American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists

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AASECT
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists
Formation1967
Headquarters Chicago, Illinois
Location
  • United States
Founder
 Patricia Schiller, JD, MA
Current President
Rosalyn Dischiavo, EdD, MA, CSE, CSES
Websitewww.aasect.org

The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) is a professional organization for sexuality educators, sexuality counselors and sex therapists.

Contents

History and overview

AASECT ( /ˈeɪsɛkt/ AY-sekt [1] ) was founded by Patricia Schiller in 1967. [2] AASECT publishes the peer-reviewed journals American Journal of Sexuality Education and the Journal of Sex Education and Therapy. They have also published a directory of sex therapists since 1976 and have initiated therapeutic options via phone and online. [3] AASECT is the largest organization that certifies sexual health practitioners. [4] AASECT offers certification of sexual health practitioners in four categories: sexuality educator, sex counselor, sex therapist (CST) and supervisor (CST-S). [5]

Notable people

Awards

General Audience Book Award

Sexuality Book Award

Book Award for Sexuality Professionals

Book Award for Children Under 18 Years Old


Professional Standard of Excellence Award

The winners of the award are:

Controversies

In the 2020s, AASECT became the subject of internal debate related to its handling of political and social issues. Following the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, a group of Jewish members issued an open letter criticizing what they viewed as the organization’s lack of response, contrasting it with AASECT’s previous public statements on other social justice matters [6] . In March 2024, another open letter was circulated by members who emphasized anti-Zionist and pro-Palestinian perspectives [7] . Subsequent exchanges led to disputes over moderation of discussion forums and organizational communications, with some Jewish and Israeli members describing anti-semitism and resigning in protest [8] [9] .

References

  1. ↑ "AASECT 50th Anniversary on Vimeo". Vimeo. February 7, 2018. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  2. ↑ Associated Press (May 19, 1976). Guide to sex therapists issued. The Phoenix
  3. ↑ Feifer, Jason (June 15, 2004). Some Clients Too Ashamed or Uncomfortable for In-Person Therapy Are Getting Treatment for Sexual Problems Via Phone and Computer. The Washington Post
  4. ↑ Mayo Clinic
  5. ↑ "AASECT Certification". Archived from the original on 2012-01-02. Retrieved 2012-01-03.
  6. ↑ "An Open Letter Urging AASECT Support of Israeli Colleagues". Letter to AASECT. October 16, 2023. Retrieved August 23, 2025.{{cite press release}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  7. ↑ "In Response to AASECT's Letter of Commitment to Justice, Equity, and Well-Being". Letter to AASECT. March 29, 2024. Retrieved August 23, 2025.{{cite press release}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  8. ↑ "Jewish Sex Therapists Battle Their Professional Association". Tablet Magazine. 2024-09-27. Retrieved 2025-08-18.
  9. ↑ "The Failure of Sexual Health Organizations to Condemn Sexual Violence (crossover episode with Orthodox Conundrum)". Intimate Judaism. 2024-03-05. Retrieved 2025-08-18.


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