by jennbossio | Jul 7, 2025 | Advocacy, Therapy, Training
As a clinical psychologist, clinic director, and lifelong advocate for evidence-based care, I want to sound the alarm on a concerning development in our profession. The Ontario Psychological Association (OPA) recently sent out a message to its members about proposed changes by our regulatory college that could profoundly reshape what it means to be a psychologist in this province.
Below is the full message from the OPA Board of Directors:
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO MEMBERS FROM THE OPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
We are writing to inform members about a proposal we recently became aware of under consideration by the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO). This proposal, which was brought to our attention in May, has reportedly been passed by the CBPAO council and recommends a revision of the educational and training standards required for registration as psychologists and psychological associates in Ontario.
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By way of background, the Office of the Fairness Commissioner (OFC), which oversees registration practices for regulated professions in Ontario, rated the CPBAO as ‘medium to high risk’ in its 2022 and 2024 assessments. The most recent report cited concerns related to frequent appeals to the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB), labour market shortages, and the under-representation of racialized individuals among PhD registrants. Recommendations included more flexible pathways for internationally trained psychologists and regular review of HPARB outcomes.
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We understand that the CPBAO proposal outlines several potential changes aimed at addressing the concerns raised by the Office of the Fairness Commissioner (OFC), which may include:
- Changes to program accreditation standards,
- The removal of the doctoral standard for psychology,
- The removal of the 4-year period of supervision required for registration among psychological associates.
We acknowledge the OFC’s concerns and understand the government’s emphasis on improving interprovincial mobility. Differences in registration requirements across provinces, coupled with Canada’s Free Trade Agreement, have created challenges including a rise in professionals with varied titles, training, and qualifications. This variation has led to public confusion and underscores the need for greater consistency and alignment across the profession.
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The OPA is committed to discussing the identified issues with key stakeholders to further understand and advance appropriate alternatives. We recognize the need to expand the psychological workforce and address the Fairness Commissioner’s concerns, however we believe there are more thoughtful and effective ways to do so, without increasing confusion or compromising the safety of psychological services to Ontario residents. We are also committed to fair and inclusive access to psychology training and are proud of the progress underway. We believe there is a path forward for retaining standards, addressing OFC’s concerns and maintaining the integrity of the profession.
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Simply revising or removing standards will not appropriately address challenges related to diversity, access, or the costs associated with mental health care; rather, it risks eliminating safeguards that protect Ontarians, while significantly eroding our professional reputation as experts in the field of mental health assessment and treatment. Like physicians and nurse practitioners, psychologists and psychological associates hold the protected act of diagnosis and require training that reflects this responsibility.
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Since becoming aware of this proposal, we have been actively engaged in clarifying the facts, conducting outreach with key stakeholders, and developing materials to support the maintenance of the current appropriate registration standards. We are pleased to share that our advocacy efforts have facilitated meaningful connections and dialogue with stakeholders similarly devoted to upholding the overarching registration standards for psychology in Ontario. At the same time, we recognize that continued vigilance and advocacy will be necessary. We remain committed to promoting adherence to best practices in training, education, and supervision to ensure that psychologists in Ontario continue to be recognized for their high standards of competence and professionalism. As discussions around mobility and regulatory modernization continue, it is essential that any changes occur in partnership with key stakeholders, including the OPA. We look forward to continuing this important work.
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Please be assured that we will continue to update the membership.
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The Ontario Psychological Association and the Board of Directors
This proposal passed by the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) has sparked serious concern among Ontario psychologists. As outlined by the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA), the proposed changes could significantly lower the educational and training requirements for registration as a psychologist or psychological associate. These changes may include:
- Removing the doctoral degree requirement for psychologists;
- Eliminating the four-year supervision requirement for psychological associates;
- Altering accreditation standards for training programs.
These proposals appear to be a response to pressure from the Office of the Fairness Commissioner (OFC), which is advocating for increased access to the profession and improved interprovincial mobility. While access and fairness are essential goals, this approach is fundamentally flawed.
There Is No Shortage of Therapists
Let me be blunt: there is no shortage of therapists in Ontario. Since the creation of the College of Registered Psychotherapists in 2015, the mental health landscape has been flooded with competent, hardworking professionals, adding many psychotherapists to the existing field of social workers and nurse psychotherapists. These individuals provide the bulk of mental health services, and they are doing valuable, often life-changing work.
But here’s the reality: none of these professions are authorized to perform the controlled act of diagnosis. Nor do they receive the advanced, in-depth training required to manage complex clinical presentations, supervise other clinicians, or lead interdisciplinary treatment planning. That is the role of the psychologist.
