Presenter: Doug Braun-Harvey, LMFT, CGP, CST-S, CST
Date: September 15, 2026 | 2:00 PM MST
Format: Live, synchronous webinar | 1 hour
Content Level: Beginner
Target Audience: Clinical Mental Health Providers
CE Credits: 1 continuing education credit
Certificates Available: AASECT, ASWB/ACE, THGI
Course Description
The purpose of this training is to provide healthcare professionals with a dynamic, real-time experience to learn about sexual health conversations by actively engaging in them. This interactive approach enhances providers' comfort and proficiency in understanding what sexual health conversations are, how to initiate them, and how to lead these discussions with curiosity, empathy, and confidence, building skills to create inclusive, client-centered spaces for meaningful dialogue about sexual health.
This session, the third in the Sexual Health Series, focuses on the partner's experience within the relational context of out-of-control sexual behavior. Doug Braun-Harvey introduces clinicians to affirming, non-pathologizing language that fosters clinical curiosity and creates space for partners to explore and make meaning of their experiences. Content is delivered through expert-led lecture and facilitated discussion, complemented by guided reflection, interactive exercises, and opportunities for participant questions and dialogue.
Learning is reinforced through facilitator and peer feedback, as well as participant self-assessment of comfort and proficiency with the material. Upon completion, participants will be able to use inclusive and non-pathologizing language when addressing the partner's experience, facilitate relational understanding through a sexual health framework, and apply clinical models that promote empathy, differentiation, and healing within couples or relational systems.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this training, attendees will be able to:
Utilize non-pathologizing and inclusive language when addressing the partner's experience.
Facilitate relational understanding through a sexual health lens.
Apply frameworks that support empathy, differentiation, and healing within the couple or relational system.
Limitations, Risks, & Benefits
This training offers an introductory overview of the subject matter and is not intended to be exhaustive; participants seeking deeper exploration are encouraged to pursue advanced or specialized coursework. The program is delivered in an online format, which may limit opportunities for the level of interaction typically found in in-person settings. While no significant risks are anticipated, participants may experience mild discomfort as they engage with sensitive material, reflect on personal beliefs, or participate in interactive components such as discussion or role-play; these experiences are considered a normal part of professional growth. Benefits of participation include increased understanding of the topic, the development of foundational and practical clinical skills, and improved ability to apply concepts within professional practice.
Cultural Sensitivity
This training emphasizes cultural sensitivity by centering the inherent worth and dignity of every individual while promoting social justice within healthcare practice. Grounded in the values and ethical perspectives of social work, the course highlights the importance of human relationships, cultural humility, and professional competence. Through a focus on sexual health conversations, participants are supported in engaging clients in a respectful, client-centered, and culturally responsive manner. The training encourages self-reflection on unconscious bias and examines the intersections of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and cultural norms as they relate to sexual health, recognizing sexuality as a universal aspect of the human experience shaped by social, cultural, and systemic influences across the lifespan.
Course Content
This training presents beginner-level content on partner-inclusive approaches to out-of-control sexual behavior, delivered through expert-led lecture, facilitated discussion, and interactive exercises. Grounded in the six principles of sexual health, the session also introduces related concepts such as stages of change, sex-linked behaviors, and interpersonal exploitation. Teaching methods include guided reflection and structured question-and-answer opportunities, with learning reinforced through facilitator and peer feedback and participant self-assessment of comfort and proficiency with the material throughout the session.
Relevance
This training supports clinicians in drawing from research and data to make informed treatment interventions and recommendations. It aligns with NASW's core principles, including the dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, and a commitment to social justice, equipping social workers to engage in critical conversations that reduce stigma, address disparities, and empower clients in navigating their sexual health and relationships. The training also supports AASECT's foundational requirements for certification by focusing on the creation of safe and affirming spaces where clients can explore and discuss sexual health. By fostering curiosity, empathy, and cultural competence, it strengthens clinicians' ability to work effectively with clients across diverse cultural, gender, and sexual identities, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet ethical and professional standards, improve client outcomes, and support clients' long-term growth and healing.
About the Presenter
Doug Braun-Harvey, LMFT, CGP, CST-S, CST, is a sexual health author, trainer, and psychotherapist who bridges sexual and mental health across clinical and organizational settings. Since 1993, he has developed and refined a sexual health-based treatment approach for out-of-control sexual behavior (OCSB), co-authoring the award-winning book Treating Out of Control Sexual Behavior: Rethinking Sex Addiction with Michael Vigorito. In 2013, he co-founded The Harvey Institute with Al Killen-Harvey, an international education, training, consultation, and supervision service that integrates sexual health principles into drug and alcohol treatment, group psychotherapy, HIV prevention and treatment, and child maltreatment services. He teaches and trains nationally and internationally, is Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Center for Human Sexuality Studies at Widener University, and serves as faculty for the University of Michigan Certificate Program in Human Sexuality.
Course Details
Delivery method: Live webinar via the Institute learning platform
Course interactivity: Expert-led lecture and facilitated discussion, including guided reflection, interactive exercises, and live Q&A
Posttest/quiz: Because this is a live course, a standard posttest is not required. Participation will be monitored throughout the session.
Certificate issuance: Certificates of credit will be issued immediately after course completion to participants who attend the full session and complete the course evaluation.
Contact for questions: institute@thehealinggroup.com
Accessibility accommodations: To request accessibility accommodations, please contact institute@thehealinggroup.com prior to the event. We are committed to making our trainings accessible to all participants.
Commercial Support & Conflict of Interest Disclosure
No commercial entity has provided funding or support for this course. Doug Braun-Harvey has no relevant conflicts of interest to disclose.
ASWB ACE Statement:
The Healing Group Institute, provider number 2716, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/31/26 – 3/31/27. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.
AASECT CKA:
A. Ethics and ethical behavior.
D. Issues related to sexual orientation and/or gender identity: heterosexuality; issues and themes impacting lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual people; gender identity and expression.
E. Intimacy skills (e.g., social, emotional, sexual), intimate relationships, interpersonal relationships and family dynamics.
F. Diversities in sexual expression and lifestyles including, but not limited to, polyamory, swinging, BDSM and tantra.
AASECT ST:
A. Theory and methods of sex-related psychotherapy, including several different models.
This presentation has been reviewed by Kristin Hodson, LCSW, CST, CSTS to ensure it meets AASECT standards.
This program meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for CE credits. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification.
Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. For further information please contact info@aasect.org.