Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What if I have questions while I'm taking the online program?
The best way to get in touch is via email at info@learnsextherapy.com.
What is The Buehler Institute?
The Buehler Institute Psychological Services, Inc. is incorporated in the State of California to provide psychological services, including continuing education. The Buehler Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association, American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, and California Board of Registered Nurses to provide continuing education (CE). The Buehler Institute was founded by psychologist and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist/Supervisor, Dr. Stephanie Buehler. Dr. Buehler called her practice an “Institute” because she knew teaching others would be a major part of her career. The Buehler Institute offers continuing education opportunities for postgraduate psychotherapists and healthcare providers, although graduate students are welcome to attend courses.
Who is Dr. Stephanie Buehler?
Stephanie Buehler, MPW, PsyD, CST-S, is a licensed psychologist (California PSY 17609) and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Supervisor. Dr. Buehler is a program development consultant for Hoag Hospital Newport Beach, CA. She is the author of several books on sexuality and relationships including What Every Mental Health Professional Needs to Know about Sex, 3rd Ed. Dr. Buehler is available as a presenter, workshop provider, case consultant, and individual and group supervisor.
Will my licensing board accept continuing education hours from The Buehler Institute?
It is the responsibility of the learner to check with their licensing board to find out if they will accept CE hours for licensing or license renewal. The Buehler Institute is approved by:
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
- California Board of Registered Nurses (CA BRN)
- American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) *
* Please note that AASECT hours are approved by AASECT for certification and certification renewal. AASECT hours may or may not be accepted by your licensing board. That is why The Buehler Institute has made an effort to obtain other approvals.
Programs & Courses Offered
What is the Comprehensive Sexology Program?
The Comprehensive Sexology Program includes 150 total hours of Continuing Education: 105 hours of self-paced dynamic content and 45 hours of live training via Zoom*. This is our most popular program because it fulfills the entire educational requirement for AASECT certification as a sex therapist or counselor. Live training is workshop style, and enrollment is capped to encourage interaction with our experts and each other. Enroll any time, start right away! Because The Buehler Institute is an institutional provider for AASECT, when you complete this program, you can upload your certificate of completion and the transcript we provide to make the application process easier! Offers APA, AASECT, NBCC, and CA BRN CEs.
Learn more about the Comprehensive Sexology Program
What is the Foundations of Sexology Program?
Foundations of Sexology Program includes 105 hours of self-paced online learning in a broad spectrum of topics related to relationships and sexuality. This program is designed for graduate and postgraduate professionals who want to learn more in the field of sexology and help people with the most common sexual concerns. While AASECT certification has geographical limits, our Foundations of Sexology program is ideal for professionals both in the US and internationally. Most people who take the Foundations of Sexology program will want to continue their studies with Advanced Topics in Sexology. Offers APA, AASECT, NBCC, and CA BRN CEs.
Learn more about Foundations of Sexology Program
What is the Kink Affirming Professional (KAP) Certificate?
This program is intended for people who have some knowledge in the topic of sex therapy and sexuality counseling. Beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners will all benefit. This program offers a series of recorded webinars to help you develop the personal and clinical insight necessary to create a nonjudgmental, accepting environment for kinky clients. Offers APA, AASECT, NBCC, and CA BRN CEs.
Learn more about the Kink Affirming Professional Certificate
What is the 15-Hour Essentials of Sexology Program?
This virtual self-paced program is designed for providers wanting to help clients with common sexual problems, explore the field of sex therapy, or earn their CEs for licensure renewal. LearnSexTherapy.com and The Buehler Institute are approved continuing education providers for the American Psychological Association, National Board for Certified Counselors, the California Board of Registered Nursing, and the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. Offers APA, AASECT, NBCC, and CA BRN CEs.
Learn more about Essentials of Sexology
What is the 12-Hour Sex, Love, and Conservative Faith Program?
Navigating sex therapy with religiously conservative clients (RCCs) can be a delicate balance, whether or not you, yourself, practice a faith. When working with RCCs, you need to maintain principles of sex therapy practice while respectfully exploring their religious values, ideas, and behaviors, which may be at genuine odds with each other. This self-paced learning activity will expand your thinking about RCCs--and it's appropriate for every sex therapist and any therapist who works with this population. Enroll any time and download your Certificate of Competence in Sex, Love, and Conservative Faith immediately upon completion! APA, AASECT, NBCC, and CA BRN CEs.
Learn more about Sex, Love, and Conservative Faith
What About Stand-Alone Courses in Sexuality & Relationships?
We offer dozens of stand-alone online courses. Many are recorded lectures, but we try to always have a new and exciting live webinar on the calendar. Our courses are designed for graduate students and postgraduate professionals in psychology and allied health fields. They can be used to fulfill AASECT requirements and renew licenses—please check with your state to see if they accept AASECT, APA, and/or NBCC continuing education.