If the goal is to allow easier movement across provinces or create faster pathways to practice, then aspiring professionals already have options. One can obtain a master’s degree and become a psychotherapist with far fewer barriers. The suggestion to dismantle the rigorous standards of psychology in the name of mobility is not only short-sighted—it’s dangerous.
Psychologists Are the Dentists of Mental Health
Think of it like this: in a dental office, you have dental assistants (technicians), dental hygienists (primary care providers), and dentists (diagnostic and treatment leaders). Dental hygienists provide most of the routine care, but it is the dentist who diagnoses, develops treatment plans, and supervises the entire process.
Psychologists play the same supervisory, diagnostic, and consultative role within the mental health system. Our training prepares us to assess the full clinical picture, understand differential diagnoses, supervise and support the work of others, and lead the system in evidence-based care.
To remove these responsibilities—or to water down the standards needed to attain them—is to risk collapsing this entire structure. We would no longer have a class of highly trained clinicians to lead the system forward. We would instead flatten the profession into a sea of generalists with minimal differentiation in training and expertise.
Prescription Rights: The Next Logical Step
Rather than weakening psychology’s entry requirements, we should be expanding our scope of practice to include prescription rights—a logical and evidence-based solution to our mental health crisis.
Research consistently shows that combined treatment using psychotherapy and medication is the most effective intervention for conditions such as depression and anxiety (e.g., Cuijpers et al., 2020; Thase, 2013). Psychologists are already experts in evidence-based psychotherapy. With additional training, they can—and should—become prescribers.
This model is already in place in several U.S. jurisdictions, including New Mexico, Louisiana, and the Department of Defense, where prescribing psychologists have been shown to provide safe, effective, and accessible care (DeNelsky & Garb, 2006).
Currently, however, medication for mental health conditions in Ontario is typically managed by:
- Family physicians, who may lack the time, training, or continuity of care to prescribe appropriately.
- Psychiatrists, who are in such short supply that waitlists can stretch for months or years. When accessed, these appointments often last just five to ten minutes.
In this climate, prescribing psychologists could dramatically improve access, continuity, and treatment quality—especially for patients with complex, treatment-resistant conditions. But this will never happen if we simultaneously reduce the educational requirements for entering the profession.
Granting prescribing rights demands high standards. It requires advanced diagnostic knowledge, pharmacological training, and strong clinical judgment. If we allow psychology to become a low-barrier profession, we are effectively disqualifying ourselves from the very future we should be moving toward.
What We Risk Losing
Lowering entry standards won’t make our system more equitable. It won’t address psychiatric shortages. It won’t improve patient care. Instead, it will:
- Undermine public trust in the title of “psychologist.”
- Confuse patients and referral sources.
- Reduce the profession’s ability to lead, supervise, and innovate.
- Widen the gap between our current scope and the future we should be fighting for.
Ontario needs more highly trained psychologists—not fewer. We need to invest in more doctoral-level training programs, create financial supports for students from underrepresented backgrounds, and expand the career opportunities of psychologists by evolving the scope of practice. That’s how we address workforce shortages without compromising care.
What I’m Doing—and What You Can Do
I’ve already written to my MPP to express my concerns. I urge all of my fellow psychologists, trainees, and clinic directors to do the same. Let your MPP know that these changes are a step in the wrong direction—and that Ontario deserves better.
In the meantime, I will continue to advocate for a system where psychologists are positioned as clinical leaders: experts in diagnosis, treatment, supervision, and—eventually—prescribing.
This is not the time to shrink our profession. This is the time to grow it into what Ontario’s mental health system truly needs.
References:
- Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Weitz, E., Andersson, G., Hollon, S. D., van Straten, A. (2020). The effects of psychotherapies for major depression in adults on remission, recovery and improvement: A meta-analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, 7(6), 491–505.
- Thase, M. E. (2013). Combining psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy for depression: Psychodynamics, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and the sequence of treatment. Biological Psychiatry, 73(1), 47–53.
- DeNelsky, G. Y., & Garb, H. N. (2006). Prescription privileges for psychologists: A dangerous precedent. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 37(2), 219–227.
If you would like a template to email your MPP or help getting involved, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Dr. Jenn Bossio is a Clinical and Health Psychologist, the founder and director of the Tri Health Clinic—Ontario’s largest sex and couples therapy practice—and a passionate advocate for system-level change in mental health care. Based in Kingston, she was named Business Person of the Year (2025) and recognized as one of the Top 40 Under 40 (2024). Jenn is committed to redefining the role of psychologists in a rapidly evolving health care landscape.
