In this self-access training, you will learn how to apply the Holistic Assessment and Therapies (HAT) model to the assessment and treatment of orgasm disorders. This course is designed specifically for Psychosexual and Relationship Therapists and Psychologists. Orgasm difficulties remain among the more complex and distressing issues presented by Service Users, yet many clinicians feel under-prepared to assess or treat them confidently.
The training supports you to understand current global consensus definitions from the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) and to integrate the HAT model across assessment, therapy planning, intervention, and referral decisions. You will gain practical tools that can be applied immediately within clinical practice, including an understanding of the four predominant therapist roles in the room, the most relevant standardised assessment tools, how to identify cultural camouflages, and a biopsychosocial map of orgasm disorders.
This self-access class is a recording of a live event held in April 2026.
Session Outline
Therapist roles: Distinguishing the four therapist roles in the room and understanding how each supports effective therapeutic work.
Assessment tools: Reviewing key measures and clinical interviews, with guidance on selecting and interpreting them in context.
Cultural camouflages: Developing sensitivity to how culture, shame, and gender norms shape presenting symptoms and Service User narratives.
Definition clarity: Becoming familiar with the latest ISSWSH definitions of orgasm disorders and integrating them into diagnostic and treatment language.
HAT model application: Applying the HAT model step by step, including holistic assessment, therapy design, intervention pathways, and referral decision-making.
Intervention choices: Exploring relational, intrapsychic, nervous-system, and physiological strategies for the treatment of orgasm disorders.
Referral management: Strengthening decision-making around referral and multidisciplinary collaboration to enhance continuity of care for Service Users.
Learning Outcomes
Completing this training will increase confidence, competence, and clarity when working with Service Users who present with orgasm difficulties. It will also enrich broader relational-therapy practice by deepening understanding of sexuality, intimacy, and nervous-system regulation within the therapeutic space.
About the Trainer
Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh, Ph.D., is an award‑winning author, TED Speaker, and a world‑renowned relational expert. She has a Ph.D. in social psychology and specializes in sexual health and relationships at macro and micro levels.
She believes world peace can be built, one relationship at a time. Dr. Nasserzadeh has been a senior cultural advisor for governments, UN Agencies, academic institutions, and Fortune 500 companies.
She has multiple articles, books, and book chapters to her credit. Her newest book, Love by Design: 6 ingredients to build a lifetime of love was the recipient of the Clark Vincent Award by the California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists for significant advancement of the field.
Dr. Nasserzadeh uses an evidence-informed approach to help various communities make sense of the most complex concepts and attain a unified language, common values, and shared aspirations.
Dr. Nasserzadeh’s work has taken her to more than forty countries and has been featured on NPR, the BBC, ABC, CNN, New York Times, Times, CNBC, and in USA Today among others.
Dr. Nasserzadeh has been a Board member of numerous professional organizations including the California Psychological Association (CPA), the American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS).
She is widely recognized as a trailblazer in the field of relational science, honored by peers and esteem institutions alike, including the British Council for her contributions to social impact, Pfizer Inc. Innovation of the Year as the global chair of the Customer Insights Council, the BBC World Service for Innovation of the Year for her groundbreaking program on sexuality education, and AASECT with its Award for Professional Excellence.
Clinically, she is an Approved training provider by AASECT, a senior accredited member and a registered supervisor by the College of Sex and Relationship Therapists in the UK (COSRT), Full Clinical Member of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) as well as a member of CAMFT.
Dr. Nasserzadeh lives between London and in Los Angeles, and travels widely.
