Downloadable Guides
Free PDF guides to support your learning about Somatic Sex Education. Download for personal use or browse page by page in the viewer.
Somatic Sex Education Guide
A complete PDF guide covering the foundations of SSE: what it is, how it works, ethical principles, and what to expect in a session.
This page provides resources for finding certified practitioners, learning about training programs, connecting with professional organizations, and accessing educational materials about Somatic Sex Education.
Important Note: This website is an educational resource and is not affiliated with any specific organization or training program. Links are provided for informational purposes. We encourage you to research thoroughly when choosing practitioners or training programs.
Organizations & Resources
Professional organizations, advocacy groups, and related resources in the SSE and somatic sexuality field.
ACSB
Association of Certified Sexological Bodyworkers
Established in 2005, the ACSB serves as the international home for certified sexological bodyworkers, setting the ethical and professional standards practitioners must meet, maintaining a public practitioner directory, and providing a formal process for addressing concerns about practitioner conduct.
Website: sexologicalbodyworkers.org
Find a Practitioner: ACSB Practitioner Directory
Report an Ethics Concern: ACSB Grievance & Repair Process
Services:
- Practitioner directory
- Certification oversight
- Ethics code and enforcement
- Training school recognition
- Professional development
SSEA
Somatic Sex Educators Association
The SSEA brings together somatic sex educators across North America into a shared professional community, supporting members through ongoing training, peer connection, and advocacy for the recognition of the field.
Website: somaticsexeducators.com
Find a Practitioner: SSEA Member Directory
Focus Areas:
- Professional community and networking
- Advocacy for the profession
- Continuing education
- Public education about SSE
EASB
European Association of Sexological Bodyworkers
The European professional organization maintaining standards and supporting practitioners across Europe.
Website: easb.eu
Geographic Focus: Primarily serves practitioners and clients in European countries
ASIS
Association of Somatic and Integrative Sexologists
A broader organization encompassing various forms of somatic and integrative approaches to sexuality, including but not limited to sexological bodywork.
Website: Website no longer available.
Scope: Includes diverse somatic sexual wellness modalities and practitioners
Body Electric School
Founded by Joseph Kramer in 1984, Body Electric School offers workshops and trainings in erotic embodiment, conscious touch, and sacred intimacy.
Website: bodyelectric.org
Focus: Workshops and intensive trainings (separate from certification programs)
Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Sexuality
Based in San Francisco, this institute played a key role in establishing Sexological Bodywork as a recognized profession in California. The institute closed in 2018.
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)
While focused on sex therapy and counseling, AASECT provides resources and certifications for sex educators and therapists. SSE is a distinct field but shares some educational foundations.
Website: aasect.org
National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF)
Advocacy organization working toward freedom of sexual expression, including support for alternative relationship structures and consensual sexual practices.
Website: ncsfreedom.org
Training Schools & Programs
ACSB recognizes six training schools internationally offering certification in Sexological Bodywork and Somatic Sex Education.
Geographic Locations of Recognized Schools
ACSB-recognized training schools operate in:
- Canada - Training programs available
- United States - Training programs available
- United Kingdom - Training and practice in England
- Germany - European training center
- Switzerland - Swiss programs
- Brazil - South American training
- Australia - Oceania region training
For current training program information: Visit sexologicalbodyworkers.org for recognized schools and upcoming trainings.
Finding a Qualified SSE Practitioner
Practitioner Directories
Start your search with these official practitioner directories maintained by professional organizations:
- ACSB Practitioner Directory, Association of Certified Sexological Bodyworkers, the primary international certification body
- SSEA Member Directory, Somatic Sex Educators Association member listing
- School Alumni Directories: Training schools such as the Somatic Sex Educator Institute and the Institute of Somatic Sexology maintain alumni directories of graduates
A 5-Step Framework for Choosing a Practitioner
1. Search Professional Directories
Begin with the ACSB and SSEA directories linked above, or ask a training school for alumni in your area. Practitioners listed in professional directories have agreed to uphold ethical codes and can be subject to grievance processes if they violate them.
2. Verify Training & Credentials
Look for a CSB (Certificate in Sexological Bodywork) or CSSE (Certificate in Somatic Sex Education) from a recognized training school. Ask about trauma-informed training, Polyvagal Theory, and how many supervised hours they completed. Professional liability insurance is a positive indicator.
3. Review Their Website & Materials
A practitioner's website should clearly state their qualifications, ethical framework, consent policies, and session structure. Look for transparency about what sessions include and do not include, and how they handle boundaries and safety.
4. Have an Initial Consultation
Most practitioners offer an initial consultation, often free or low-cost, before any hands-on work begins. Use this to discuss your goals, ask about their approach, get a feel for communication style, and assess whether you feel comfortable and safe with this person.
5. Understand the Session Framework
Before any bodywork begins, a qualified practitioner should review an intake process and consent agreement covering: what sessions do and don't include, that touch is one-way only, that the practitioner remains clothed, that gloves are used for genital touch, that you remain in control at all times, and that the focus is educational.
Questions to Ask a Prospective Practitioner
- What is your certification and training background?
- Do you have specific training in trauma-informed practice?
- Have you worked with clients with concerns similar to mine?
- What does a typical session look like?
- How do you handle consent and boundaries in session?
- What are your fees and session lengths?
- Do you offer an initial consultation to see if we're a good fit?
Red Flags to Watch For
While most SSE practitioners maintain high ethical standards, be cautious if a practitioner:
- Cannot show proof of certification or professional membership
- Pressures you to consent to anything
- Suggests reciprocal touch or sexual activity
- Dismisses your boundaries or concerns
- Makes promises of "curing" specific conditions
- Suggests a romantic or sexual relationship outside of sessions
- Does not clearly explain their approach, ethics, and boundaries
Trust your instincts. A good practitioner will welcome questions, honor your boundaries completely, and make you feel safe and respected.
If you experience an ethical violation, you can report it through the ACSB Grievance & Repair Process.
Books & Educational Materials
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links through Bookshop.org (affiliate ID: 121505). If you purchase through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. We only recommend books we believe are genuinely valuable to understanding this field.
Disclaimer
This website is an educational resource providing information about Somatic Sex Education. It is not affiliated with any specific organization, training program, or practitioner.
We do not:
- Endorse specific practitioners or organizations
- Provide practitioner referrals
- Verify practitioner credentials (check with certifying organizations)
- Offer training or certification
- Provide medical, therapeutic, or legal advice
Links to external websites are provided for informational purposes. We are not responsible for content on external sites.
Due diligence: Please research thoroughly, verify credentials, and trust your instincts when choosing practitioners or training programs.