Read my recent posts here:
by jennbossio | Jun 27, 2025 | Jobs, Therapy, Training
For many psychologists and therapists, the dream is simple: set up a private practice, set your own hours, make good money, and help people.
Seems straightforward, right?
If you’ve worked in the field long enough, you know that private practice today is nothing like it used to be.
The mental health landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade. COVID flooded the field with therapists, universities started pumping out clinicians at unprecedented rates, and now, post-pandemic, the market is shifting again.
Solo private practice isn’t what it used to be, and in many ways, it’s harder than ever before. But that doesn’t mean group practice is the easy answer.
The Fantasy of Solo Private Practice
Many clinicians dream of going into private practice because they assume:
✔ They’ll have total freedom over their schedule
✔ They’ll make more money by cutting out the middleman
✔ They’ll have low overhead costs, since therapy only requires a room, a chair, and a computer
✔ If they’re good at therapy, clients will just find them
Sounds ideal. And maybe 5 years ago, during the pandemic, that was true. But today?
🚨 Here’s the reality of solo practice today:
💸 Overhead is more expensive than you think. Office lease, furniture, monthly software subscriptions, marketing, supervision—it all adds up. Most therapists spend way more than they expect just to keep their business running.
⏳ You will work more hours than you think. Therapy is only part of the job. There’s intake calls, scheduling, chasing payments, admin work, note-taking, networking, and running a business.
📉 Clients won’t magically find you. A good therapist is not the same thing as a good business owner. If you don’t know SEO, marketing, networking, and business strategy, you’ll struggle to stay full these days. Clients will not be able to find you and get the amazing help you can offer.
📑 It’s all on you. No built-in referrals, no IT department, no front desk staff, no one to handle crisis calls when you’re off. You’re running a full-fledged business alone.
For some people, solo practice is still worth it. But for most, the fantasy of “more money and fewer hours” quickly crumbles under the reality of business ownership.
Is Group Practice the Easy Way Out? Not Exactly.
Some people assume that running a group practice is the “easier” path. It is not.
Expanding from solo to group means:
❌ Taking on all the risk (leases, hiring, payroll, legal policies, supervision)
❌ Navigating group dynamics, leadership challenges, and organizational systems
❌ Ensuring quality control—if someone messes up, it’s your license on the line
❌ Keeping your team happy and engaged while balancing business needs
There’s a reason so many group practices fail (and they do fail). It’s not enough to hire good therapists—you have to create a business model that actually works long-term.
A good group practice owner is part clinician, part entrepreneur, part manager, and part strategist. If you don’t get all of those things right, your practice won’t survive.
So no, running a group practice is not easier. But joining one? Especially one with a demonstrated history?
That might be the smartest career move you make.
Why Joining a Group Practice Is Often the Best Choice
Here’s what most therapists don’t realize:
👥 Group practices take on the burden of running a business so you can just do therapy. No marketing, no admin work, no accounting. Just seeing clients and writing notes.
📈 You don’t have to worry about referrals drying up. A well-established group practice already has a referral pipeline. You don’t have to stress about constantly filling your caseload.
💰 The financial trade-off is usually worth it. While a solo practitioner could theoretically keep 100% of their income, they also have way more expenses and unpaid work. Many clinicians in group practice actually make more per clinical hour because they aren’t losing time to unpaid admin work.
🏡 You have a built-in community. Private practice can be shockingly lonely. When you’re in a group, you have people to consult with, learn from, and rely on when things get tough.
🔄 You have room to grow. Want to specialize in a new area? Get supervision? Reduce your caseload and still have financial stability? Good group practices offer growth opportunities that solo practice just can’t provide.
So… What’s the Best Move?
🔹 If you love business, want full control, and are prepared for the reality of running a company—solo practice might work for you.
🔹 If you just want to be a therapist, have a full caseload without worrying about business logistics, and want long-term security and professional growth—joining a strong group practice is likely the better choice.
But don’t just join any group practice.
Find one that is stable, well-run, and values clinician well-being. Look for:
✅ Clear policies and procedures (not just “we’ll figure it out as we go”)
✅ A strong referral pipeline
✅ Fair and transparent compensation
✅ High-quality supervision and professional development
✅ A positive, supportive workplace culture
The Future of Private Practice Is Changing
The days of just “hanging a shingle” and instantly filling your caseload are gone. The market is saturated. Clients have more options. And solo therapists are struggling.
