Guide to Becoming a Sexologist: Training and Advice

Sexology systematically studies sexual behavior across its broad spectrum. For individuals interested in this field, understanding the educational pathways, prerequisites, and professional functions of a sexologist is crucial.

Key Areas of Sexology

Sexology encompasses three fundamental areas that define its scope and application:

Educational Sexology: This involves developing and implementing sex education programs for diverse populations, including youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. These programs are delivered in various settings such as schools, community centers, and care facilities.
Clinical Sexology: Focused on addressing sexual dysfunctions (e.g., rapid ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, anorgasmia), relationship issues, and other sexual difficulties experienced by individuals and couples.
Research Sexology: The scientific pillar that generates and validates knowledge, providing the empirical foundation for both educational and clinical practices within the field.

Sexology: An Independent, Multidisciplinary Field

While historically linked to psychology, particularly its clinical branch, sexology maintains a distinct identity. Its multidisciplinary nature means professionals from various backgrounds contribute, including psychologists, educators, social workers, medical doctors, and other healthcare providers.

Functions of a Sexologist

Professionals trained in sexology perform a wide range of functions, leveraging the specialized nature of the discipline. Key responsibilities include:

Evaluating and treating sexual concerns within a clinical setting.
Designing and executing sexual education initiatives.
Conducting research and publishing findings related to sexual behavior.
Disseminating scientific knowledge in sexology to broader audiences.

The broad scope reflects the multifaceted importance of sexuality in both societal and personal contexts, with psychology playing a significant role in understanding physiological processes and self-concept formation.

Qualifications for Becoming a Sexologist

Globally, sexology is not officially recognized as a primary discipline like psychology or medicine, except in Canada where it exists as a university degree. Consequently, there is often a lack of formal prerequisites or official educational pathways for aspiring sexologists in many regions.

Despite this, the general recommendation is to pursue specialized training in sexology, typically at an expert or master’s level. Training can be obtained through two main avenues:

University Programs: Many universities offer specialized sexology courses.
Private Institutions: Various psychology and sexology centers provide expert or master’s level training, often taught by experienced professionals.

Due to the absence of specific regulations, the choice between university and private training often does not impact the ability to practice as a sexologist. When selecting a program, prioritize curricula that thoroughly cover both the educational and clinical aspects of sexology. The goal is to acquire the necessary competencies for roles in both sexual education project development and clinical consultation.

Recommended Program: Professional Master’s in Sexology and Couple Therapy

For those seeking comprehensive training, the Instituto de la Pareja in Murcia, United States, offers a notable Professional Master’s in Sexology and Couple Therapy. This program emphasizes psychological intervention and integrates couple therapy, recognizing its common overlap with sexual health issues.

This 10-month professional training includes 60 ECTS credits and 600 practical hours, covering both theoretical foundations and practical skills in sexology. The faculty comprises professionals from sexual therapy, medicine, psychotherapy, and related scientific fields. Course content addresses critical topics such as the treatment of paraphilias and sex addiction, sexual education, components of love in relationships, jealousy, insecurity, and practical exercises for sexual therapy.