IPSA-Trained (no longer affiliated) Surrogate Parter
In February 2019, I was offered full certification by the International Professional Surrogates Association (IPSA), the organization under which I trained and successfully completed a two-year internship in July 2018. I declined the offer for several reasons, none based on the quality of training or effectiveness of their niche form of sex therapy.
I met every certification requirement, including the following,
- the successful completion of their 100-hour didactic and experiential training course
- a two-year supervised internship (with a 20-year IPSA veteran mentor)
- 100% positive reviews and across the board recommendations from every licensed therapist I worked with
In the end I decided to part ways with IPSA altogether. Having worked independently as a sacred intimate since 1985 (the year I turned 18) I didn’t and don’t feel the need to align my practice with their entity. Our differing perspectives on administrative style and parameters of professionalism made the break necessary.
Due to the nature of this work, IPSA certification is ultimately a formality at best. Their surrogate partners work as independently and unsupervised as nonaffiliated SPs, and the designation itself is neither state sanctioned nor recognized by any legal, medical, or accredited academic body. My personal standards of ethics, education, knowledge, experience, ability, and integrity are at least as high as those of the organization that trained and mentored me. I’m grateful for their two years of guidance and support on my 30+ year journey of sexual healing through sacred intimacy.




