Level 4
Certification
Engage options for 12-hours of practice, group supervision, and independent study.
Faculty

Dr. Omar Minwalla
Psy. D.
Licensed Psychologist & Clinical Sexologist
Dr. Omar Minwalla is a Licensed Psychologist and Clinical Sexologist trained at … Read More
Certification Overview
Professionals earn a Certificate of Completion for each Level Completed
Each Level of Education and Training completed, meaning all the Modules or requirements for that Level have been completed, then the professional will earn a Certificate of Completion for that Level offered by The Institute for Sexual Health (ISH).
Candidates who successfully complete all curriculum and professional hours for credentialing must complete the final credentialing form in order to receive their final Certification and Designation of DSTT, Deceptive Sexuality and Trauma Therapist.
DSTT
Deceptive Sexuality and
Trauma Therapist
Indicates that the professional is a licensed mental health provider and has completed all 3 levels of professional education including supervision.
DSTP
Deceptive Sexuality and Trauma Professional
Discontinued: Only Level 1 is being offered in 2024.
This is the designation for non-licensed mental health professionals who have completed all 3 levels of professional education including supervision.
DSTE
Deceptive Sexuality and Trauma Educated
Indicates that the professional has completed all 3 levels of professional education.
DSTT Certification:
12 Hours of Practice and Supervision
The certification process offers professionals at least 12-hours total of professional practice, group supervision, peer support, and independent study options. This is the final step, to help professionals consolidate practice skills, gain additional learning, and benefit from peer support and building community.
Certification Hours
REQUIRED:
- Certification Requirement:
Participants must complete 6 hours of structured practice to be eligible for certification. Detailed guidance will be provided in Level 3, Module 6. - Virtual Practice Sessions:
Participants will have the opportunity to:- Practice specific skills through role play
- Build professional competence in a supportive environment
- Dr. Minwalla will host these virtually, scheduled on at least three separate dates following the completion of Level 3.
- Structure of Each Session (2 hours):
- Hour 1: Group practice of key skills
- Hour 2: Group supervision, including discussion, case presentations, and/or Q&A
- Dr. Minwalla requests at least a one hour meeting with each professional, as part of certification. Any and all meeting hours are included in the Level 4 registration fee, will be counted toward the 12 hours required.
- Individual supervision with a DSTT professional or faculty member will also count towards certification. Any fees charged by these professionals must be covered independently and are not included in registration.
Any professionals who form any type of study dyad, or group, for relevant learning discussion, or other ways that engage this material and promote your learning and development can be used towards certification hours. The practice skills that will be learned in MODULE 6, and then in the Level 4 DSTT Professional Practice Group, can then be practiced with each other, for example.
- 6 hours are available for independent study, but not required.
- Students have the options of viewing pre-recorded lectures on advanced topics and completing the post-test as independent study.
- Dr. Minwalla and ISH encourage unique approaches to learning, particularly as professionals, and accept proposals for alternative ways to engage independent study.
Faculty

Dr. Omar Minwalla
Psy. D.
Licensed Psychologist &
Clinical Sexologist
Dr. Omar Minwalla is a Licensed Psychologist and Clinical Sexologist trained at … Read More

Trish Haight, LMFT
Licensed Psychotherapist
Trish Haight, LMFT is a certified Deceptive Sexuality and Trauma Therapist (DSTT), …Read More
The Institute for Sexual Health (ISH) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Institute for Sexual Health maintains responsibility for this program and its content.