Sexual Therapy Training Sexocorporel
Practice-oriented and scientifically grounded
All training programmes are conducted in German. English-speaking professionals who are interested in the training are welcome to contact Annette Bischof directly.
Would you like to advise people professionally on matters relating to sexuality? The part-time Sexual Therapy Training at ZISS offers you a scientifically grounded, practice-oriented and body-oriented approach to competently supporting people with sexual difficulties in individual, couple and group settings.
The ZISS Sexual Therapy Training is based on the established Sexocorporel approach. This combines physical, emotional, cognitive and relational aspects of sexuality in a holistic perspective, which forms the basis of this effective, body- and learning-oriented treatment method.
The training is divided into the modules Fundamentals, Clinical Practice, Advanced Training and Expertise, of which participants can choose to attend the first module, several modules or all of them. It has an international focus. ZISS offers the training in Zurich, Switzerland, and in Kißlegg, southern Germany.
In addition, one-day seminars are offered for anyone interested in Zurich (28.11.26) and online (01.11.26). These seminars provide an introduction to the Sexocorporel approach and present the ZISS training programme.
More information about the process of sexual therapy can be found in this video (German).
- Overview of the modules
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Fundamentals Module
Participants develop an experience-based understanding of the components of the Sexocorporel model and how they interact in sexuality. They understand sexuality as the result of learning processes and explore how sexual function and sexual experience can be influenced and expanded through physical learning steps.
more information and registrationClinical Practice Module
after completing the Fundamentals module
Participants acquire clinical knowledge about the most common sexual problems and limitations and learn to understand their development and maintenance within the Sexocorporel model and derive treatment approaches from this. They acquire basic sexual therapy skills in evaluation, body reading and intervention.
more information and registrationAdvanced Training Module
after completing the Clinical Practice module
Participants deepen their ability to observe and read the body in a differentiated manner and learn to increasingly connect these skills with evaluation, exploration and sexual therapeutic practice according to Sexocorporel. At the same time, they explore and practise self-regulation as a sexual therapist and the development of the therapeutic relationship in Sexocorporel sexual therapy.
more information and registrationExpertise Module
after completing the Advanced Training module
Participants deepen and integrate their sexual therapy skills according to Sexocorporel and learn to conduct individually adapted Sexocorporel therapies even in complex and challenging situations. They refine their therapeutic practice as well as their self-reflection and self-regulation as therapists.
more information and registrationSupplementary Module
Seminar on the fundamentals of sexual medicine and Seminar on the fundamentals of sexology
These seminars complement the Sexocorporel training at ZISS. They are aimed at candidates seeking certification as clinical sexologists iSi as well as anyone else interested.
- Who is the training suitable for?
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Our training is aimed at people who work professionally with topics relating to sexuality or would like to do so in the future. It is suitable for professionals from counselling, therapy, medicine and other fields who wish to deepen their expertise in sexuality. It is also open in principle to interested career changers.
Professionals in psychiatry and psychotherapy
Sexual disorders frequently occur alongside mental disorders. The Sexocorporel training provides psychotherapists and psychiatrists with a scientifically grounded, body- and learning-oriented approach to understanding sexual difficulties as consequences of learned patterns and treating them specifically through concrete body-based, emotion- and cognition-focused interventions. The approach is suitable for both individual and couple therapists.
General practitioners
Around one eighth of patients are affected by significant sexual difficulties, particularly in connection with illness and medication. The Sexocorporel training provides general practitioners with the fundamentals of sexual function and clear language for addressing sexuality safely and supporting patients competently.
Gynaecologists
One in every 5 to 10 women in gynaecological consultations reports pain related to sexuality. Many experience reduced desire. Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and gynaecological conditions can affect sexuality. The Sexocorporel training provides gynaecologists with practical language and methods for recognising sexual difficulties and competently supporting their patients.
Urologists
Many patients in urological consultations suffer from sexual dysfunctions. Erectile difficulties in particular frequently occur in connection with ageing, illness or surgery, and urologists are often the first point of contact for affected men. Pelvic pain syndromes can be challenging for people of both sexes. The Sexocorporel training provides urologists with practical language and methods for recognising dysfunctions at an early stage and treating patients competently.
Midwives
Around pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, sexuality, body image and partnership are associated with uncertainty for many women and couples. The Sexocorporel training provides midwives with clear language and practical communication skills to address these topics sensitively and support women and couples competently.
