clients in your practice even if you don’t specialize in sex and relationship.
ED and ejaculatory dysfunctions are often under-treated and misunderstood, leaving clients turning to online “cures” or tricks to fix their orgasm issues. Also, many mental health clinicians feel unequipped to help those with ejaculation issues and other sexual dysfunctions. If this feels like you, you’re in the right place!
In these courses we have compiled the latest research and best practices for addressing erectile dysfunction and two prominent forms of ejaculation problems: premature and delayed ejaculation. For each, we will explore the definitions, prevalence rates, common causes, clinical considerations (i.e., assessment and treatments), and case studies to help conceptualize this newfound knowledge and equip you to better support your clients.
Topics covered include:
Different types of ED/PE/DE and how the symptoms present
Understanding the prevalence, significance, and impact of ED/PE/DE for clients
An overview of common causes of ED/PE/DE (biomedical, psychological, and relationship factors)
Clinical considerations for working with clients suffering from concerns related to ED/PE/DE
How to do basic screening and assessment for ED/PE/DE so clients can get the proper treatment
An overview of best medical treatment practices
An overview of best psychotherapy treatments
Barriers to accessing mental and physical healthcare for clients
Case studies and personal stories
Suggested readings, worksheets, resources
Plus much more…
We also have in-depth interviews from experts in the field, such as Human Sexuality Researchers, Urologists, Clinical Counsellors specializing in Sex Therapy, as well as those who have suffered from ED/PE/DE themselves, to help you navigate the broad range of impacts that ED/PE/DE can have.
And throughout the program you will be encouraged to thoughtfully and critically examine your own personal stories, biases, and reactions to penile issues, and how they relate to client’s presenting concerns – all from the comfort of your own home at your own pace.
BONUS EXPERT INTERVIEWS: Watch in-depth expert interviews with allied professionals who support clients struggling with ED/PE/DE. They share their personal experiences and what they feel practitioners need to know to work with this community ethically and effectively.
Painful Sex: Working with GPPD [12 CEs] - $397 CAD
The course encourages you to critically examine your own personal beliefs, biases, stories, and reactions to sexual pain and existing treatments, and consider how these show up in your office as you relate to clients.
Our goal is to help you become a GPPD-informed practitioner by helping you expand your knowledge around working with Genito-Pelvic Pain / Penetration Disorders by:
Introducing you to many tangible issues and fundamental concerns including relationship issues with GPPD clients
Helping you increase your confidence, competence, and tools for working with clients who suffer from painful intercourse and/or painful genitals
Introducing you to screening, assessment, and types of referrals
Providing ways to identify your own sexual biases and stigma that may impact your work with clients
Giving you practical resources to implement in your practice immediately and share with clients
This training has been pre-approved for twelve (12) CEC’s from the Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association.
Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder (also known as GPPD or GPPPD) is a condition that causes cis-women and those with female genitalia difficulty and/or pain with vaginal penetration or penetration attempts. An estimated 6.5 to 45% of older women and 14 to 34% of younger women experience some form of variation of these conditions.
Historically, GPPD was thought to have been caused by either physical complications or psychological and sexual difficulties, however recent studies show it is a combination of biomedical, cognitive, affective, behavioural, and interpersonal difficulties.
This condition can impact relationship satisfaction, as well as psychological well-being, and can result in feeling deprived, confused, and guilty.
As care providers, we must understand how to recognize GPPD, the best treatment options available, and how to take an approach that is sensitive to the pain clients might be experiencing.
Topics covered include:
Different types of GPPD and how the symptoms present
Understanding the prevalence, significance, and impact of GPPD for clients
An exploration of other common concurrent genito-pelvic pain conditions and how you can tell the difference
An overview of common causes of GPPD (biomedical, psychological, and relationship factors)
Clinical considerations for working with clients suffering from genito-pelvic pain
How to do basic screening and assessment for GPPD so clients can get the proper treatment
An overview of best medical treatment practices
An overview of best psychotherapy treatments
Barriers to accessing mental and physical healthcare for clients
Case studies and personal stories
Suggested readings, worksheets, resources
Plus much more…
We also have in-depth interviews from experts in the field, such as Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists, Sexual Pain Researchers, as well as those who have suffered from GPPD themselves, to help you navigate the broad range of impacts that GPPD can have.
And throughout the program you will be encouraged to thoughtfully and critically examine your own personal stories, biases, and reactions to sexual pain, and how they relate to client’s presenting concerns – all from the comfort of your own home at your own pace.
Allura Sex Therapy Centre is an approved AASECT CE Provider (# 22-103-AST) – 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@assect.org.
Refund Policy
We are able to provide a refund for our live trainings based on the policy below. Please contact hello@alluracentre.com for a refund.
Self-paced/asynchronous trainings: no refunds
Up to 30 days before the training: 50% refund, subject to a 25$ administrative fee
Within 30 days of the training: no refunds
You may transfer your registration to another person up to 2 weeks prior to the training date
If there are no other trainings available, we may be able to offer you a credit for the next year.
In-person trainings: please be aware that in-person trainings may be switched to virtual if there is limited demand – we will give participants advanced notice of this change!
If notice is given with more than 30 days, we may be able to transfer you to another training if one is available, subject to a $100 administrative fee.