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Entity shares your guide to becoming a sexologist

It’s that dreaded time of the semester. Your advisor wants to meet about choosing a major and you have no idea what you’re going to do. After pouring over department pamphlets, course catalogs and major requirements online, nothing catches your eye. You’ve thought of every possible major and every possible career except one … sexology, the scientific study of sexuality.

Maybe your path is the next Dr. Ruth, the iconic German-born sex therapist of the 1980s.

ENTITY spoke to Dr. Stephanie Hunter Jones of Connection Therapy to learn more about this unique career choice. Dr. Stephanie, who earned her Ph.D. from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco, is the author of “Sex Work and Female Self-Empowerment” and has over 15 years experience in her field.

Dr. Stephanie’s favorite part of the job? “Helping people and seeing them reach their intimacy goals.” she says excitedly.

1 What is sexology?

Sexology is the study of human sexuality, the umbrella under which love, sexual health, sexual relationships, sexual pleasure and human reproduction fall, according to Curtin University.

As the American Board of Sexology states, “Sex therapy is a new, dynamic approach to very real human problems. It is based on the assumptions that sex is good, that relationships should be meaningful, and that interpersonal intimacy is a desirable goal.” While initially the study of sex may initially seem focused on the physical act of sex, sexology actually includes a wide range of topics related to human sexuality.

It’s for this reason, Dr. Stephanie Hunter Jones asserts, that her job is so interesting. “My career is extremely fascinating because I treat my clients ‘outside the box,'” she says. “I am a non-traditional Clinical Sexologist who uses energy and creativity while working with my clients. I also am constantly amazed how unique every individual is in expressing sexuality and because of my specializations, I am exposed to special individuals who express their sexuality in unique ways.”

RELATED: What Women Think About During Sex

2 Common misconceptions

Dr. Jones tells us that there are a lot of misconceptions about her career. “The most common misconception is that we touch or have sex with our clients,” she says. “This is simple untrue. My work is ‘hands off’ cognitive only.” In fact, her specializations as a sexologist include sex therapy, sexual trauma therapy, empowerment therapy, sensual hypnosis and past life regression sex therapy. Other sexologists may even focus on law reform, human trafficking and even forensic sexology. 

Dr. Stephanie asserts that sexologists don’t just talk about sex all day. “While I do speak openly regarding sexual needs and behaviors, I treat the whole person. Sexual concerns are a symptom of something that is going on within. Most of my work is exploring childhood issues and traumas, dynamics within their relationships (past and present), and the belief system of the individual.”

RELATED: America’s Sub-Par Sex Education Ruined My Wedding Night

3 Education requirements

In order to become a Clinical Sexologist, you must first hold a doctoral degree in studies in fields such as psychology, sociology, mental health counseling or a related field. Before you commit to a school or program, make sure that the college or university is accredited or approved by the American Board of Sexology.

All employers are looking for someone with valuable experience – this is no different when it comes to being a practicing sexologist. Certified sexologists are required to complete 120 hours of clinical core courses covering a variety of topics, after which each candidate must complete at least one year of professional work in the field of sexology, with 50 hours of supervision under an ABS approved supervisor.

After you have completed the 50 hours of professional training, you can officially apply to become a sexologist.

RELATED: Why I Can’t Label My Sexual Orientation

4 You’re in the real world

Now that you have finished your studies, you’re ready to pursue a career in the real world. Typically, you have three options: counseling, research or sex education. This means you can either see clients, write books, speak at events or all of the above.

If you are interested in pursing a career as a sex therapist, don’t be afraid to pursue it. While the work may be difficult, for people like Jones, her career is her passion. “I do not have a job or consider my career work,” she says. “I am truly blessed because I am a healer who gets to do what I love each and every day.”

Edited by Adrienne Sigeti
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