Internship

Trainees who successfully complete the first level training coursework, are recommended for internship, which is the second phase of training. Each internship case is supervised by an experienced therapist—generally the client’s therapist—who agrees to take extra time to foster intern learning for the duration of the case. Additionally, each intern also chooses an experienced surrogate partner as a mentor. Through frequent and extensive conversations with mentors and supervising therapists, interns receive significant assistance and learning throughout their internships.Interns may apply for IPSA Intern membership. IPSA assists Interns in finding and evaluating appropriate initial cases. Intern members network with each other, as well as with the community of established surrogate partners and therapists, and participate in the organizational activities of IPSA.

IPSA receives periodic evaluations of each intern’s progress from the mentor, the client’s therapist, and the intern. Internships continue until the IPSA training coordinator is satisfied that the intern is ready to continue as a surrogate partner without the extra supervision and guidance accorded interns.

Sex Therapy Training and Certified Professional Surrogate Partners

Course Completion Certificate
A certificate of completion of is awarded to trainees who successfully complete the 100-hour didactic and experiential course of study in intimacy and human sexuality. This course is covers the fundamentals principles of sex therapy and surrogate partner therapy; is the required as first stage of training for surrogate partners, and is ideal supplemental education for therapists who wish to better understand sex therapy and surrogate partner therapy.

Letter of Recommendation for Internship
A letter of recommendation is provided to trainees when they are ready to begin Internship as a professional surrogate partner. This letter may be used to apply for IPSA Intern Membership, and when interviewing with referring therapists.

Surrogate Partner Certification
Certification as a Professional Surrogate Partner training is awarded to IPSA trainees who successfully complete IPSA coursework and supervised internship. Individuals not trained by IPSA may apply for certification through the membership committee. Certification must be maintained and will expire when IPSA membership expires.

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