The future of mental health belongs to well-run, high-quality group practices.
If you’re thinking about your next career move, take a hard look at what you want:
✔ Do you want to do therapy?
✔ Do you want stability?
✔ Do you want a full caseload without chasing referrals?
✔ Do you want work-life balance and a professional community?
If the answer is yes, a great group practice might be exactly what you need.
by jennbossio | Mar 24, 2025 | Consultation, Training
If you’re a clinical psychology graduate—or about to become one—brace yourself. Your graduate program prepared you to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues. It taught you about research design and ethics. It drilled you on the importance of evidence-based practice. But you know what it didn’t prepare you for? Running a business. And if you’re like the overwhelming majority of clinical psychology graduates, chances are, you’re headed straight into private practice, a space where business savvy isn’t just helpful—it’s absolutely essential.
The Shift: From Academia and Hospitals to Private Practice
Clinical psychology programs have a massive blind spot when it comes to career preparation. Here’s the reality: psychology PhDs are still structured like they were decades ago, where the assumption was that most graduates would either land cushy academic jobs or work in hospital systems. But if you’ve been paying attention, you know this isn’t happening anymore.
For example, at Queen’s University–where I completed my own training–there’s an annual internal survey that tracks what clinical psychology grads do after finishing their training. Over the past two decades, there’s been a sharp decline in graduates going into academia. Why? Academic jobs are extraordinarily competitive, and tenure-track positions are rarer than a stress-free PhD dissertation defence (har har har).
Hospitals, once a primary employer for clinical psychologists, aren’t much better. Psychologists are expensive to hire, and many of these roles are now being filled by less-trained, lower-cost providers like psychotherapists or social workers. Nothing against these professions (some of the best professionals I’ve ever worked with are RPs or MSWs), but they simply do not offer the scope of practice that a C.Psych does (e.g., diagnosis, ability to research, supervision). As a profession, we’ve done a terrible job of advocating for our value, and it shows.
So where do most psychologists end up? Private practice.
The Problem: No One Teaches Us How to Run a Private Practice
Here’s the kicker: even though the majority of clinical psychology graduates now head into private practice, we receive zero training in how to run one. Let that sink in. After years (and years… and years) of specialized training in assessment, therapy, and research, we’re thrown into the world of business with no map, no compass, and no clue. Other professions don’t leave their grads this high and dry. Dentists, for example, often get basic business training. Even psychotherapists—whose training is significantly shorter and less intensive than ours—are taught how to market themselves. Yet clinical psychologists, with all of our advanced training, are left to figure it out on our own.
When I graduated, I naively thought that private practice would be a breeze. After all, we have low overhead compared to most businesses. All I had to do was find an office, slap my name on a door, and start doing the work I was trained to do, right? Wrong.
The Reality: What Grad School Didn’t Tell You About Private Practice
Let me tell you what private practice really looks like when you’re going solo. First, you’ll likely need to sign a long-term lease for office space, locking yourself into a fixed expense that looms over you every single month. Then, you’ll need to furnish that office—and unless you want to look like you’re running a therapy practice out of your mom’s basement, this will cost many thousands of dollars. Next comes the website. You’ll pour even more money into getting one built, and then you’ll spend hours (probably weeks) trying to write content for it—without understanding anything about SEO (search engine optimization), which is essential for ranking high enough on Google for potential clients to even find you.
But wait, there’s more. Suddenly, you’re not just a psychologist. You’re also an accountant, a marketer, and an administrative assistant. You’ll spend your “free” time between sessions fielding phone calls, scheduling appointments, chasing down payments, and reviewing your books to make sure your rent is covered. I vividly remember doing my own bookkeeping during my first year of solo practice and thinking, This is not what I signed up for.
Grad school doesn’t prepare you for any of this. And while some people might thrive in this chaos, let me tell you—many do not.
Why Private Practice Alone is Unsustainable for Most Psychologists
The solo private practice model might have worked during COVID, when demand for therapy was so high that even therapists who barely marketed themselves were fully booked. But now? The landscape has changed. The market is flooded with practitioners, particularly psychotherapists graduating from programs like Yorkville University, which churns out thousands of new grads annually. And while psychotherapists often have less training than psychologists, they’re taught how to market themselves—and they’re doing it well.
The truth is, solo practice is incredibly isolating and exhausting. For a profession that involves talking to people all day, it’s ironic how lonely private practice can feel. You’re on your own, handling every aspect of the business by yourself, with no one to share the load. Burnout happens fast. And the worst part? It doesn’t have to be this way.