Professionals in education & social work
Sexual difficulties affect many people and often have an impact on relationships, development and the social environment. The Sexocorporel training provides professionals in education and social work with practical language and methods for addressing sexuality-related topics safely and supporting and accompanying those affected on a sound professional basis.
Occupational therapists
Sexuality is closely connected to body awareness, self-image and the ability to function in everyday life and can therefore become therapeutically relevant. The Sexocorporel training provides occupational therapists with body-oriented and learning-based methods for specifically addressing these topics in everyday therapeutic practice and supporting clients in their sexual and physical self-awareness.
Physiotherapists
Sexuality is closely connected to pelvic floor function, pain processing and physical limitations and is therefore frequently relevant in physiotherapy. The Sexocorporel training provides physiotherapists with sexual counselling skills and body-oriented methods for specifically addressing pelvic floor function and genital pain in a therapeutic context and supporting patients holistically.
Career changers & newcomers
Sexuality is a central area of human experience and encompasses the body, relationships and health in many different ways. The Sexocorporel training provides career changers with a sound introduction to the fundamentals of sexuality. It teaches clear, practical language and thus offers insight into professional work with sexuality-related topics.
- Why ZISS?
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Certification
Successful completion of the individual modules is certified by ZISS. The training is also recognised by the umbrella organisation iSi, FSP, SGPP, SAPPM and the German Medical Association.
Our expertise
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Many years of experience in education & continuing education as well as research in the field of sexuality
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Compact teaching team for continuity in teaching methods and personal support
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Lecturers with broad training in therapy, medicine and research
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Training specifically geared towards practical work
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Small groups for individual development & personalised support
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Strong network in the DACH region
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Recognition by various professional associations
The ZISS lecturers
Karoline Bischof (top right); Dr. med. FMH Gynaecology and Obstetrics; Clinical Sexologist iSi, Psychosomatic and Psychosocial Medicine SAPPM, Ph.D. Sexology IASHS
Overall programme director; Fundamentals and Advanced Training modules Switzerland and Southern Germany; Expertise moduleAnnette Bischof-Campbell (bottom left); MSc, Psychologist FSP, federally recognised psychotherapist, Clinical Sexologist iSi
Advanced Training module Switzerland and Southern Germany; Expertise moduleRonny Kriebisch (bottom right); Dipl. Psych., Psychological Psychotherapist
Fundamentals module Southern GermanyAdrian Stumm (top left); Sexual Educator ISP, Clinical Sexologist iSi
Fundamentals module Switzerland -
- Dates, locations & registration
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For further information and registration, please visit the pages of the individual modules:
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Module 1 Fundamentals: 06.10.2027 in Zurich; 01.07.2027 in Kißlegg (Southern Germany)
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Module 2 Clinical Practice: 08.02.2028 in Zurich; 20.01.2028 in Kißlegg
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Module 3 Advanced Training: 08.02.2028 in Zurich; 20.01.2028 in Kißlegg
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Module 4 Expertise: 2027/2028
Introductory seminar on sexual therapy based on the Sexocorporel approach:
Supplementary module:
Seminar on the fundamentals of sexual medicine, 10.-12.9.2027 in Freiburg i.Br -
- FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the training
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How long does the training program take?
Depending on the selected program and professional goals, the training comprises 32, 64, or 88 days in four-day seminars, distributed over 2 to 5 years.
Is it possible to complete the training while working?
Yes, our modules are specifically designed for working professionals. As a rule, four four-day seminars take place per year (Wednesday to Saturday or Thursday to Sunday). The preparation required between seminars is limited to a few hours, including online small-group work.
Can I enter the advanced training directly with a background in therapy or medicine?
The advanced training requires foundational training in the Sexocorporel approach. We are happy to review your documents as part of a consultation.
What will I be able to do after completing the training?
This depends on the specific program level (foundational, advanced, or certification) and on your prior experience.
If you do not yet have a background in counseling, the foundational training provides an introduction to sexual therapy in the Sexocorporel approach and helps you determine whether this field is a good fit for you. If you are already working in a counseling or therapeutic profession, the foundational training will give you extensive knowledge and allow you to enrich your own practice with elements of the Sexocorporel approach.
The advanced training is designed to further develop and refine your skills in sexual therapy in the Sexocorporel approach.The certification training enables you to work as a sexual therapist with complex sexual concerns and is recommended if you intend to practice sexual therapy in the Sexocorporel approach as your main professional focus.
What happens if I miss a seminar?
You have the option of making up the seminar at a cooperating institute (ZISS, IfES, ISP Vienna). No additional seminar fee is charged for making up a missed seminar; however, any additional seminars are subject to a fee.
