This training is designed for practitioners working with neurodivergent clients to enhance their sexual wellbeing. Learn how to affirm neurodiversity, respect unique communication styles, and address sensory processing differences during intimacy. Gain trauma-informed strategies and tailored support for executive functioning challenges, while exploring inclusive approaches to kink, interoception, and relationship dynamics.
Hi, I'm your trainer - Dr Sarah Ashton
Sarah (she/her) is the Director and Founder of the first psychology practice dedicated to sexual health treatment – SHIPS. Sarah is a registered psychologist (AHPRA), board approved supervisor (AHPRA), member of the Society of Australian Sexologists and has worked with clients in the sexual health field for over 15 years. She has developed and delivered training for the community, professionals and clinical psychology students. She is a published researcher in The Journal of Sex Research, Porn Studies, Feminism & Psychology, and has written articles for The Conversation and Red Magazine. Sarah has been a guest speaker on Joy FM and ABC radio. Sarah brings a warm, down-to-earth, compassionate approach to therapy and leading her practice. She loves what she does and wants to share this important area of knowledge with emerging and established practitioners.
Hi, I'm your trainer - Anna Clarke
Anna is a Psychologist, Play Therapist, and EMDRAA Accredited Consultant. They have a background working with children, adolescents and adults who have experienced sexual assault and family violence. They are passionate about supporting clients through trauma-informed and Neurodiversity-Affirming lenses. Anna is an EMDRAA Accredited Consultant and has undertaken advanced training in EMDR Therapy. Anna is an active member of the Australian EMDR Therapy community, contributing through collaborative research, facilitating a Neurodiversity-Affirming EMDR Peer Group, and providing support for therapists wishing to integrate Neurodiversity-Affirming practice into EMDR Therapy.
As Co-Director of Divergent Futures, they offer education, training and consulting in Neurodiversity-Affirming practice. Anna is an experienced public speaker, addressing topics such as violent behaviours, trauma-informed care, managing power imbalances in therapy, and strengths-based treatment for eating disorders. Outside of their professional pursuits, Anna enjoys hiking in the Tasmanian bush, reading, boxing, and art.
Example Curriculum
- Overview and key terms (1:11)
- Sexual response theories and sexual pleasure (1:22)
- Physical and psychological variability (2:04)
- The clitoris example (1:34)
- SES and SIS (0:48)
- Contextual factors and the role of the nervous system (1:04)
- Core beliefs about sex and gender (0:58)
- Sex and gender scripts (1:45)
- Attachment theory (1:11)
- The SHIPS Model (1:15)
- Section summary
- Quiz
Suitable for:
- Psychologists
- Social workers
- Counsellors
- Nurses
- Psychiatrists
- Sex therapists
- GPs
- Students undertaking education in all of the above
Level of experience required:
- Undertaking or completed qualifications in psychology or above disciplines
- No experience with sexual therapy necessary
What is included:
- Access to online training modules - unlimited time
- Access to a 1 hour Zoom group supervision led by Dr Sarah Ashton, following completion of the course
- Certificate of completion
Length:Â
- 1-2 hours, plus 1 hour group supervision
- CPD hours: 3
Duration of Access:Â
Unlimited. Once you sign up, you can take as long as you like to complete the course.
Learn at your own pace
Each lesson is pre-recorded to you can stop and start when ever it suit you.
Group supervision with peers
Course includes a 1-hour online group supervision following completion of the content. Connect with other students, explore case studies and dive deeper into the application of the content.
Reinforce skills
Each lesson contains a written summary and quiz to help support your learning
Other training:
Check out our blogs & resources
SHIPS blogs are authored by our psychologists and are written about topics we discuss with our clients in therapy.
They can be helpful resources for practitioners and clients.
Blogs
