**** September eNewsletter ****

We hope your fall is off to a great start! 🍁

This month, we’re excited to share upcoming conferences, workshops, job postings, and other announcements, please see the details below.

If you have a workshop, publication, job posting, call for participants, or other announcements you'd like to share with the SSTAR community, we’d love to hear from you!

New submission email:

Please send your content to communications@sstarnet.org  with the subject line "SSTAR Monthly Announcements" no later than five days before the end of the month (e.g., by September 25 for inclusion in the October newsletter). Be sure to include any relevant deadlines.

Thank you for helping us keep the SSTAR community informed, engaged, and connected!

Have a great day,

Beáta Bőthe, Ph.D.

Communications Chair

This year’s global theme, “Sexual Justice: What Can We Do?”, invites us all to reflect, take action, and join together in advancing sexual health and rights worldwide.

Across the globe, events and conversations will highlight how each of us - professionals, educators, advocates, and community members - can contribute to a more just and inclusive world.

 What’s Ahead: A Week of Milestones

On 4 September, you are invited to join three important live events marking WSHD 2025:

1️⃣ The Official WSHD Webinar - “Sexual Justice: Why Now?”

2️⃣ The PAHO/WHO–WAS Launch of an Online Course for primary health care workers

3️⃣ The Porto Public Session & Launch of the World Observatory on Sexual Health

On 5 September, WAS will also convene the historic first World Sexual Health Assembly (WSHA) in Porto - a bold new leadership platform for sexual health, rights, and justice worldwide.

And beyond joining these events, you can also:

✅ Use the official WSHD toolkit to spread the word

✅ Share your WSHD activities on social media using #WSHD2025 and #SexualJustice – and tag WAS so we can amplify your posts 

✅ Share your WSHD events with us directly here

✅ Support the future of global sexual health by becoming a Founding Donor of the WSHA

Together, these moments mark a turning point for sexual health, rights, justice, and pleasure around the globe. Read below for full details on each event and how you can take part.

 Three Key Events on 4 September

1. Official WSHD 2025 Webinar –“Sexual Justice: Why Now?”

4 September 2025 | 12:00 CEST | Zoom

Find your local time here

The official global webinar of World Sexual Health Day 2025 brings together leading voices from across regions to unpack what sexual justice means for policy, practice, and lived experience – and what action is urgently needed now.

The session opens with remarks from René de Klerk (WAS Executive Director), Faysal El Kak (WAS President), and Lynn Barclay (Chair of the WSHD Committee). The webinar will then be led by Alain Giami (Co-Chair of the Sexual Justice Initiative).

Featured Speakers & Topics

• Alain Giami (France): Developing Sexual Justice
• Angelica Espinosa Miranda (Brazil): Inequalities in Sexual & Reproductive Health in Brazil
• Denise Medico (Switzerland/Canada): A Sexual Justice Perspective in Psychosexual Therapy
• Esther Corona-Vargas (Mexico): Can Education Address Youth’s Sexual Injustices?
• Md. Sharful Islam Khan (Bangladesh): Narratives of HIV Programs in South Asia in an Anti-Diversity Era

The session will be conducted in English, with live subtitles available in multiple languages via Zoom.

 Register for the Official WSHD Webinar Here

2. Launch of the PAHO/WHO–WAS Online Course (Latin America & Caribbean)

4 September 2025 | 14:15 CEST | Zoom

Find your local time here

A milestone for primary health care: PAHO/WHO and WAS will officially launch a new online course on sexual health designed for frontline providers across Latin America and the Caribbean – and accessible worldwide.

The 30-minute session will feature:

• Opening remarks by Esther Corona-Vargas (Vice-President, WAS) and Suzanne Serruya (Unit Chief, Women’s, Maternal, Neonatal, and Reproductive Health, PAHO)
• Course presentation by Veronica Fiol, PAHO Sexual and Reproductive Health Consultant
• Demonstration of the PAHO Virtual Campus, where the course will be hosted

The session will be conducted in English and Spanish, with simultaneous interpretation also available in Portuguese.

 Register for the PAHO/WHO–WAS Course Launch here

3. Launch of the World Observatory on Sexual Health (Porto)

4 September 2025 | 15:00 CEST | Zoom

Find your local time here

An historic step for global sexual health: The University of Porto and WAS will launch the World Observatory on Sexual Health, a new global hub for knowledge and collaboration. The public session will also feature high-level addresses, plenary conferences, and two roundtables on sexual justice and the state of sexual health in Portugal.

