Rivka Sidorsky & Associates

Rivka Sidorsky & Associates Psychotherapy practice for women and couples
Individual Therapy, Couples Therapy, and S*x Therapy

Renew Yourself and Your Relationships! www.rivkasidorsky.com

Mieke Rivka Sidorsky (nee Windecker) is a licensed psychotherapist, a published author, a Harvard CASE research fellowship recipient, and an experienced lecturer. She is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of MD. She is a professional member of the American Association of S*x Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, the Society for S*x Therapy and Research, the National Association of Social Workers, and Nefesh International. She received her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration with her Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology from Brandeis University. Rivka has been working with women and couples since 2007. She received her training in s*xual dysfunction and s*x therapy from internationally renowned Dr. Laura Berman at the Berman Center in Chicago. She worked at the Center for Intimacy After Cancer Therapy, offering her services to counsel women after surviving breast cancer. She writes a regular advice column. She is also a Member of the Board of Directors for In Shifra's Arms, a non-profit organization providing counseling and referrals for women with unplanned pregnancies. In addition to her private practice, Rivka is a writer, researcher, and public speaker. She speaks on improving intimacy, female function and dysfunction, and on intimacy after cancer at hospitals and local events. Her research and literature is listed below:


PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH

- Alterowitz, B & Alterowitz, R. (2011). The Lovin’ Aint Over for Women with Cancer, Sidorsky, M. R. (Ed.)

- Sidorsky, M. (2008) Secrecy and Surveillance: A Discussion of the Relationship Between Women’s S*xuality and Syrian Family Planning Policy.

- Berman, L. & Windecker, M. A. (2008) The Relationship Between Ge***al Self-Image and Female S*xual Function: A National Survey. Journal of Current S*xual Health Reports: Women’s S*xual Health 5:4, 2008.

- McSweeney, B. G. (2008). Volume of Essays on Culture, Gender, and People-Centered Development, Windecker, M. A.* (Ed.) UNESCO Online Publications.

- Windecker, M. (2006) S*xual Education and Its Impact on S*xuality: Perceptions and Reality Among Urban Moroccan Youth: field research and ethnographic account. Rivka is the only Orthodox Jewish woman specializing in female s*xual dysfunction and intimacy issues in the mid-atlantic region of the United States. She is familiar with the social and cultural guidelines and framework for Jewish families and is able to conduct psychotherapy for this clientele when appropriate. She lives in Silver Spring with her husband, David, and son, Avi.

More information and registration here: https://www.rivkasidorsky.com/courses-affiliated A Global Pathway to Professiona...
02/23/2026

More information and registration here: https://www.rivkasidorsky.com/courses-affiliated

A Global Pathway to Professional Competence in Psychos*xual Therapy
The Certificate in S*x Therapy Program is a 162-hour comprehensive educational experience designed to prepare clinicians, educators, and allied professionals for ethical, inclusive, and evidence-based psychos*xual therapy practice.
This program is systematic, rigorous, and clinically focused, offering a structured curriculum that builds essential competencies across all major domains of psychos*xual therapy. With 30 in-depth workshops, participants will explore key areas such as anatomy and s*xual functioning, gender and relationship diversity, trauma-informed care, couples work, and advanced treatment modalities.
Designed with flexibility in mind, the program is entirely online, combining live interactive instruction with thoughtfully developed pre-recorded content and supplemental materials. This format allows students from around the world to participate without needing to travel, while still benefiting from meaningful engagement with instructors and peers.
Whether you are a licensed clinician, a healthcare provider, or a professional-in-training, this program provides a clear, affordable pathway toward deepening your expertise and advancing your career in psychos*xual therapy.
Completion of the full 162-hour curriculum fulfills all educational requirements for certification as a Certified Psychos*xual Therapist (C-PST) through the International Association of Psychos*xual Therapists (IAPST). Supervision requirements may be completed separately with an IAPST-approved supervisor.
All courses may be applied to your educational credits for s*x therapy training/education for AASECT Certification or renewal.
The Certificate in S*x Therapy offers a structured, clinically grounded curriculum that prepares professionals to work confidently and competently across a wide range of psychos*xual concerns. Key features include:
165 Hours of Comprehensive Training
Structured across 33 workshops, each offering 5 CE hours aligned with international standards.
Live and Pre-Recorded Instruction
Each workshop includes 3 hours of live, interactive instruction (online or in-person) and 2 hours of asynchronous learning through readings, videos, and clinical activities.
Meets Certification Requirements
Fulfills all educational components required for certification as a Certified Psychos*xual Therapist (C-PST) through the International Association of Psychos*xual Therapists (IAPST). For a detailed description of the certification process, see https://www.iapst.org/certification/certificationprocess.
All courses may be used for AASECT certification.
Flexible, Fully Online Format
Accessible to professionals worldwide through a mix of synchronous and asynchronous delivery.
Interdisciplinary and Inclusive
Developed for mental health clinicians, healthcare providers, educators, and helping professionals from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.
Continuing Education Credits
All workshops provide APA- and IAPST-approved CE credits, ensuring recognition by licensing and certifying bodies.
Clinically Relevant and Practice-Oriented
Every course is grounded in real-world application, case-based learning, and ethical integration.

