Sex and Intimacy Foundations for Professional Practice

Title of Event: Sex and Intimacy Foundations for Professional Practice

Description of Event:

The University of Vermont’s Sex and Intimacy Foundations for Professional Practice Certificate, taught by AASECT-Certified Sex Educator Beth Hankes is a 4-week online certificate for therapists, counselors, healthcare providers, educators, and wellness practitioners. Through evidence-based, sex-positive, and trauma-aware coursework, you’ll gain practical tools to support patient and client discussions, including topics such as desire, communication, and common sexual concerns. You’ll be prepared to integrate sex and intimacy topics into clinical, educational, or coaching settings with confidence and care.

Who should enroll:
- Therapists and counselors integrating sexual health discussions into therapy.
- Physicians and healthcare practitioners seeking a sex-positive healthcare course to enhance patient well-being.
- Educators and coaches expanding their expertise in human sexuality.
- Holistic wellness practitioners incorporating intimacy and relationship coaching into care, including bodyworkers, yoga teachers, and doulas.

Course experience:
This four-week certificate is:
- Delivered fully online with engaging, self-paced modules designed for working professionals.
- Rooted in multimedia learning, including video lectures, clinical case examples, and guided reflection.
- Taught by expert faculty actively practicing in sexual health, counseling, and integrative medicine.
- Focused on real-world application, helping you translate intimacy concepts directly into patient care.
- For clinicians who want to expand their scope of practice with evidence-based skills.
- Designed to foster confident, stigma-free communication around sexual health and intimacy.

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Describe what sexuality is and why people have sex, using specific and accurate terminology.
- Explain the mental, physical, and emotional mechanisms of sexual response.
- Articulate how and why certain life experiences create adverse conditions for healthy sexual function.
- Recommend research-backed tools, strategies, and habits for clients and patients to have more positive and pleasurable sexual experiences.

Start Date: 10-12-2026

End Date: 11-08-2026

Location: Online Asynchronous

Presenter/Speaker: Beth Hankes

Main Contact: Beth  Hankes

Contact Telephone Number: (802) 393-4594

Contact Email: beth@earthandsaltshop.com

Event Website: https://learn.uvm.edu/program/sex-and-intimacy-foundations-professional-certificate/

AASECT Approved CEs: 20