Qualifications & Application



				Surrogate Partner Trainee Qualifications No specific academic degrees or courses are required as prerequisite to IPSA's training program. There are, however, certain personal qualities and life experiences that seem to provide valuable background for surrogate work and sex therapy. Emotional maturity developed from a combination of life experiences and academic exposure is essential. IPSA's training is open to people who are comfortable with their own sexuality and nudity, who have evolved through personal therapy and other growth oriented experiences, and who feel ready to be involved in a close, caring relationship with people who are having difficulties with emotional, physical and sexual intimacy. This is not a profession for people who are confused about themselves or who are simply looking to have a good time. Applying for IPSA Training The application process for the IPSA training program is outlined below. The required form can be found by clicking on the "Applications" link above. If for any reason you are unable to print the application form or questionnaire, please write or call the training coordinator to request they be mailed to your postal address. Most people are suprised by how long it takes them to complete the writing component of the application. The personal and sexual evolution part of your application is particularly important. The training staff is aware that this part of the application requires you to reveal very personal information. Please be assured that the staff is non-judgmental and your application will be kept confidential. Because trainees participate in partnered exercises throughout the training, scheduling a training requires consideration of gender and sexual orientation, in order to assure all participants of a partner with whom they can work. Be sure to indicate on your application the gender of the clients with whom you intend to work, the gender of your personal partners, when you are available to come to southern California for training, and the degree to which your availability is flexible. Each component of the the application process initiates an important aspect of training. Application Process Application for IPSA training requires all of the following documents: 1.) A Letter of Intent that answers the following questions: a.) Why do you want to take the IPSA training? b.) Why do you want to work as a surrogate partner or sex therapist? c.) What qualities do you possess that make you an effective counselor or surrogate partner? 2.) An essay on your personal and sexual evolution Describe all the circumstances, events, and relationships that have most influenced the course of your life— including all significant familial, romantic, and sexual relationships. This essay requires time and thought. 3.) Completed cover page and questionnaire 4.) Two letters of recommendation from helping professionals with whom you have discussed your desire to train and work as a surrogate partner or sex therapist. 5.) Non-refundable $25.00 application fee, which will be applied toward tuition if you are accepted. Acceptance Into IPSA Training Program After all parts of the application are received, applicants will be interviewed and then the training advisory committee will make a determination regarding the application. Tuition Payment Schedule Following notification of acceptance into the training program, a cashier’s check for half the tuition is required. The balance of the tuition is due once your training dates are scheduled. This is required in order to guarantee that you and the other trainees are not disappointed or inconvenienced by last minute withdrawals or no-shows by other class members.