Highlights of the program include:

• Opening Session & Addresses by António Sousa Pereira (Rector, University of Porto), Pedro Nobre (WAS Past President and FPCEUP Director), Faysal El Kak (WAS President), Rita Sá Machado (General Director of Health), and Ana Paula Martins (Minister of Health)
• Plenary Conferences: Pascale Allotey (WHO) on The State of Sexual Health in the World; Mónica Ferro (UNFPA) on The State of Sexual Health in Europe
• Roundtable 1 – Sexual Justice: Moderated by Eszter Kismödi (WAS EC), with contributions from Bouchra Assarag, Elna Rudolph, Esther Corona-Vargas, and Julia Ehrt
• Roundtable 2 – The State of Sexual Health in Portugal: Presentation of the National Sexual Health Study (SHAPE) by Pedro Nobre, followed by discussion with leading experts
• Launch of the World Observatory on Sexual Health through the signing of the official Declaration

Registration for in-person attendance is now closed, but the session will be livestreamed in English and open to all.

 Watch the Porto Public Session via live stream here

5 September: The First World Sexual Health Assembly

Inaugural meeting in Porto, Portugal - uniting global leaders for sexual health, rights, and justice

On 5 September 2025, the celebrations of World Sexual Health Day give way to action. WAS will convene the first World Sexual Health Assembly (WSHA) in Porto - a historic milestone bringing together leaders from across regions and disciplines to influence policy, safeguard progress, and coordinate global action on sexual health, rights, and justice.

Carry the Momentum Forward: Become a Founding Donor

One of the most important ways you can mark this year’s WSHD is by supporting the inaugural meeting of the WSHA. By pledging as little as $100 (payable by end 2025), your name will be listed among the Founding Donors - visionary leaders standing with WAS to build the future of sexual health, rights, and justice.

 Pledge to Become a Founding Donor of the WSHA

Help Us Spread the Word

World Sexual Health Day is a truly global celebration - and the impact grows when each of us shares it further.

We encourage you to forward this newsletter to your colleagues, networks, and member organizations, and invite them to join the conversation.

Every share helps amplify the call for sexual health, rights, justice, and pleasure for ALL.

The World Association for Sexual Health

Click here to visit the WAS website

Support the Mission of WAS

We invite you to support the ongoing work of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS).

Your contributions help us continue our mission of promoting Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice globally. Consider becoming a supporting member or making a financial contribution today.

Donations are tax-deductible in the USA.

Donate Here

We are pleased to share the publication of a multi-authored, open-access manuscript in Sexual Medicine Reviews: “How has the biopsychosocial model fared in sexual medicine and sex therapy?” by Michael A. Perelman, PhD, Annamaria Giraldi, MD, PhD, Sharon Parish, M, Daniela Wittmann, PhD, LMSW, William Fisher, PhD, Sharon L. Bober, PhD, Alexander Pastuszak, MD, PhD, and James Pfaus, PhD.

The MAP Education and Research Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, funded the manuscript to be open access. PDF copies of the article may be downloaded for free under the MENU_PUBLICATIONS at mapedfund.org or from here: https://doi.org/10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf029

This publication is particularly meaningful to Dr. Perelman, as it provides a rationale for his $50,000 donation to SSTAR, which established an annual biomedical lecture at the annual meetings. The lecture aims to provide continuing education to members and strengthen understanding of the biopsychosocial model, building on the community’s existing psychosocial expertise.

We sincerely thank Dr. Perelman for his generous support, which makes this valuable educational initiative possible.

Join the Sexual Health Alliance for their 10th Anniversary celebration at the Annual Sexological Conference in Denver, Colorado. Featuring 40+ global experts, this four-day event offers cutting-edge education, networking with over 300 sexual health professionals, and a special anniversary masquerade party. AASECT and NBCC continuing education credits available.

Learn more and register: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/annual-sexological-conference-2025

Online training: Decoding Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder: Medical Insights and Therapeutic Strategies

We’re pleased to share a live online training opportunity: “Decoding Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder: Medical Insights and Therapeutic Strategies,” offered through the University at Buffalo School of Social Work. Both presenters, Dr. Pebble Kranz and Dan Rosen, are fellow SSTAR members. Dan is also co-editor of an upcoming book on innovative treatments for out-of-control sexual behavior.

This session will offer guidance on assessment including medical and mental health conditions that can present like CSBD. Learn more about current debates, medical and therapeutic strategies, and approaches to support clients from diverse backgrounds.