What You’ll Learn
The Certificate in S*x Therapy offers a well-rounded, clinically focused curriculum designed to deepen your understanding of human s*xuality and strengthen your therapeutic skills. Through 30 interactive workshops, you’ll gain the knowledge and tools needed to practice competently and confidently in the field of psychos*xual therapy.
Participants will explore:
The foundational principles and historical evolution of psychos*xual therapy
Human s*xual anatomy, arousal, and the neuroscience of s*xual response
Psychological and relational dimensions of desire, identity, and behavior
Gender diversity, s*xual orientation, and relationship structure
Ethical decision-making and clinical boundaries in s*x therapy
Assessment models, intake processes, and s*xual history taking
Evidence-based treatment approaches, including sensate focus and other modalities
Clinical work with individuals, couples, and those with complex or stigmatized concerns
Addressing s*xual trauma, compulsive behavior, and rare s*xual interests
Contemporary issues such as kink/BDSM, s*xual health aids, and working with marginalized populations
Each topic is approached through a lens of clinical integrity, cultural sensitivity, and ethical practice—ensuring that you’re equipped to work with diverse patient and complex s*xual concerns.
The Certificate in S*x Therapy is designed to accommodate the schedules and learning styles of busy professionals—without sacrificing depth, rigor, or real-time engagement. Each of the 30 workshops includes 5 hours of Continuing Education (CE) credit, structured into two key components:
3 Hours – Live Instruction
Delivered online via video conference (or in-person where applicable)
Taught by experienced clinicians, educators, and certified s*x therapists
Includes lectures, clinical demonstrations, breakout discussions, and Q&A
2 Hours – Supplemental Content
Completed asynchronously at your own pace
May include:
Assigned readings
Pre-recorded lectures or expert interviews
Reflective worksheets or clinical observation prompts
Designed to deepen understanding and encourage practical application
Workshop Assessments
To support mastery and accountability, each workshop concludes with a brief quiz, consisting of:
15 multiple-choice questions
5 fill-in-the-blank items
Quizzes are designed to reinforce key concepts and ensure readiness for certification.
Study on Your Schedule
Whether you're working full-time, managing a private practice, or studying in a different time zone, the hybrid format ensures that you can participate meaningfully without disrupting your personal or professional obligations.

More information and registration here: https://www.rivkasidorsky.com/courses-affiliated

Live Zoom: Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 at 11am - 12pm EST This 1-hour training introduces therapists to the therapeuti...
01/05/2026

Live Zoom: Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 at 11am - 12pm EST

This 1-hour training introduces therapists to the therapeutic applications of outercourse—non-penetrative s*xual experiences—as a pathway to fostering intimacy, reducing performance pressure, and supporting clients with diverse needs. Participants will learn how to guide couples in exploring outercourse as a tool for building communication, enhancing confidence, and creating greater comfort with physical and emotional closeness. The course provides practical frameworks, case examples, and interventions to integrate outercourse into treatment planning for healthier, more satisfying s*xual relationships.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to describe 3 therapeutic benefits of introducing outercourse in s*x therapy sessions. Participants will be able to demonstrate 3 clinical strategies to help couples build communication, confidence, and comfort through outercourse-focused interventions.

