About the Division

The Sexuality, Intimacy, and Sexual Wellness (SISW) Division is a professional home for Black counselors and mental health professionals specializing in sexual and reproductive health and wellness.
We center culturally responsive, evidence-informed, and affirming care across the lifespan to promote healing, intimacy, and empowerment within Black communities.

The Division recognizes the importance of addressing Black women’s and men’s sexual health and wellness including the physical, emotional, relational, and cultural dimensions that shape how individuals experience sexuality and intimacy. Our work acknowledges the unique challenges faced within the Black community, including stigma, historical trauma, and disparities in access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive care. We are committed to advancing education, advocacy, and counseling practices that restore agency, affirm pleasure, and promote holistic wellness for individuals, couples, and families.

Mission

To advance the sexual and reproductive health, intimacy, and overall wellness of Black communities by equipping counselors with culturally responsive training, collaborative networks, and advocacy resources.

Vision

We envision a world where Black individuals, couples, and families experience affirming, evidence-informed sexual health care where intimacy thrives and where stigma and disparities are replaced by access, equity, and joy.

Values

• Affirmation & Dignity: Honoring clients’ identities, experiences, and choices.

• Cultural Humility: Practicing with historical context and community wisdom.

• Evidence & Ethics: Grounding services in research, ethics, and consent.

• Trauma-Informed Care: Centering safety, collaboration, and empowerment.

• Justice & Equity: Addressing systemic barriers and reproductive justice.

• Collaboration: Partnering across disciplines and communities.

Who Should Join

This division is for Black counselors and mental health professionals whose work intersects with sexual and reproductive health, intimacy, and relationship wellness including clinicians, supervisors, researchers, educators, and advocates.

Members include:

• Licensed professional counselors and associates

• Couples and sex therapists; intimacy and relationship specialists

• School, college, and community counselors addressing sexual health

• Researchers and faculty focused on sexual and reproductive health equity

• Students and trainees pursuing these specialties

• Public health partners and community-based practitioners

What We Do

• Monthly peer consultation and case rounds

• Continuing education on sexual health, intimacy, and ethics

• Research and practice spotlights elevating Black scholarship

• Mentorship and supervision connections

• Advocacy for equitable access and culturally responsive standards

• Community partnerships and outreach initiatives

Our division’s work emphasizes the importance of addressing Black women’s and men’s sexual health and wellness, highlighting the need for open dialogue, education, and care that reflects the lived experiences, cultural strengths, and holistic needs of Black communities.

Inclusive Practice Statement

We affirm the full spectrum of sexual and gender identities, relationship structures, and abilities.
Our division is committed to accessible programming and evidence-informed practice that is kink-aware, sex-positive, queer- and trans-affirming, and respectful of faith and cultural traditions.

We uphold confidentiality, consent, and client autonomy in all settings.