Casey, thank you for sharing your thoughts and this information.

I agree with AASECT's stance on sex addiction and porn addiction. In my profession, I find that a number of clients approach me as self-described sex addicts or porn addicts, so I sometimes use the terminology in my content (always with a link to more information) in order to help those who feel they are struggling with these issues find the information they need to better understand what they are experiencing.

As for formalizing sex coach credentials, I've seen arguments for and against it. As a lover of education, my initial thoughts as I entered the field were that a college and widely applied standards should be a goal. As I've spent more time in the field, however, I've seen how creating large (often expensive) systems can exacerbate barriers that already exist to addressing sex negativity, especially when it comes to enabling marginalized populations to gain access to the information, support, and/or credentials they want and need.

So for now, I think sex coaching is in a good place. No one needs a certification to become a sex coach, but if they choose to get one there are affordable and relatively accessible options. Those seeking a sex coach can decide for themselves whether they prefer a coach with a certification or whether a certain level of experience in the field is enough for them.