The Solution: Group Practices as a Sustainable, Fulfilling Career Path
This is why I believe so strongly in the value of high-quality group practices. A well-run group practice takes care of everything that makes solo practice so overwhelming: the lease, the marketing, the admin work, the scheduling, even the billing. At The Tri Health Clinic, for example, we’ve built a system that allows our clinicians to focus on what they do best—seeing clients. You don’t have to spend your evenings trying to figure out how Google Ads work or agonizing over your accounting software. Instead, you can go home and actually have a life.
But the benefits of a group practice go beyond logistics. One of the things I love most about running The Tri Health Clinic is the sense of community we’ve created. Therapists shouldn’t have to go it alone. In a group practice, you have colleagues to consult with, learn from, and lean on. You have opportunities for in-house training and high-quality supervision. You’re part of a team. And that makes all the difference.
Why Psychologists Need to Advocate for Themselves
Here’s the hard truth: if psychologists don’t start advocating for their unique skills and training, we will fade into the background of the mental health landscape. Psychotherapists with flashy websites and strong marketing skills are outpacing us—not because they’re better therapists (although some certainly are!), but because they know how to sell themselves. Meanwhile, psychologists, who have far more extensive training, are often invisible to the public.
And let’s not forget our responsibility to the profession itself. It’s not just about self-preservation; it’s about ethics. When psychologists supervise psychotherapists, for example, they elevate the quality of care for the clients those psychotherapists see. It’s a ripple effect. By stepping into leadership roles, we can guide the next generation of mental health providers and ensure that clients receive the best care possible. It’s a model that mirrors the relationship between dentists and hygienists, where both play essential but distinct roles within the same system.
Clinical Psychology Schools Need to Do Better
To clinical psychology graduate programs: It’s time to get with the times. The mental health landscape has shifted, and clinical psychology programs are failing their students—and in turn, failing the profession. The fact is, most clinical psychology graduates now end up in private practice, yet schools continue to provide zero training on how to run a business or navigate the realities of today’s market. From where I stand, if this continues, it looks like our profession is heading the way of the dinosaurs.
Psychologists have so much to offer the world, but if schools don’t adapt to support their graduates, we’re only going to see more burnout, more isolation, and more missed opportunities. The solution starts with equipping psychology students with the skills they need to succeed in private practice—not just clinical skills, but business acumen, marketing know-how, and practical tools to navigate the modern mental health field.
And if you’re an early-career psychologist feeling overwhelmed by the business side of things, know that you’re not alone. If grad schools won’t help you, find someone who will. I’ve been there, and I’ve figured it out. Let me help you build a practice that’s not just sustainable, but fulfilling. Because psychology is an incredible profession, and it’s worth fighting for.
by jennbossio | Jan 14, 2025 | Sexual Health, Training
Sexual health is one of the most intimate, complex, and essential facets of human well-being. And yet, it’s often overlooked or mishandled in therapy due to a lack of high-quality, specialized training. If you’re a mental health professional considering sex therapy as a specialty, or if you’ve noticed clients presenting with sexual health concerns that you’re unsure how to address, it’s time to consider what becoming a sex therapist really entails. Spoiler alert: it’s more than just adding “sex therapy” to a long list of general skills.
Sex therapy is not just a buzzword—it’s a highly specialized area of practice requiring rigorous training, deep introspection, and a commitment to ongoing education. This blog is a guide for therapists seeking to develop or refine their skills in sex therapy. We’ll talk about the importance of quality training, how untrained sex therapy can go wrong, and why it’s critical to approach this work as a specialist, not a dabbler. If you’re serious about becoming a sex therapist, or you’re ready to take your expertise to the next level, let’s dive in.
What Is Sex Therapy, and What Does a Sex Therapist Do?
Let’s start with the basics. What is sex therapy? Sex therapy focuses on addressing psychological, relational, and emotional aspects of sexual health and functioning. While medical issues related to sexual health (e.g., erectile dysfunction or hormonal imbalances) may require a physician’s input, sex therapists work with clients to navigate challenges like:
- Low sexual desire
- Mismatched libidos in relationships
- Difficulty with arousal or orgasm
- Pain during sex (e.g., vaginismus or dyspareunia)
- Navigating non-traditional relationships (e.g., polyamory or open relationships)
- Recovering from sexual trauma
- Sexual identity and orientation concerns
- Compulsive sexual behaviours
A sex therapist’s role is multifaceted: we educate, guide, and support clients through some of the most vulnerable conversations they’ll ever have. But here’s the thing: you can’t just decide to call yourself a sex therapist. Or, well, you can—sex therapist isn’t a protected term in Ontario—but if you do it without the proper training, you risk doing more harm than good.
