Institute of Clinical Sexology
Clinical sexology sits at the heart of what we do. It is the branch of sexology that deals directly with helping people. Not just studying sexuality from a distance, but sitting with someone in a room and working through real problems. Desire that has gone missing. Pain that shows up at the worst moments. Shame that has been there so long it feels like part of who you are.
The Institute of Clinical Sexology was created to train people who want to do this work well. Not just to learn techniques, but to become the kind of therapist or educator that people can trust with their deepest concerns. The kind who listens without flinching. Who asks good questions. Who knows when to push and when to wait.
We also serve as a clinic where people can get help directly. Some come to us for a few sessions. Others stay for longer. Everyone is treated with respect and care.
What is Clinical Sexology?
Clinical sexology is the application of sexological knowledge to the treatment of sexual concerns and the enhancement of sexual wellbeing. It draws on many disciplines. Psychology, medicine, sociology, education, and neuroscience all contribute. But at its core, clinical sexology is about practical help.
A clinical sexologist might be a therapist, a counselor, an educator, or a medical professional. What unites them is specialized training in human sexuality and clinical skills. They understand both the science of sex and the art of helping people change.
Clinical sexologists work with a wide range of issues. Low desire and arousal problems. Erectile difficulty and premature ejaculation. Orgasmic disorders and sexual pain. Compulsive sexual behavior and out of control sexual conduct. Sexuality after illness or injury. Gender identity and sexual orientation concerns. Relationship issues related to sex.
They also work with people who do not have a specific problem but want more pleasure, more connection, or more understanding of their own sexuality.
Training Programs
The Institute of Clinical Sexology offers several pathways for professional development.
Certificate in Clinical Sexology
This is our foundational program. It covers the core knowledge areas required for competent practice in clinical sexology. Human sexual anatomy and physiology. Sexual response and desire. Sexual and reproductive health. Gender identity and expression. Sexual orientation and diversity. Ethical and legal issues in sexology practice. Assessment and treatment of sexual concerns. The program includes both didactic content and supervised clinical experience.
Sex Therapy Training
For mental health professionals who want to add sex therapy to their existing practice, we offer a focused training program. This meets the educational requirements for AASECT certification as a sex therapist. Students learn specific treatment approaches for common sexual concerns and get supervised practice with real clients.
Sexuality Educator Training
For people who want to teach others about sexuality, we offer training in sexuality education. This covers curriculum development, teaching methods, and working with different populations. Many of our graduates work in schools, community agencies, or private practice.
Supervision and Consultation
For sexologists who already have basic training, we offer advanced supervision and consultation. This is often pursued by people working toward certification or by experienced practitioners who want to deepen their skills.
Certification Pathways
Many people who train with us are working toward professional certification. The main certifying body in the United States is the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, or AASECT.
AASECT offers three main certifications. Certified Sexuality Educator. Certified Sexuality Counselor. Certified Sex Therapist. Each has specific educational and experiential requirements. Our programs are designed to help students meet those requirements.
We also help students navigate the certification process. The paperwork can be confusing. The requirements can be hard to interpret. We have been through it ourselves and we help our students get through it too.
Certification is not required to practice in most places. But it signals to clients and colleagues that you have met professional standards. Many people find it worth the effort.
Clinical Services at the Institute
The Institute also operates a clinic where people can receive sex therapy and sexuality counseling. Services are provided by faculty members and by advanced trainees under supervision. This creates a range of options for clients.
Faculty rates are standard for the area. Trainee rates are lower, sometimes much lower. For people with limited incomes, we offer a sliding scale. No one is turned away for inability to pay.
We see clients for individual therapy, couples therapy, and sometimes family therapy around issues related to sexuality. Sessions are typically weekly, though some people come less often. Telehealth is available for those who cannot travel to us.
Common reasons people seek our services include low sexual desire, difficulty with arousal or orgasm, erectile concerns, painful intercourse, out of control sexual behavior, sexuality after trauma, concerns about sexual orientation or gender identity, and relationship conflicts around sex.
Research in Clinical Sexology
Good clinical practice is based on good research. We study what works and what does not. Our research focuses on treatment effectiveness, assessment methods, and the experiences of people seeking help for sexual concerns.
Recent projects have included studies on online sex therapy, treatment for low desire in women, and the experiences of religious trauma survivors in sex therapy. We publish our findings in professional journals and present them at conferences.
We welcome collaboration with other researchers. If you are working on a project related to clinical sexology, we would like to hear from you.
Our Faculty
The Institute of Clinical Sexology is directed by Dr. Barnaby B. Barratt. Dr. Barratt is a certified psychoanalyst, a certified sex therapist, and a past President of AASECT. He has been training clinical sexologists for more than twenty years.
Marsha Rand serves as associate director. She is a certified sex therapist with extensive experience in medical family therapy and energy healing. She brings warmth and practical wisdom to her teaching and clinical work.
Our faculty includes experienced clinicians from a range of backgrounds. Psychologists, social workers, counselors, and medical professionals. Each brings unique strengths to the learning environment.
Ethics and Values
We take ethics seriously. Clinical sexology involves intimate topics. Clients need to know they are safe. Students need to learn how to create that safety. Our training includes extensive work on ethical issues. Boundaries. Informed consent. Confidentiality. Managing dual relationships. Working with clients who have been harmed by previous practitioners.
We also have values that guide our work. Respect for diversity in all its forms. Sexual orientation, gender identity, relationship structure, cultural background, ability status. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality sexual health care. We believe that sex positivity means respecting the many different ways people find meaning and pleasure in their sexual lives.
How to Get Started
If you are interested in any of our programs or services, the first step is to reach out. We offer free initial consultations by phone. This is a chance to ask questions and see if we might be a good fit.
For prospective students, we can discuss your goals and help you figure out which program makes sense for you. Some people know exactly what they want. Others are just exploring. Both are welcome.
For prospective clients, we can talk about what has been happening and what you hope to change. We will be honest about whether we think we can help. If we cannot, we will try to find someone who can.
You can reach us by phone or email. Contact information is on this site. We try to respond within one business day.