Review our stand-alone courses
What About Advanced Topics in Sexology?
This offering is intended for professionals who already have a solid education in sexology or who have taken the Foundations of Sexology program, and who wish to gain 45 hours of intensive live online training via Zoom. In combination with Foundations of Sexology, Advanced Topics in Sexology fulfills all of the educational requirements for AASECT certification. Online training is workshop style, and the number of enrollees is limited to maximize interaction with our experts. Priority is given to those who have completed the Foundations of Sexology program. Offers APA, AASECT, NBCC, and CA BRN CEs.
Learn more about Advanced Topics in Sexology
Program Questions
Who are the instructors for the courses contained within these programs?
Our instructors are leading sex-perts in the field of Sex Therapy! To learn more about each of them, Meet Our Instructors
How long do I have to finish the program?
The Foundations of Sexology program is designed to be completed in 12 to 18 months. The Comprehensive Learning Program is meant to be completed in 18 to 24 months. The programs are self-paced, so how long it takes you to finish will depend on your dedication and schedule.
For other programs, please check the Program Overview
When will I get my certificate of completion if I take a full program?
Certificates of completion for the Comprehensive Sexology Program and the Foundations of Sexology Program are issued manually. Either Dr. Buehler or Anneka (the Program Administrator) at The Buehler Institute will check to see that you completed all the work. A certificate of completion will be emailed to you with your name, date, and number of CEs earned. You will also receive a transcript describing the program and the courses you completed. Most importantly, we will also send you a partially completed AASECT application with your CEs already filled out, which is a major time-saver! While you may have the option to print a certificate for completing specific courses throughout the program, it's not required, as you will get one final certificate for the entire program.
I've taken a self-paced program (i.e., the Foundations of Sexology or the Core Knowledge Program) and want to finish my AASECT education requirements. What should I do next?
Get in touch! We are just an email away at info@learnsextherapy.com. We'll complete a quick review of your account and help direct you to the right program.
Can I take just the live training weekends?
Yes, but those enrolled in the Foundations of Sexology or the Comprehensive Sexology Program have priority, and the weekends often fill up quickly.
When does my access to the program or site end?
Never! Once you have an account, you can access what you have learned at any time in the future.
Account & Payment Questions
Can I deduct my continuing education expenses?
This is a question for your accountant or tax preparer. You may request a receipt for this or reimbursement from your employer if they pay for continuing education.
What happens if I face a personal issue and cannot complete the program?
Since there is no deadline, putting the program on pause is acceptable. If you need to put your payment plan on pause as well, we can assist you with that, but we will also temporarily suspend your LearnSexTherapy.com account. All of your progress will be saved. Just let us know when you want to resume, and we’ll resume your access again as quickly as possible.
What if I have to change my payment method?
Please contact the payment platform directly. Most of our learners have accounts serviced by Stripe, though those who enrolled prior to 2020 may still be serviced via PayPal. Both Stripe and PayPal act as an intermediary company to process credit card payments and have a feature that allows us to offer a payment plan. While we can access information about your payments, we cannot access your payment method. Thanks for understanding!
What is the refund policy for programs?
You have one week to decide if the program is right for you. If you withdraw, you will receive a refund less $50.00 processing fee. For standalone programs, if you determine the course is not as described or does not fit your needs in any way, please contact us for either course credit or a refund–no questions asked. All refund requests must be made in writing and can be emailed to info@learnsextherapy.com.
AASECT Questions
What is AASECT?
AASECT is the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.
From the AASECT website: “The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) is a not-for-profit, interdisciplinary professional organization. With its history of impeccable standards for training, experience and ethical behavior, AASECT is increasingly recognized as the guardian of professional standards in sexual health. In addition to sexuality educators, sexuality counselors, and sex therapists, AASECT members include physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists, allied health professionals, clergy members, lawyers, sociologists, marriage and family counselors and therapists, family planning specialists, and researchers, as well as students in various relevant professional disciplines. These individuals share an interest in promoting the understanding of human sexuality and healthy sexual behavior.”
Who should get AASECT certification?
If you are passionate about helping people regarding sexual issues, or you know that you want to make sexuality your niche, then you should consider AASECT certification.
Why should I get AASECT certified?
AASECT certification requires you to attain a thorough foundation of study and clinical or fieldwork so that you can provide competent and ethical services concerning sexuality. Other professionals respect AASECT-certified professionals as experts in the field. It is the gold standard for sex therapy and sexuality counseling practice today.
I notice there are different types of certifications. Which one is right for me?