How Untrained Sex Therapy Can Go Wrong
Sexual concerns are deeply tied to our identities, relationships, and overall well-being. Mishandling these topics as a therapist can have serious consequences. Here are a few examples of how things can go wrong without proper training:
1.Implicit Biases Take Over
We all have implicit biases—shaped by our upbringing, culture, and personal experiences. Without careful training, therapists risk projecting their own beliefs or judgments onto clients. For example, you might unintentionally pathologize consensual kinks or non-monogamous relationships simply because they’re outside your comfort zone.
2.Over-Simplification of Issues
Sexual concerns are rarely straightforward. They’re often intertwined with mental health, physical health, trauma, and relational dynamics. Therapists without specialized training might reduce complex issues to surface-level advice that doesn’t address the root causes.
3.Focus on the Wrong Things
Imagine a client with sexual pain issues, and the therapist assumes it’s all “in their head,” neglecting to suggest a referral to a pelvic floor physiotherapist. Or a client struggling with erectile dysfunction is told to “just relax,” without exploring the interplay of anxiety, relationship stress, and physiological factors.
4.Harming the Client-Therapist Relationship
Sexual health is an area where trust is paramount. A misstep, like shaming a client or dismissing their concerns, can make them feel invalidated and cause lasting harm.
If you’re not trained in sex therapy, don’t try to “wing it.” It’s not fair to your clients—and frankly, it’s not fair to you as a professional, either.
The Importance of High-Quality Training in Sex Therapy
So, how do you avoid these pitfalls? The answer lies in high-quality training. Here’s what that should look like:
1.Foundational Knowledge
A solid foundation in human sexuality is non-negotiable. This includes understanding sexual anatomy, physiology, the sexual response cycle (like Rosemary Basson’s work on responsive desire), and the wide range of sexual and relational dynamics clients may present with.
2.Bias Awareness and Personal Work
Training in sex therapy isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s also about doing your own work. What are your implicit biases? What are your personal hang-ups about sex? High-quality training includes space for reflection so that you can show up for your clients without judgment.
3.Evidence-Based Approaches
As sex therapists, we use tools like Sensate Focus, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Interventions. Quality training ensures you’re equipped with evidence-based techniques rather than relying on myths or pop psychology.
4.Supervision and Mentorship
Learning doesn’t stop when the course ends. Supervision with a skilled sex therapist is critical for refining your skills, navigating complex cases, and ensuring that you’re providing ethical, effective care.
How to Become a Sex Therapist: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re serious about becoming a sex therapist, here’s how to get started:
1. Start with a Strong Foundation
Before specializing in sex therapy, you need to be a competent generalist. Complete your training as a therapist (e.g., clinical psychology, social work, psychotherapy) and build experience addressing mental health and relational issues. Sexual concerns rarely exist in isolation, so you need to understand the broader context of your clients’ lives.
2. Pursue Specialized Training
Look for programs like the University of Guelph’s Sexuality Studies courses or organizations like AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists) or BESTCO (Board of Examiners in Sex Therapy and Counselling in Ontario). These programs provide comprehensive training in human sexuality and sex therapy interventions.
3. Seek Supervision
This is where I come in. At The Tri Health Clinic, we offer supervision and in-house training for therapists looking to hone their skills. Our model emphasizes high-quality care, integrating evidence-based practices, and ensuring that therapists are well-equipped to handle complex sexual health concerns.
4. Learn to Be a Generalist Specialist
What does this mean? It means understanding that sexual concerns are tied to every facet of mental and physical health. Depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, relationship stress—all of these can manifest as sexual dysfunction. To be an effective sex therapist, you need to address the whole person, not just their sexual symptoms.
Why Sex Therapy Is a Specialty, Not a Side Hustle
You’ve probably seen therapists list “sex therapy” among a laundry list of specialties. And while it’s possible to have multiple areas of expertise, true sex therapy requires deep, specialized training. It’s not something you can tack on to your practice after a weekend workshop.
At The Tri Health Clinic, we believe in doing things differently. Our therapists are specialists—not dabblers. We invest in ongoing education, evidence-based practices, and supervision to ensure that our clients receive the highest quality care. If you’re a therapist who wants to take your skills to the next level, we’d love to help you get there.