Event Details & Registration: https://ubswce.ce21.com/item/91925-decoding-compulsive-sexual-behavior-disorder-medical-insights-therapeutic-strategies-live-online-136061 

September 19th, 2025 — 11am to 1pm EST

AASECT CEs available

Title of Workshop: Integrating Sexual Interventions in to Couples Therapy

Date: Friday, September 19, 2025 | 9am – 6pm EST, Online Synchronous 

Presenter: Barry McCarthy, Ph.D.

Contact Name: Rachel Needle, Psy.D.

Telephone: 561-379-7207

Email: admin@modernsextherapy.com

Link: https://modernsextherapyinstitutes.com/product/integrating-sexual-interventions-into-couples-therapy-8-ce-hours-2024/

Title of Workshop: Beyond the Buzzwords: How sex therapists can move from completing “diversity training” to adopting a liberatory practice

Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 9am – 6pm EST, Online Synchronous 

Presenter: Shadeen Francis, LMFT

Contact Name: Rachel Needle, Psy.D.

Telephone: 561-379-7207

Email: admin@modernsextherapy.com

Link: https://modernsextherapyinstitutes.com/product/beyond-the-buzzwords-how-sex-therapists-can-move-from-completing-diversity-training-to-adopting-a-liberatory-practice/

Title of Workshop: Assessment and Treatment of Couples Using the Relational Self-Awareness Framework

Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025 | 9am – 1pm EST, Online Synchronous 

Presenter: Alexandra Solomon, Ph.D.

Contact Name: Rachel Needle, Psy.D.

Telephone: 561-379-7207

Email: admin@modernsextherapy.com

Link: https://modernsextherapyinstitutes.com/product/assessment-and-treatment-of-couples-using-the-relational-self-awareness-framework-4-ce-hours/

Introduction to IFS through the Lens of Sexuality (Patricia Rich, LCSW, CST-S)

This 20-hour, live online 4-day workshop starts September 25th and is ideally suited to professionals who are new to the practice of IFS, who want to firm up their IFS skills, and/or who wish to practice IFS in the context of parts and issues related to sexuality.

This is not just a bunch of recordings to watch on your own. 

It is a group experience led by myself (Patricia Rich, LCSW, CST-S), an expert in integrating IFS & Sexuality for the last 10 years, which will include varied learning experiences, practice groups and feedback. 

I believe that IFS is best learned in a social environment and that the group container both activates parts and opens a field of Self Energy unlike what is possible in isolation, or even in a therapeutic dyad or triad.

And as the topic of sexuality can activate so many parts, it will offer many opportunities as guide and explorer to use IFS techniques and protocols to navigate this terrain with skill and compassion.

You can read more about the workshop and register at https://www.patriciarich.com/introtoifsworkshop

I’m also pleased to now be an approved CE provider for AASECT, the American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. Many other professional organizations recognize AASECT credits, and additional approvals are in the works as well.

 Are you a clinician or therapist who works with individuals or couples distressed by low/no desire? Low/no sexual frequency? Couples distressed by sexual desire discrepancy? Are you interested in training to provide group therapy to enhance couples’ sexual intimacy? Our team offers training for clinicians working with sexual concerns based on our research on Optimal Sexual Experiences.

All group therapy sessions are to be conducted by two licensed mental health professionals, therefore, we require that you and your co-therapist be trained in unison. Training sessions will be limited to the first 6 pairs of therapists who register.

Dates: November 16-19, 2025, continuing January 11-14, 2026. Each set involves participation over 2 periods of Sunday-Wednesday afternoons. All conducted by online synchronous learning.

To begin the registration, and to ask any questions over email, please contact Ms. Jessica Valade at info@optimalsexualexperiences.com indicating your name, your co-therapist’s name and your contact information.

Please contact Peggy J. Kleinplatz, Ph.D., if you have any questions by phone at 613 563-0846 Monday- Friday, Noon-5:00 PM Eastern time.

This program meets the requirements for AASECT and CCPA and is approved for 30 credits.

Although our next training is planned for the above dates, if these dates don’t work for you, please reach out to our research coordinator (info@optimalsexualexperiences.com) to indicate your interest and receive future training announcements.

For more information and to see our recent publications please visit www.optimalsexualexperience.com

Sensate Focus Touch CERTIFICATION Program

Hello Colleagues,

The 2nd Cohort for the Sensate Focus Touch CERTIFICATION Program is now available! Whether you are a mental health or allied medical professional, Sensate Focus Touch is an evidenced-based adjunct to the work you do with clients/patients struggling with a lack of intimacy or sexual difficulties.

Sign up now and let’s begin the journey to become certified in this foundational technique!

Hoping to hear from you soon.

Always the best,

Linda Weiner, MSW, LCSW

Register Now!

