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American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists

AASECT
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists
Formation1967
HeadquartersChicago, 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.

History and overview

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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

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Awards

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General Audience Book Award

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Sexuality Book Award

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Book Award for Sexuality Professionals

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Book Award for Children Under 18 Years Old

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Professional Standard of Excellence Award

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The winners of the award are:

Controversies

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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

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  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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