Was ist der Unterschied zwischen der neuen und der ehemaligen Ausbildung des ZISS?
Die ab 2027 stattfindende neue Ausbildungsform deckt die gleichen Inhalte ab wie die ehemalige Sexocorporel-Ausbildung und ist ebenfalls vom iSi anerkannt. Die wesentlichen Unterschiede betreffen:
- Das Fundamentalsmodul kann einzeln oder in Kombination mit dem Klinikmodul besucht werden.
- Das Vertiefungsmodul umfasst 5 statt 8 Seminare, dafür zusätzlich Vertiefungssupervision und Selbststudium. Es wurde ein neues, effizienteres Curriculum entwickelt. Auch wenn das Modul zeitgleich mit dem Klinikmodul stattfindet, gibt es kaum noch Überlappungen (z.B. bei Fallgesprächdemonstrationen, sowie beim Seminar Sexocorporel in Anwendung).
- Die früheren Überlappungen des 2. Lehrgangs wurden für ihren vertiefenden Effekt der Wiederholung geschätzt. Um diese Möglichkeit auch heute noch anzubieten, können Sie, wenn Sie den Basislehrgang oder das Basismodul abgeschlossen haben, passiv als Gasthörer:in oder aktiv als Gastteilnehmer:in an einzelnen Seminaren teilnehmen.
- Die Expertise-Ateliers (i.d.R. in Zürich) legen den Schwerpunkt auf die persönliche Ausreifung als Sexocorporel-Therapeut:in im geschützten Rahmen fester Kleingruppen. Es gibt keinen fixen Startzeitpunkt des Expertisemoduls, sondern die Gruppen starten laufend bei genügend Anmeldungen. Im Expertiseseminar (i.d.R. in Kisslegg) kommen alle aktuell Teilnehmenden des Expertisemoduls zusammen. Es findet etwa alle 1.5 Jahre statt. Ein zweites Seminar können die TN Interessengesteuert frei wählen, je nach Angebot der Institute.
Kann ich in die neue modulare Ausbildung einsteigen, auch wenn ich alte Lehrgänge absolviert habe?
Ja. Die alten Lehrgängeund die neuen Module sind gleichwertig. Wenn Sie ein bestimmtes Seminar nachholen möchten und unsicher sind, welchem dieses neu entspricht, fragen Sie uns an.
How do the different Sexocorporel training programs differ?
Three German-language training institutes are recognized by the umbrella organization iSi (Institut Sexocorporel International): ZISS (Zurich and Kißlegg), the Austrian Institute for Sexual Education (ISP Vienna), and the Institute for Embodiment and Sexology (IfES, Berlin and Innsbruck).
The structure of the training programs at all three institutes follows the guidelines set by iSi. The foundations of Sexocorporel are the same across all programs. The institutes are in continuous exchange and cooperate on both theoretical and practical levels. This means that all institutes provide a high-quality, professional training.
Differences mainly lie in the personal preferences and teaching styles of the instructors. ZISS is medically led and inspired by Feldenkrais and polyvagal theory, IfES has an embodiment-oriented and systemic background, and ISP Vienna places a strong emphasis on sex education.
To date, only the ZISS training has been certified by various professional associations with continuing education credits.
How does the sex therapy training at ZISS differ from the ISP in Zurich?
The three training programs at ZISS comprise 88 in-person training days delivered in four-day blocks over a period of five years, making them well suited to be completed alongside professional work.
The sex therapy training at ISP consists of 100 days in three-day blocks over a period of three years. ISP recommends reducing professional work to 80% during the training period.
The ZISS training follows the guidelines of the international Sexocorporel institute iSi. It therefore fully covers the requirements for a Sexocorporel sex therapist in clinical practice. A dedicated module (the advanced training) focuses on the practical development of therapeutic skills such as self-reflection, emotional regulation, understanding body language, and translating theoretical knowledge into body-oriented work. This component is also experienced as highly enriching by already experienced therapists. The ISP training places a stronger emphasis on the transmission of theoretical content.
At ISP, around 25 instructors with different areas of expertise teach the program, allowing for a variety of perspectives and working methods. At ZISS, there are 3 core instructors, complemented by occasional guest lecturers, which supports continuity in content delivery, didactics, and personal supervision.
The ZISS training is certified by several professional associations (SGPP, SAPPM, FSP, iSi, and the German Medical Association) and is accredited with continuing education credits.