Why Join The Tri Health Clinic?
If you’re serious about becoming a sex therapist, or if you’re already a highly skilled therapist looking to deepen your expertise, The Tri Health Clinic is the place to be. We offer:
- In-House Training: Learn from some of the most skilled clinicians in the field.
- Supervision with Experts: Refine your skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals.
- A Supportive Community: Join a team of like-minded therapists committed to excellence.
Let’s Elevate the Field of Sex Therapy Together
Sex therapy is a growing, essential specialty—but only when done right. If you’re ready to invest in your career, serve your clients at the highest level, and set yourself apart in a saturated market, let’s connect. Whether through one-on-one training, supervision, or joining our team, we’ll help you become the therapist your clients deserve.
by jennbossio | Dec 11, 2024 | Consultation, Medicine, Sexual Health, Training
Sexual health is an integral part of overall well-being, yet it remains a subject often shrouded in silence within healthcare settings. This blog aims to shed light on the importance of breaking down these barriers and creating spaces for open, honest discussions about sexual health. By doing so, we empower both healthcare providers and patients to address concerns, seek appropriate care, and ultimately lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
The Impact of Taboos on Sexual Health:
Taboos surrounding sexual health can have far-reaching consequences. Patients may hesitate to share important information with their healthcare providers, leading to misdiagnoses or inadequate treatment plans. Providers, on the other hand, may feel unprepared or uncomfortable addressing sexual health concerns, potentially overlooking crucial aspects of a patient’s well-being.
My Goal is to Tear Down Sexual Myths:
In the realm of sexual health, breaking down taboos is my forte. With a career dedicated to this cause, I’ve pioneered research and clinical interventions that illuminate the path towards a healthier, more fulfilling sexual life. A cornerstone of my work revolves around post-prostate cancer treatment, an area where I’ve crafted inventive cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based treatment manuals. Through these innovative approaches, we’ve shattered preconceived notions, proving that post-treatment, not only can intimacy endure, but it can thrive. This is at the core of my practice – liberating individuals and couples from restrictive notions of how sex “should” be. By embracing a more holistic, experience-driven approach, we unlock a world of pleasure and connection. It’s not about performance, it’s about relishing the moment.
The Role of Healthcare Providers:
Healthcare providers play a pivotal role in fostering open dialogues about sexual health. By actively seeking training and resources, providers can equip themselves with the knowledge and confidence needed to broach these sensitive subjects. Creating a safe, non-judgmental environment allows patients to express their concerns and questions without fear, leading to more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans.
In today’s diverse and ever-evolving society, it is crucial for healthcare providers to address sexual health in a comprehensive and compassionate manner. Many individuals face unique challenges and experiences related to their sexual health, and it is the responsibility of medical professionals to ensure that they receive appropriate care and support.
When healthcare providers take the initiative to further their understanding of sexual health, they are better equipped to recognize and address a wide range of issues. Training programs and resources can provide valuable insights into various sexual health conditions, behaviors, and practices, helping providers to better comprehend and validate their patients’ concerns. With this knowledge, providers can offer relevant advice, treatment options, and preventative measures tailored to each individual’s needs.
Moreover, by creating a safe and non-judgmental environment, healthcare professionals can help patients overcome any hesitations or reservations they may have about discussing sensitive topics. Patients need to feel comfortable when discussing their sexual health concerns, as this is crucial to accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans. When patients feel safe, they are more likely to openly communicate their symptoms and experiences, enabling healthcare providers to make informed decisions and provide appropriate care.
By fostering open dialogues about sexual health, healthcare providers contribute to a more inclusive healthcare system. Patients from all backgrounds, orientations, and gender identities deserve equal access to healthcare services and support. Addressing sexual health issues with sensitivity and empathy helps break down barriers and eliminates the stigma that can surround these topics. It allows patients to feel understood and valued, enhancing their overall experience and improving the quality of care they receive.
Tips for Healthcare Providers:
- Education and Training: Stay updated on the latest research and best practices in sexual health. Attend workshops, webinars, and conferences dedicated to this field.
- Initiate the Conversation: Incorporate questions about sexual health into routine assessments. Use inclusive language to signal that this topic is welcomed and valued.
- Active Listening: Pay close attention to patients’ concerns, and validate their experiences. This builds trust and encourages open communication.
- Provide Resources: Offer educational materials, reputable websites, or referrals to specialists who can provide further support and information.
