Presenter: Braxton Dutson, LCSW, CSTS
Date: November 19, 2026 | 12:00 PM MST
Format: Live, synchronous webinar | 1 hour
Content Level: Foundational/Introductory
Target Audience: Clinical Mental Health Providers
CE Credits: 1 continuing education credit
Certificates Available: ASWB/ACE, AASECT, THGI
Course Description
This training provides a practical introduction to sex therapy with teens, with a focus on the first three sessions and how to structure them. The session explores how to navigate the often-complex triangle between therapist, parent, and adolescent while building rapport from the outset. Attendees will learn how to balance confidentiality and consent, establish trust with teens, and communicate effectively with caregivers who may have strong fears or expectations. The training addresses parental engagement, topics that may arise in session, confidentiality boundaries, and managing important disclosures from parents and teens alike. Participants will leave with concrete frameworks, phrases, and strategies they can immediately apply in their intake practices.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this training, attendees will be able to:
Differentiate the structural goals and confidentiality boundaries across a three-session intake sequence involving the adolescent, parents, and the therapeutic triad.
Apply Motivational Interviewing principles, client-centered language, and rapport-building strategies (e.g., matching communication styles, assessing stages of change) to negotiate divergent treatment goals between parents and teens.
Implement evidence-based engagement strategies to manage complex disclosures, align diagnostic assessment with teen autonomy, and navigate parental expectations around disclosures and treatment approach.
Limitations, Risks, & Benefits
This training presents a limited amount of information; clinicians who desire additional depth are encouraged to seek out supplemental resources and peer-reviewed literature on this topic. The training will be delivered via an online platform, and there are no anticipated risks beyond those typically associated with online learning environments. Participants may encounter discomfort as they explore sensitive topics or challenge existing beliefs and practices. The evidence base for this training's content may have limitations in generalizability across diverse populations, cultures, or practice settings, and the content reflects information available at the time of its development; practitioners are encouraged to stay current with evolving research and regulatory standards. Attendees will gain foundational knowledge and practical skills around the topics discussed that build upon their existing training.
Cultural Sensitivity
This training explicitly addresses the influence of culture, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, language, and socioeconomic status on the topics discussed, including how implicit bias may affect clinical decision-making, assessment, diagnosis, or treatment planning. The training promotes the use of inclusive, affirming, and non-stigmatizing language when working with diverse populations, particularly as clinicians navigate sensitive conversations with adolescents and their families.
Course Content
This training presents foundational or introductory level content on the topic discussed, delivered through lecture and didactic instruction. The session covers evidence-based intervention and treatment methods relevant to adolescent sex therapy intake, along with ethical, legal, statutory, and regulatory standards, and content related to documentation, risk management, and legal and ethical decision-making. Course content is grounded throughout in current research and peer-reviewed literature.
Relevance
This training addresses content that is directly applicable to social work clinical practice, including assessment, intervention, and treatment planning, and addresses ethical responsibilities and standards as outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics. It draws on social work and mental health research, program evaluation, and evidence-based practice, and addresses content relevant to working with specific populations, including children and families and those experiencing substance use or mental health challenges. This training is relevant to professionals across mental health disciplines, including licensed social workers, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists.
About the Presenter
Braxton Dutson, LCSW, CSTS, is a licensed clinical social worker and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist at The Healing Group in Salt Lake City, Utah. He holds a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Utah and has completed over 300 hours of post-graduate training in sex therapy. Braxton is a Certified Mind-Body Bridging therapist, is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples, and is certified as a 4-D therapist. His clinical work focuses on adolescent issues, out-of-control sexual behavior, and helping individuals and couples build healthier communication and relationship skills. Braxton hosts the Birds and Bees Podcast, a sexual and relationship health podcast for couples and parents, and facilitates a monthly fathers' group focused on parenting and family communication. He is also an active advocate for survivors of sexual assault in the Salt Lake City community.
Course Details
Delivery method: Live webinar via the Institute learning platform
Course interactivity: Lecture and didactic instruction with 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.
Registration
Register online at thehealinggroupinstitute.com. Refunds are not available. Full refund and cancellation policy is available on the website.
Commercial Support & Conflict of Interest Disclosure
No commercial entity has provided funding or support for this course. Braxton Dutson 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.
C. Socio-cultural, familial factors (e.g., ethnicity, culture, religion, spirituality, socioeconomic status, family values) in relation to sexual values and behaviors.
O. Professional communication and personal reflection skills.
AASECT ST
E. Principles of consultation, collaboration, and referral.
F. Ethical decision-making and best practice.
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.