ABOUT ACSSW

The Association of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness (ACSSW) was developed by a group of counselors and counselor educators focused on the promotion of research and training for all counselors in the area of sexuality and who view this as a core competency in the field of counseling.

Members of ACSSW recognize sexuality as a universal human experience which warrants a united perspective in the counseling field in valuing increasing competency and resources for all counselors.

On March 5, 2021, ACSSW became the newest Organizational Affiliate of the American Counseling Association. In the the words of ACA President, Sue Pressman,

"We [ACA Governing Council] understand and support ACSSW’s interest in promoting research and training for counselors on the areas of sexual health and recognizing sexuality as a universal human experience that deserves perspective in the counseling field. We applaud the growth you’ve achieved and investments you’ve made in the last three years by providing a network to counselors who are interested in resources and community."

MISSION

Promote sexuality as a central aspect of being human that includes the intersection of interpersonal and intrapersonal influences on sexual expression and identities inclusive of age, race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender and gender expression, physical and mental health and abilities, and socioeconomic status.
Improve standards and delivery of sexuality counseling services provided to clients and communities with a goal of enhancing overall wellness.
Produce scientific, educational, and professional materials with the purpose of raising the standards of practice for all who address sexuality in the counseling process.
Develop, implement, and foster interest in counseling-related charitable, scientific, and educational programs designed to contribute to awareness and advocacy for all persons' rights to sexual wellness.

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STRATEGIC PLAN

Below are the strategic plan goals for the next 3 years. The ACSSW strategic planning is designed to support the ACSSW mission and provide momentum for the organization to grow and expand our reach within the counseling profession and wider community.

Year 1: 2022-2023

Populate existing committees
Engage and foster leadership development
Launch Emerging Leaders program
Identify and prioritize membership needs
Continue to offer monthly webinars with free CEs for ACSSW members in partnership with The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Form task force to monitor and revise 3-year plan
Expand Board of Directors Trustees from 3 to 6 representatives
Submit for Division status within ACA
Increase submissions of manuscripts to ACSSW newsletter and expand newsletter team
Increase manuscript submissions to JCSSW and increase impact factor.

Year 2: 2023-2024

Hold elections for Board and Officers
Prioritize (rank) member services
Deliver on member needs/priorities, continue ongoing monitoring of member need/priorities through annual surveys
Identify Committee goals and priorities
Implement first year of strategic framework
Create leadership development pipeline for sustainability and growth
Continue Emerging Leaders program
Continue webinars and begin to create revenue streams
Plan first annual conference
Re-engage sexuality competencies task force with plan for developing certification.
Target raising awareness of sexuality related social justice issues through ACSSW social media

Year 3: 2024-2025

Hold elections for Board and Officers
Review achievements from 2023-2026 to inform goals for development of next 3-year strategic plan
Prioritize (rank) member services
Review Committee goals and priorities
Implement second year of strategic framework
Hold first annual conference
Hold inaugural awards ceremony
Continue growing revenue streams
Continue Emerging Leaders program
Task force in developing state branches of ACSSW
Implement plan for certification of sexuality competencies for counselors through ACSSW
Review and improve leadership development pipeline for sustainability and growth