Self of the Sex Therapist: How to Use Yourself as a Resource for Sexual Transformation

Presented by: Shadeen Francis, LMFT Friday, November 6, 2026 | 9AM – 1PM EST Recorded workshop available via video on demand AASECT Category: Human Sexuality, Section O & Sex Therapy, Section E Sex therapists are responsible for the intersection of at least two socially censored domains. The first domain is mental health, in which the therapist helps in the unpacking of deep emotional wounds, exploring family histories, uncovering relational dynamics, building coping strategies and support networks, and finding self acceptance. The second domain is the ever-shifting grounds of sex, where therapists help folks unlearn misinformation and shame, tend to sexual traumas and dysfunctions, normalize and celebrate sexual diversity, and support people in reclaiming their sexuality. This is no small feat! However, sex therapy is more than a collection of assessments and interventions. An effective sex therapist also masters a third frontier: themselves. Sex therapists become experts in navigating vulnerable and taboo subjects, but on behalf of others. Beyond supervision, where is the ongoing opportunity for the therapist to encounter themselves? What keeps In this session, we will expand our understanding of the sex therapy process beyond the theories and techniques and learn to use our most under explored tool for sexual change: ourselves. By the end of the session, participants will Shadeen Francis is a licensed psychotherapist, graduate instructor, and author that specializes in sex therapy and social justice. She has been featured on platforms like ABC, CBS, NBC, and the New York Times to share her unique expertise. Because of her ability to tackle difficult subjects with warmth and humour, Shadeen is sought internationally to speak on topics such as sexual self-esteem, overcoming shame, and relationship design. Whether in her office, in an academic setting, or at a community event, all of Shadeen’s work is inspired by her commitment to helping people live lives full of peace and pleasure. Class originally recorded: upcoming. Social workers completing this course receive 4 general continuing education credits. MSTI is an approved CE organizational provider for IBOSP, AASECT, and ASWB. Modern Sex Therapy Institutes is part of the Advanced Mental Health Training Institute. The Advanced Mental Health Training Institute has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No.6901. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The Advanced Mental Health Training Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. MSTI is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for Psychologists. The Modern Sex Therapy Institutes maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Modern Sex Therapy Institutes (MSTI), provider #1787, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: [1/7/22-1/7/26]. Attendees must attend the entire course and complete a course evaluation to be eligible for CE credit For Live Courses: To obtain CE credits, attendees must attend the entire course and complete an evaluation to receive credit. For asynchronous/recorded courses, Attendees must pass the multiple choice posttest with a minimum score of 80% in 3 attempts to be eligible for CE credit. Certificates of completion can be downloaded immediately upon course completion.