Using the Sexological Ecosystem to Understand and Assess Sexual Issues

The sexological ecosystem of each individual client or couple can be used to understand and assess the unique systemic interactions that contribute to sexual development and sexual health, as well as impediments to sexual pleasure and well-being. The sexological ecosystem consists of five subsystems, which range from those containing institutions most involved with the individual’s development, to the element of time, the most abstract system.

This presentation will cover the elements of and interactions within the nested framework of the sexological ecosystem including family of origin; school system; healthcare system; social justice; and the effect of the passage of time.  Next, participants will be given examples of questions that can be used for assessing the client’s sexological ecosystem and interactions between and among subsystems.  Finally, case studies will clarify how this approach can be used not only at the beginning of treatment but throughout the process of therapy to enlighten both therapist and client of variables that may be hinder or facilitate progress toward sexual well-being.

After attending this introductory-level program, participants will be able to:

1. Identify at least two reasons that the sexological ecosystem can be an effective collaborative tool for assessment and treatment of sexual issues.
2. Identify at least three types of systemic interaction between and among subsystems of the sexological ecosystem that may provide insight into the assessment and treatment of sexual issues.
3. Describe at least two situations in which the provider might use the sexological ecosystem during treatment of sexual issues.

This program meets APA’s continuing education Standard 1.3: Program content focuses on topics related to psychological practice, education, or research other than application of psychological assessment and/or intervention methods that are supported by contemporary scholarship grounded in established research procedures.

This program meets APA’s continuing education Goal 3: Program will allow psychologists to maintain, develop, and increase competencies in order to improve services to the public and enhance contributions to the profession.

General Admission: $50.00

The Chicago School Staff/Faculty/Students/Alumni: $25.00

Community Partners/Site Supervisors: $25.00

Non-TCSPP Students: $25.00

ACSSW Members: Free

(Please email [email protected] for coupon code)

Refund Policy: 100% of tuition is refundable up to 48 hours before the program. Within 48 hours of the program, and at any point in Homestudy format, tuition is nonrefundable.

Stephanie Buehler, MPW, PsyD, CST-S, IF

Stephanie Buehler, MPW, PsyD, CST-S, IF is a licensed psychologist, AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist and Supervisor, and Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health.  Dr. Buehler specializes in women’s sexual health; sexuality, chronic illness, and cancer; sexual pain disorders; and sexuality and mental health.  She has worked with patients in many medical settings including oncology in a pediatric hospital; an integrated wellness center; a pelvic floor PT clinic; and a clinic for women at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer.    Dr. Buehler is the author of several books, including a bestselling textbook, What Every Mental Health Professional Needs to Know about Sex and Counseling Couples Before, During, and After Pregnancy: Sexuality and Intimacy Issues.  Dr. Buehler also created The Buehler Institute and LearnSexTherapy.com to provide continuing education in sex therapy for psychotherapists and sexuality counseling for healthcare providers.  Dr. Buehler has spoken to lay and professional audiences all over the US and around the globe and is frequently quoted in the media, most recently in The Atlantic, Men’s Health, Business Insider, and healthcentral.com.

Buehler, S.  (2021).  What every mental health professional needs to know about sex, Third ed.  New York, NY: Springer Publishing.

Major, B., Dovidio, J. F., Link, B. G., & Calabrese, S. K. (2018). Stigma and its implications for health: Introduction and overview. In B. Major, J.F. Dovidio, & B.G. Link (Eds.) The Oxford handbook of stigma, discrimination, and health, 3-28.  New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Vélez-Agosto, N. M., Soto-Crespo, J. G., Vizcarrondo-Oppenheimer, M., Vega-Molina, S., & García Coll, C. (2017). Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory revision: Moving culture from the macro into the micro. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 12(5), 900-910.  https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1745691617704397

Target Audience: All mental health disciplines and educators within mental health training programs; graduate students welcome.

Psychologists. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.0 continuing education credits. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in its continuing education activities. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is also committed to conducting all activities in conformity with the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles for Psychologists. Participants are asked to be aware of the need for privacy and confidentiality throughout the program. If program content becomes stressful, participants are encouraged to process these feelings during discussion periods. 

Counselors/Clinical Counselors. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.0 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for counselors and clinical counselors. License Number: 197.000159

Social Workers. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.0 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for social workers. License Number: 159.001036

MFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs. Course meets the qualifications for 2.0 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. If you are licensed outside of California please check with your local licensing agency to to determine if they will accept these CEUs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to offer continuing education programming for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is an accredited or approved postsecondary institution that meets the requirements set forth in Sections 4980.54(f)(1), 4989.34, 4996.22(d)(1), or 4999.76(d) of the Code.

Non-Psychologists. Most licensing boards accept Continuing Education Credits sponsored by the American Psychological Association but non-psychologists are recommended to consult with their specific state-licensing board to ensure that APA-sponsored CE is acceptable.

*Participants must attend 100% of the program in order to obtain a Certificate of Attendance.

If participants have special needs, we will attempt to accommodate them. Please address questions, concerns and any complaints to [email protected]. There is no commercial support for this program nor are there any relationships between the CE Sponsor, presenting organization, presenter, program content, research, grants, or other funding that could reasonably be construed as conflicts of interest.