- Normalize Discussions: Communicate that discussing sexual health is a standard part of comprehensive healthcare. This helps reduce stigma and encourages patients to be more forthcoming.
In Conclusion:
Breaking free from the taboos surrounding sexual health is a crucial step towards holistic healthcare. Over the course of my career, I have worked to exemplify the positive impact that can be achieved when open dialogues are fostered. I work closely with therapists, physicians, nurses, and other health care providers to feel better equipped to do just this: Talk with their patients about the importance of sex! And not just the bad parts of sex, like STIs and birth control, but the fun parts too. Intimacy, desire, arousal, and sexual function are all critical elements of living a good, healthy, fulfilling life. Who else will talk with our patients about it, if not us, as members of their healthcare teams?
By embracing this paradigm shift, healthcare providers can play a vital role in enhancing the well-being and overall quality of life for their patients. Together, we can create a healthcare landscape where sexual health is recognized, valued, and prioritized.
Contact me today if you would like to learn more.
by jennbossio | Nov 1, 2024 | Consultation, Sexual Health, Therapy, Training
As a clinical psychologist specializing in sex and couples therapy, I’ve seen firsthand how essential thorough assessments are in guiding treatment and achieving successful outcomes. When clients come to us, often grappling with sexual dysfunction or relationship difficulties, there is a natural inclination to focus solely on these immediate concerns. However, without a comprehensive assessment, we might miss underlying mental health issues that profoundly impact their intimate lives and relationships.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
One of the most important aspects of my work is to look beyond the presenting problems. Many times, clients may be struggling with conditions like depression or PTSD, which can significantly affect their sexual health and relationship satisfaction. It’s not uncommon for someone dealing with a mental illness to experience decreased libido, difficulties with arousal, or challenges in maintaining an emotional connection with their partner.
When clients are unaware of these underlying issues, they might feel frustrated that their efforts in couples therapy are not yielding the desired results. “I went to couples therapy for so long, but things haven’t gotten better! We must truly be doomed,” is a sentiment I’ve heard too often. This frustration can lead to a sense of hopelessness, which is why a thorough initial assessment is vital.
The Importance of Diagnosing Mental Health Conditions
Mental health stigma remains a significant barrier to effective treatment. In my practice, I’ve diagnosed individuals with depression or PTSD, and recommended pausing couples therapy to prioritize personal therapy. However, the reaction is often one of disbelief: “You think THIS is depression? This is nothing! ” This reluctance to acknowledge and address their mental health can prevent clients from making the progress they seek in their relationships and sexual lives.
Depression, for instance, is not just about feeling sad. It can manifest as irritability, lack of motivation, and disinterest in previously enjoyed activities, including sex. PTSD can lead to emotional numbness, avoidance behaviors, and hypervigilance, all of which can severely disrupt intimacy and connection with a partner. Addressing these conditions head-on is crucial before, or in tandem with, focusing on sexual and relational issues.
A Bio-Psycho-Social Approach
Assessment is the cornerstone of effective therapy. By identifying and addressing mental health issues early on, we can tailor our therapeutic approach to better meet the needs of our clients. This might mean integrating individual therapy with couples therapy or coordinating care with other healthcare providers to ensure that clients receive comprehensive support.
In practice, this approach has shown me that when clients begin to manage their mental health effectively, improvements in their sex lives and relationships often follow. They start to see the connection between their internal experiences and their external interactions, leading to more sustainable changes.
Personal Reflections
Reflecting on my journey as a psychologist who sees clients and who trains other therapists, I realize how vital it is to advocate for a deeper understanding of mental health within the realm of sex and couples therapy. Mental health stigma not only hinders individual well-being but also impedes the potential for fulfilling and healthy relationships. By fostering a compassionate, open, and non-judgmental space, we can encourage clients to acknowledge and address their mental health needs.
At the Tri Health Clinic, we believe that everyone deserves a fulfilling and healthy sex life and relationship. But achieving this often requires us to look beyond the surface and understand the deeper issues at play. Comprehensive assessments are not just a procedural step; they are a compassionate approach to ensure that our clients receive the most effective and holistic care possible.
A Call to Action
For mental health professionals and clients alike, recognizing the importance of mental health in sex and couples therapy can lead to more effective and satisfying outcomes. If you or someone you know is struggling with these issues, don’t hesitate to seek a thorough assessment and comprehensive treatment. Prioritizing mental health is the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling intimate life.
Let’s continue to break the stigma and foster an environment where mental health is addressed openly and compassionately, paving the way for better relationships and overall well-being.