Pay Now!

 I bring three decades of experience as a supervisor, and as a therapist working with people with a variety of sexual and intimacy-related issues, including survivors and offenders of sexual trauma, LGBQ+, transgender persons, MAPs, Polyamorists, and Kinksters. 

Please pass the word around to all the sex therapists and counselors in the making, students, AASECT certified professionals, and anyone who is interested in receiving consultation on a difficult sex-therapy-related or intimacy-related case in an engaging and stimulating manner. 

Since I am an AASECT Certified Supervisor, every attendee will earn 4 hours of AASECT approved supervision which can be used for AASECT certification or as CEs for re-certification (for those who are already AASECT certified).

I am also a certified supervisor by the International Association of Psychosexual Therapists (IAPST) and by the Integrative Sex Therapy Institute (ISTI).

 If you are interested in attending the on-line group supervision meeting, please let me know as soon as possible.

This is an open group, so first come, first "serve."

Wishing you a beautiful Fall,

Hani.

Contact Me

Hani Miletski, Ph.D., MSW, LLC | 301-806-9123

6917 Arlington Road, Suite 300, Bethesda, Maryland 20814 | www.DrMiletski.com

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Job (Clinical Psychology), Queen's University, Canada

Please help spread the word that the Queen’s Department of Psychology is inviting applications for a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor position in Clinical Psychology, with a preferred start date of July 1, 2026.

Link to Job Ad: 

https://www.queensu.ca/psychology/news/employment-opportunities



Share on Bluesky: 

https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:5ufvpu2oqhrojv32ipiam7g5/post/3lwhes4auqs27

This is an exciting opportunity to welcome a new colleague whose research, teaching, and clinical interests will enrich our vibrant academic and training environment. The area of specialization is open, and we encourage applicants to consider how their work complements existing departmental strengths, including cognitive, affective, and developmental neuroscience; interpersonal processes and mental health; sexuality and gender/sex; and health psychology. 

Queen’s is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from Black, racialized/visible minority and Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons. The university also offers robust support for faculty, including workplace accommodations and resources for relocation and integration. Learn more here: https://www.queensu.ca/faculty-positions/

Highlights of the Opportunity:

• Tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor
• Open specialization within Clinical Psychology
• Applicants must be license-eligible or licensed through the College of Psychologists of Ontario
• Commitment to research excellence, teaching, mentorship, and service
• Required Statement of Contribution to Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism, and Accessibility (I-EDIAA)

Application Deadline: September 30, 2025

Application Details & Full Posting: View the Job Ad to ensure alignment with submission protocol or contact Department Head Dr. Kate Harkness at psycjobs@queensu.ca

The department is proud of its collaborative spirit, interdisciplinary research, and commitment to inclusive excellence. This position represents an important opportunity to grow our community and deepen our impact.

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Vancouver

Are you looking for a funded postdoctoral fellowship focused on sexual and vulvar health? Do you want to live in beautiful Vancouver, Canada?

We’re hiring a postdoctoral research fellow at the BC Centre for Vulvar Health, a Canadian leader in multidisciplinary care, education, and research for women and gender diverse people with sexual and vulvar health concerns. This 1-year position includes a competitive salary ($60,000), health benefits, conference travel, and potential for renewal (pending external funding). Upon starting the position, the Fellow will have access to collected data from my lab (@thephaselab) for analysis and dissemination and they’ll launch new sexual and vulvar health research in our clinics. 

Please see attached for the full job description or visit https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/ubcfacultyjobs/job/UBC-Off-Campus-Hospital-Sites/Postdoctoral-Research-Fellow_JR21467

Review of applications started on July 31, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. Please apply as soon as possible to facilitate timely review of your application. The anticipated start date for this position is October 1, 2025 or on a mutually agreed upon date.

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please do not hesitate to contact me by email (katrina.bouchard@ubc.ca). Please share widely with those who may be interested in applying for this position.

Self-Led in Bed: An IFS & Sexuality Podcast (Patricia Rich, LCSW, CST-S)

Check out the first season of “Self-Led in Bed: An IFS & Sexuality Podcast” which includes conversations with experts in the IFS community and beyond. We explore many facets of sexuality through an IFS lens such as shame and guilt, OCD, sex after sexual trauma, and more. Episode 15, the season finale, is a solo episode where I explain more about what IFS is, and what it has to do with sex. It is on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and also recent episodes can be found on my webpage at https://www.patriciarich.com/podcast.  

Contact SSTAR

Email: Info@sstarnet.org

Phone: (847) 647-8832