6 CEs (APA, NBCC, AASECT, CA BRN)

Sexuality and OCD

Part 1: Sexual Functioning, Sexual Themes, and OCD in Adults 

 Part 2: Diagnostic Features and Treatment Implications for Adults with S-OCD 


Course Description
Sexuality-themed obsessions are common in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) yet are often misunderstood and under-discussed in clinical training. Clients may experience intrusive sexual thoughts, urges, or body sensations that generate significant shame, doubt, and avoidance, impacting both identity and sexual functioning.

This two-part, six-hour course introduces clinicians to the foundations of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and its application to sexual-themed OCD. Participants will explore assessment and treatment considerations for harm-related intrusive thoughts, body-focused obsessions, and sexual response monitoring, as well as unique considerations in perinatal and postpartum OCD. Through clinical examples, participants will learn how to conceptualize these presentations and develop effective ERP hierarchies while maintaining a sex-positive and culturally responsive approach.

Course Objectives
  1. Describe the theoretical foundations and core principles of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
  2. Identify common presentations of sexuality-themed obsessions and compulsions in OCD, including intrusive thoughts, urges, and body-focused sensations.
  3. Differentiate sexual-themed OCD symptoms from sexual interests, sexual orientation concerns, or sexual functioning difficulties.
  4. Explain clinical considerations for conducting safety and risk assessments when clients present with harm-related intrusive thoughts.
  5. Recognize unique assessment and treatment considerations associated with perinatal and postpartum OCD presentations.
  6. Develop exposure hierarchies appropriate for clients experiencing sexually themed or body-focused obsessions within an ERP framework.
  7. Apply strategies for addressing the impact of OCD symptoms on sexual functioning, body awareness, and relational intimacy during treatment.
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Intended Audience:
This course is designed for providers who have completed graduate education in mental health assessment, diagnosis and treatment. It is appropriate for mental health professionals (i.e., Psychologists, LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCs/LMHCs) and medical professionals (i.e., MDs, NPs, PTs, OTs).
CE Hours Summary:
Credit for this course fulfills 6 CEs. 

The Buehler Institute is approved CE provider by the APA, NBCC, AASECT, and CA Board of Nursing.

AASECT Certification Hours:
These 6 hours of CE may be applied towards any of the following areas:
  • Sex Therapy or Sexuality Counseling Area: B


Download the syllabus below to view full CE information.
Topics to be explored...

ERP theory and treatment, including exposure hierarchies
Body-focused obsessions and sexual response
Harm-based themes and safety assessment
Perinatal and postpartum OCD

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I'm having trouble navigating the course or accessing my certificate?

Navigating a new portal can be tough. To make the process as simple as possible, I asked our Program Administrator (and resident millennial), Anneka Buehler, to record a video for you. The video includes information about navigating our website, completing your course evaluation, and downloading your course certificate.

What is your refund policy?

All requests for a refund must be made in writing via email to info@learnsextherapy.com. If the certificate of completion has been claimed, we are unable to provide a refund.

Where's my certificate?

 Learners who watch the recording will need to click "next" once they are done viewing the content so that they can complete a course evaluation and a short quiz to affirm that they understood the content before they can access the certificate of completion.  Once they have passed the quiz, they will be able to download a PDF of their certificate.



Most other common questions are answered on our main FAQ page.

Psychologists

TBI is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. TBI maintains responsibility for this program and its contents.

Counselors

The Buehler Institute has been approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider. The Buehler Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

AASECT Members

TBI is approved by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists to provide continuing education units toward certification as a Sex Therapist or Counselor, Provider #12-13-Q.

Nurses

TBI is an approved provider of continuing education by the Board of Registered Nursing, provider number CEP 16394.

**We love our social worker colleagues! While we are not an approved NASW or ASWB CE provider, many state licensing will accept CEs from APA approved providers. Please check with your state licensing board for the most accurate information.

Course Lessons

Meet the instructor

Jordan Soper, PsyD, ABPP, CST

Jordan Soper, PsyD, ABPP, CST, is a licensed psychologist, board-certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. Her clinical work focuses on the intersection of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma, and sexual health. Dr. Soper specializes in helping individuals navigate intrusive thoughts, sexual concerns, and relationship difficulties using evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP). She has trained and worked in community mental health, private practice, and the Veterans Affairs healthcare system, and provides consultation and professional training on OCD, anxiety, and sexual well-being.
Patrick Jones - Course author