Presenter: Kersti Spjut, PhD, CST
Date: September 8, 2026 | 2:00-3:00 PM MST
Format: Live, interactive synchronous webinar | 1 hour
Content Level: Beginner
Target Audience: Clinical Mental Health Providers
CE Credits: 1 continuing education credit
Course Description
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT, pronounced “act”) is a well-established therapeutic modality for a variety of presenting concerns. Recent research has shown promising results for the application of ACT when the presenting concern in individual psychotherapy is distress about a client’s viewing of sexual media and/or masturbation. This training provides a basic primer on ACT and its application for clients presenting with distress about sexual media use and/or masturbation.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this training, attendees will be able to:
Describe at least 3 core principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Apply at least 2 interventions from ACT with an individual client concerned about sexual media use.
Describe the role of moral incongruence in distress related to sexual media use among highly religious clients.
Limitations, Risks, & Benefits
This presentation is based on emerging evidence and a relatively small body of research. As additional research into ACT as a treatment for client concerns about sexual media use continues, the information presented may become out of date, and participants are encouraged to continue seeking out the latest research and ongoing education in this area. The presentation also discusses topics related to sex, sexuality, and sexual media use, which has the potential to evoke personal reactions in participants and prompt reflection on their own morals, values, and past experiences, though disclosure of such reflection is not required.
Cultural Sensitivity
Given that the research in this area focuses primarily on highly religious cisgender men concerned about their own sexual practices, the case examples and applications discussed will also focus heavily on this population. The presenter will additionally address how these tools may or may not be relevant for individuals of varying genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, religious backgrounds, and ability/disability.
Course Content
This training includes an overview of the research on the relationship between sexual media use, moral incongruence, and religiosity. It briefly reviews the risks and benefits of various treatment approaches and how to screen for fit when applying ACT to distress around sexual media use. The presenter explains the core tenets of ACT, including each element of the “hexaflex”—acceptance, contact with the present moment, defusion, self-as-context, values, and committed action—and provides examples of how to apply each principle in individual therapy with a client whose presenting concern is unwanted use of sexual media and/or masturbation.
Relevance
Among highly religious communities, individual use of sexual media is often accompanied by psychological distress, and many individuals in these communities seek mental health treatment for related behavioral and emotional concerns. While sexual media use itself is not a diagnosable disorder, and most clients in outpatient settings are distressed more by moral incongruence, shame, and co-occurring concerns such as depression or anxiety than by compulsivity, therapists are often without clear guidance on which treatment modalities have evidence for effectiveness. This presentation is relevant to licensed social workers, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists by filling that gap and providing an evidence-based modality with early signs of effectiveness for this presenting concern.
About the Presenter
Kersti Spjut, PhD, CST is a licensed psychologist and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. She worked for many years as a university faculty member, training and supervising doctoral psychology students and teaching courses in gender and sexuality, eating disorders and body image, multicultural counseling, and psychological assessment. She is passionate about providing evidence-based, up-to-date, and easy-to-understand education to mental health providers. In her clinical work, Kersti specializes in sexual health (especially out-of-control sexual behavior), anxiety and perfectionism, and psychological evaluation. She has first-hand experience with chronic illness (Type 1 Diabetes) and has presented nationwide trainings to diabetes educators on the intersection of mental health and physical health.
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 both sessions.
Certificate issuance: Certificates of credit will be issued after course completion to participants who attend both full sessions 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. Kersti Spjut, PhD, CST 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
C. Socio-cultural, familial factors (e.g., ethnicity, culture, religion, spirituality, socioeconomic status, family values) in relation to sexual values and behaviors.
E. Intimacy skills (e.g., social, emotional, sexual), intimate relationships, interpersonal relationships and family dynamics.
J. Sexual exploitation including sexual abuse, sexual harassment and sexual assault.
K. Sexuality and technology (e.g., social media, generative AI).
AASECT ST
A. Theory and methods of sex-related psychotherapy, including several different models.
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.