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 Soc

ial 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.

Watch the preview of the next class:https://youtu.be/2bIsgUoigbsLive Zoom: Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 at 11am - 12pm EST...
06/05/2026

Watch the preview of the next class:
https://youtu.be/2bIsgUoigbs

Live Zoom: Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 at 11am - 12pm EST

How do we build s*xually healthy adults? This 1-hour course examines how to set children and adolescents up for success in their s*xual journey in life. Healthy s*xual development in childhood and adolescence lays the groundwork for fulfilling s*xual relationships in adulthood. This course examines key building blocks, including supportive relationships, healthy self-esteem, positive body image, and effective communication skills, that promote s*xual wellbeing across the lifespan. Participants will explore how these foundational elements influence s*xual self-esteem, boundaries, and relational patterns, as well as strategies for fostering them in young clients. Through case examples and practical interventions, clinicians will gain tools to support children and teens in developing a strong, healthy s*xual foundation that carries into adulthood. Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to describe 3 foundational building blocks and explain their role in promoting healthy s*xual development in childhood and adolescence. Participants will be able to implement 3 evidence-based clinical strategies that foster these foundational elements in children and teens, supporting their future s*xual wellbeing.

ASWB ACT + AASECT APPROVED

Register here:
https://www.rivkasidorsky.com/challenge-page/6821242e-5bb6-4597-9a30-4089f7a7d495?programId=6821242e-5bb6-4597-9a30-4089f7a7d495&participantId=undefined

Date: Monday (Indigenous Peoples Day), Oct 12, 2026 and Tuesday, Oct 13, 2026from 9 AM - 4:30 PM EST​*You must attend th...
05/17/2026

Date: Monday (Indigenous Peoples Day), Oct 12, 2026 and Tuesday, Oct 13, 2026
from 9 AM - 4:30 PM EST

*You must attend the full two days of the SAR

Cost: $700 for 14 CE hours

What makes our SAR unique?

We are culturally and religiously sensitive providers who are committed to respecting everyone's religious and cultural values. We will learn about a variety of s*xual practices by listening to guest lecturers and then will process our experiences as a group. No nudity or s*xually explicit material will be shown.



This course is AASECT Approved – Meets requirements toward AASECT Certification in S*x Therapy or S*xuality Education

Register here: https://www.rivkasidorsky.com/sar

ASWB ACT social work CE + AASECT CE: Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 at 11am - 12pm EST  *YOU GET THE RECORDING EVEN IF YOU ...
03/12/2026

ASWB ACT social work CE + AASECT CE: Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 at 11am - 12pm EST
*YOU GET THE RECORDING EVEN IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND LIVE*

Many women struggle with barriers to s*xual desire, pleasure, and self-acceptance that impact both personal wellbeing and intimate relationships. This 1-hour course provides clinicians with frameworks and interventions to support female clients in cultivating deeper connection to their s*xual selves. Participants will explore biopsychosocial influences on female s*xuality, strategies for addressing shame and cultural conditioning, and techniques to enhance body awareness, desire, and s*xual communication. Through clinical tools and case examples, therapists will gain confidence in helping clients develop healthier, more fulfilling s*xual identities and experiences.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to describe 3 biopsychosocial factors that influence female s*xual desire and identity. Participants will be able to demonstrate 3 clinical strategies to help female clients increase self-awareness, reduce shame, and enhance connection to their s*xual selves.

Register here: https://www.rivkasidorsky.com/challenge-page/8e5206ec-13cc-4ea8-affc-966bcf817ef6?programId=8e5206ec-13cc-4ea8-affc-966bcf817ef6&participantId=undefined

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

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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