How the ‘Sexual Attitude Reassessment’ Shapes Competent Sex Therapists
By: Dr. Denise Renye
Students engage in a classroom setting, participating in discussions and activities that foster self-awareness and understanding of diverse sexual attitudes and beliefs. The environment encourages open dialogue and reflection, essential for developing competence in sex therapy.
I began my journey to become a sex therapist 20 years ago at Widener University – a path that was both academically rigorous and deeply introspective. Among the most transformative experiences during my training was the Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR), a 30-hour immersive process that was a key component of my master's degree program in human sexuality.
SAR was not just another requirement; it was a profound exercise in self-awareness and professional development that has had a lasting impact on my ability to be a sensitive and competent Bay Area sex therapist today.
What is Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR)?
SAR is a structured experience designed to help individuals examine and reassess their sexual attitudes, values, and beliefs. It involves process oriented seminars/classes, exposure to diverse sexual practices and identities, and guided discussions. The goal of SAR is not to change a person’s values but to expand their awareness and understanding of human sexuality in all its diversity.
During my time at Widener, SAR was an integral part of the curriculum, providing an opportunity to confront personal biases, challenge societal norms, and explore the wide spectrum of sexual expression. The experience was both confronting and liberating as it pushed us students to recognize and dismantle any prejudices or discomforts we might have had around certain sexual topics or behaviors.
How SAR Contributes to Competence in Sex Therapy
SAR plays a crucial role in developing sensitivity and competence in sex therapy for the following reasons:
1. Self-Awareness: SAR encourages deep self-reflection and helps sex therapists become more aware of their own sexual attitudes and how these may influence their work with clients. This self-awareness is critical in ensuring that personal biases do not interfere with providing nonjudgmental and affirming support to clients.
2. Cultural Competence: The SAR experience exposes therapists to a wide range of sexual orientations, identities, practices, and cultures. This exposure is vital in developing cultural competence and allows therapists to better understand and respect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of their clients.
3. Emotional Resilience: SAR can be emotionally challenging as it often involves confronting uncomfortable or taboo topics. However, this challenge is essential for building emotional resilience, which is necessary when dealing with the complex and sometimes sensitive issues that arise in sex therapy.
4. Enhanced Empathy: By experiencing a wide range of sexual expressions and identities in a safe and supportive environment, therapists develop greater empathy for their clients. This empathy allows for more effective therapeutic relationships where clients feel understood and validated. As I’ve mentioned before, therapy is more than navel-gazing – it’s the therapeutic relationship itself that provides healing.
SAR's Lasting Impact
Looking back, the SAR experience at Widener University was a cornerstone of my development as a Bay Area sex therapist. The 30 hours of SAR training were not just about expanding my knowledge of human sexuality but about transforming the way I approach my work. It taught me the importance of holding space for all expressions of sexuality without judgment, and it ingrained in me the value of continuous self-reflection and growth.
As a Bay Area sex therapist, today I draw on the lessons learned during SAR to create a therapeutic environment where clients feel safe to explore their sexual identities and challenges. The sensitivity, empathy, and cultural competence I gained through SAR continue to inform my practice, allowing me to provide the best possible care to those I serve.
In an ever-evolving field, the foundations laid by SAR remain crucial. It’s an experience that, even two decades later, continues to shape my approach to sex therapy, ensuring that I remain a sensitive and competent guide for my clients on their journeys to sexual well-being.
If you’d like to work together for sex therapy, depth psychotherapy, or holistic coaching, reach out to me.