1 Hour / 1 CE

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Introduction to Sexuality in the Helping Professions is presented by Megan Speciale, PhD.

This introductory program explores key sexuality concepts and their relevance across helping professions like counseling, social work, and healthcare. Participants gain foundational knowledge to sensitively address sexuality-related client needs, navigate ethical and cultural considerations, and advance their professional development in this crucial domain.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • 1 Describe key concepts related to human sexuality and explain their relevance in various helping professions (e.g., counseling, social work, education, healthcare)
  • 2 Describe common issues and concerns related to sexuality that clients/patients may face, and discuss strategies for addressing these issues with sensitivity and professionalism
  • 3 Describe ethical and cultural considerations when addressing sexuality-related topics in helping relationships

  • Intended Audience

    This training is designed for early-career mental health professionals who are seeking to fulfill licensure or continuing education requirements related to human sexuality. It is tailored for practitioners working in a variety of clinical settings and specialty areas, providing foundational knowledge and skills relevant to their practice environments.

  • Experience Level

    This training is applicable for early career professionals.

  • Practice Setting

    • Community mental health clinics

    • Private group practices

    • College or university counseling centers

    • Hospitals and medical centers

    • Residential treatment facilities

    • Correctional facilities

    • Agencies serving LGBTQ+ populations

Presented By

Megan Speciale, PhD, PhD

Dr. Megan Speciale is an Associate Professor in the Counseling Department at Palo Alto University, where she serves as course lead coordinator for Sexual Issues in Counseling and Counseling Womxn, a course examining intersectional issues in women's mental health. Her research and scholarship focuses on the areas of social justice/critical theory-based perspectives of counseling, pedagogy, and counselor education; sexuality counseling and education; issues related to diverse sexuality populations (e.g., sex work, kink/BDSM, ethical non-monogamy); issues related to women and LGBTQQIA+ populations; and qualitative research methodologies. Megan is also the Editor-in-Chief for The Thoughtful Counselor podcast which frequently explores themes of sexuality, relationships, and sexual health. Through her teaching, research, and service, she aims to increase counselor competence in addressing the sexual selves of clients.

View More Programs from this Presenter
Megan Speciale, PhD

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • Introduction to Human Sexuality
    - Key terminology and concepts
    - Biological, psychological, and social factors

  • Sexuality in Helping Professions
    - Common client concerns and issues
    - Case study/examples from different professions
    - Strategies for sensitive and professional approaches

  • Ethics and Culture
    - Ethical and cultural guidelines and considerations

CE Sponsorship Information

Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by, recognized by, or maintains sponsorship provider status with the following boards and agencies. We maintain responsibility for all content in our CE/CPD programs. For more information, visit here. 

  1. American Psychological Association (APA): Approved sponsor of continuing education for psychologists.

  2. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): Approved continuing education provider (ACE program, Provider #1480), 11/22/2023–11/22/2026.

  3. Canadian Psychological Association (CPA): Approved to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

  4. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 7190).



Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0356 and the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0073. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6811. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CONCEPT Professional Training, #1480, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. CONCEPT Professional Training maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 11/22/23-11/22/26. Social workers completing this course receive (clinical or social work ethics) continuing education credits.