AASECT Knowledge Areas: Intimacy Skills, Learning theory and its application, Range of s*xual functioning and behavior, S*xual Exploitation including S*xual Abuse, Socio-cultural and familial factors, Pleasure Enhancement Skills. May be used for S*x Therapy Training ST1, ST2, ST3, ST7.

Register here: https://www.rivkasidorsky.com/challenge-page/0f410d03-ed27-4cbb-a81a-5a952b2e21f2?programId=0f410d03-ed27-4cbb-a81a-5a952b2e21f2

11/25/2025
Get a full 150 hours of coursework in S*x Therapy for only $2500. These courses are available live or asynchronous. High...
11/24/2025

Get a full 150 hours of coursework in S*x Therapy for only $2500. These courses are available live or asynchronous. Highest caliber teachers from s*x therapy experts around the world. These credits can be used toward AASECT or IAPST certification. Payment plans available. More information here: https://rivkasidorsky.org/

Exciting news! Rivka Sidorsky & Associates has partnered with leading experts and educators around the world to bring yo...
11/11/2025

Exciting news! Rivka Sidorsky & Associates has partnered with leading experts and educators around the world to bring you high-quality continuing education in couples and s*x therapy.

Get a Certificate in S*x Therapy or take IAPST + AASECT Accredited Courses.
Our affiliated instructors include internationally recognized clinicians, researchers, and educators who share our commitment to advancing the field through evidence-based, compassionate, and practical training. Each course is designed to deepen your clinical expertise, expand your therapeutic tools, and inspire professional growth.

IAPST Approved
AASECT Approved
ASWB ACE Approved
NY Social Work Approved
APA Approved

Register here: https://rivkasidorsky.org

11/11/2025
This is what we talked about just last month at my brunch and learn program on menopause! Shout out to Rachel S. Rubin M...
11/11/2025

This is what we talked about just last month at my brunch and learn program on menopause! Shout out to Rachel S. Rubin MD - Urologist and S*xual Medicine Specialist for helping make this happen

FDA commissioner Dr. Marty Makary joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the agency's announcement Thursday that boxed warnings will be removed from many estrogen products used for hormone therapy, a treatment that helps alleviate the symptoms of menopause.

After demand from last week's video, I made one for the men
09/19/2025

After demand from last week's video, I made one for the men

For s*x therapy appointments, support groups, webinars, s*x therapy training, and more, go to our website at www.rivkasidorsky.com

09/17/2025

Interesting research article comparing marriages with three types of desire:

The majority of husbands reported they primarily identified with initiating type of s*xual desire (58.5%), followed by receptive (37.6%), and a few chose resistant desire (3.9%).

Conversely, wives were more likely to endorse a receptive type of desire (73.1%), followed by initiating desire (23.6%), and a small number identifying as resistant desire (3.3%)....A Kruskal-Wallis H test conducted on the four non-resistant couple desire types (Both Initiating, Husband Initiating/Wife Receptive, Husband Receptive/Wife Initiating, Both Receptive) found no statistically significant difference in overall marital satisfaction among these groups (H(3) = 6.25, p =.100).

Thus, in couples where neither spouse is resistant, marital satisfaction does not vary significantly based on whether the initiation and receptive desire types are mutual or asymmetrical (ps > .05). However, if either spouse is resistant, couples reported significantly lower overall marital satisfaction (M = 14.50, SD = 4.33) than non-resistant couples (M = 16.92, SD = 2.99, U = 9282.5, p < .001).

Sytsma, M. (2025). S*xual desire types in married couples: Frequencies and
correlates in a US representative dyadic sample. International Journal of Psychos*xual Therapy,
1(1), 9–17, DOI: 10.64207/12yc8a13

Address

Silver Spring, MD
20902

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 8pm
Sunday 9am - 2pm

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