Basically, there are four certifications: therapist, counselor, educator, and supervisor. A sex therapist is someone who has, at minimum, a Master’s degree in psychology or a related area and a license to practice psychotherapy. A sexuality counselor is generally a healthcare provider with, at minimum, a Master’s degree in an appropriate area and is licensed to practice. A sexuality educator also has a Master’s degree in education and experience in teaching or training. A supervisor must already have one of these certifications and must be certified for three years before they can work on the supervisor certification.
What is needed for AASECT certification?
For sex therapists, AASECT certification requirements include that you are licensed, take a workshop called a SAR (Sexual Attitude Reassessment), have 300 hours of clinical work over a minimum of 18 months, and 50 hours of supervision for sex therapists. Sexuality counselors have similar requirements but fewer hours of clinical work and supervision–100 hours of clinical work and 30 hours of supervision. To help you better understand AASECT certification, we have recorded a FREE webinar about AASECT certification, which can be viewed by clicking here. Please go to the AASECT site for details or contact us for more information.
What is the difference between an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and an AASECT Certified Sexuality Counselor?
The primary difference is that a Certified Sex Therapist is a licensed mental health professional. If your scope of practice includes the diagnosis of mental health disorders, then you should work toward application as a Certified Sex Therapist. If you work as a healthcare provider, you should work toward becoming a Certified Sexuality Counselor.
What about AASECT Certified Sexuality Educators?
At this time, The Buehler Institute does not offer a program that will help you fulfill the requirements to become a Certified Sexuality Educator. However, you are welcome to take courses of interest to you.
What is a SAR?
The Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) workshop is a unique experience designed to help professionals confront and understand their countertransference to sexual material brought in by the client. It is also a requirement for AASECT certification. We offer the SAR once per year for your convenience. Note that some providers offer an “advanced SAR.” Attendance at an advanced SAR requires that you have first taken a foundational SAR.
Learn more about the Sexual Attitude Reassessment
Where can I find the requirements for AASECT certification?
The AASECT requirements can be found on their website under the "Certification" tab. You can also access it by clicking here.
If you need more help understanding AASECT certification, check out our FREE recorded webinar, All About AASECT Certification.
What can I call myself while I am training?
You cannot state that you are “in the process of AASECT certification” or “getting AASECT training.” You can state simply that you “work with people presenting with sexual issues” or “I help couples with sexual issues, too.” It’s probably a good idea to run any advertising past an AASECT member or AASECT supervisor.
I live overseas, and I am licensed. Why can't I get AASECT certification?
AASECT is primarily run by volunteers, and there is simply no way to review transcripts and licenses in a language other than English. In general, AASECT accepts applications from the US, Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Israel. In addition, there is no efficient way to determine if a degree from another country is equivalent to the degrees approved by AASECT (even if your degree is more rigorous). Finally, licensing differs from country to country. In some countries, psychotherapists do not need a license to practice, but sex therapists applying to AASECT must have a valid US license.
That being said, we are dedicated to disseminating high-quality information about sexuality. As such, we do not limit who may take our courses. You are also more than welcome to take the weekend workshops included in the Comprehensive Sexology Program and the Advanced Topics in Sexuality Program, especially now that we will be offering them via Zoom indefinitely. As an international learner, you will still receive a certificate of completion from The Buehler Institute suitable for printing out and framing, plus a transcript of your courses. The Buehler Institute is approved to offer continuing education from the American Psychological Association; please check with your local licensing board to see if APA-approved hours may be used for license renewal and similar purposes.
What if I don't want to get AASECT certified?
That is completely up to you. Only in the State of Florida are sex therapists required to take a certain number of hours to call themselves sex therapists. However, most codes of ethics require education and supervision to state that you can provide specialty services, AASECT-certified people tend to refer only to other AASECT-certified people, and AASECT is the oldest certifying body for sex therapy in the US and is considered the “gold standard.”
AASECT Supervision Questions
Does the program include supervision?
Supervision is a separate activity from the program. Dr. Buehler is available for group supervision and forms groups several times yearly. To request the most up-to-date information about supervision opportunities, email info@learnsextherapy.com.
You can find a list of supervisors on the AASECT website at: https://www.aasect.org/locate-supervisor
When can I start supervision?
You can start anytime, but you should have a caseload or expect to have a caseload of clients to discuss with your supervisor. You should also have enough education to provide services ethically. Sometimes starting with group supervision can be helpful as you are building your sex therapy practice so that you can learn from others while acquiring supervision hours.
Does Dr. Buehler provide supervision?
Dr. Buehler has limited openings for individual supervision, and she offers group supervision, with groups forming several times per year. AASECT also maintains a list of approved supervisors on its website. If you are currently enrolled and need help connecting with a supervisor, please email us at info@LearnSexTherapy.com.
Copyright © Dr. Stephanie Buehler. All rights reserved.