About

Who I am...
I’ve been a leader in the field of sexology with an emphasis on sexual enhancement for over 35 years. Over that time, I’ve gained invaluable experience working with many types of people and situations. People of all ages and demographics suffer from a range of sexual or relationship concerns to real sexual dysfunctions or breakdowns. Many are just plain stuck at the “sexless” or “no touch” stage.
I’ve been a professor and trainer for 35+ years, a sex educator, a counselor, and I am a pioneer in the new and growing field known as Sex Coaching. In 2005, I authored the very first book on sex coaching, The Art of Sex Coaching: Expanding Your Practice, that serves as the foundation for my own global online training institute at SexCoachU.com.
I’ve been blessed to impact the lives of thousands of individuals and couples through several group-level sexual enrichment programs, as well as numerous media appearances on national TV, magazines, and sex education conferences.
I’ve been a professor and trainer for 35+ years, a sex educator, a counselor, and I am the pioneer in the new growing field known as Sex Coaching. In 2005, I authored the very first book on sex coaching, The Art of Sex Coaching: Expanding Your Practice, that serves as the foundation for my own global online training institute at SexCoachU.com. I’ve been blessed to impact the lives of thousands of individuals and couples through several group-level sexual enrichment programs, as well as numerous media appearances on national TV, magazines, and sex education conferences.
My passion for helping others overcome sexual challenges began with a strong desire and commitment to heal myself. I too have felt the pain of a sexless relationship, loved and lost, overcome the shifting tides of cultural norms around sex and gender, coped with the ravages of living in the body of a 55+ postmenopausal woman.
Having lost a daughter to HIV/AIDS in 2004, I learned what it takes to move from grief and shame and into living life FULL OUT. I’ve done the dating and long-term relationship thing and know what it means to have true authentic intimate relating and sexual ecstasy.
Where I've been...
My passion for helping others overcome sexual challenges began with a strong desire and commitment to heal myself. I, too, have felt the pain of a sexless relationship, loved and lost, overcome the shifting tides of cultural norms around sex and gender, coped with the ravages of living in the body of a 55+ postmenopausal woman.
When I lost my daughter to HIV/AIDS in 2004, I learned what it takes to move from grief and shame and into living life FULL OUT. I’ve done the dating and long-term relationship thing and I know what it means to have true authentic intimate relating and sexual ecstasy.
In 2017, without warning, I lost my soul mate, my beloved Dr. Robert. We lived the dream of fulfilling our mission of training sexologists around the world by promoting sexual healing through our training programs at Sex Coach U and Sexology U. I miss him greatly. But life–and our legacy–goes on.
My passion for helping others overcome sexual challenges began with a strong desire and commitment to heal myself. I, too, have felt the pain of a sexless relationship, loved and lost, overcome the shifting tides of cultural norms around sex and gender, coped with the ravages of living in the body of a 55+ postmenopausal woman.

When I lost my daughter to HIV/AIDS in 2004, I learned what it takes to move from grief and shame and into living life FULL OUT. I’ve done the dating and long-term relationship thing and I know what it means to have true authentic intimate relating and sexual ecstasy.
In 2017, without warning, I lost my soul mate, my beloved Dr. Robert. We lived the dream of fulfilling our mission of training sexologists around the world by promoting sexual healing through our training programs at Sex Coach U and Sexology U. I miss him greatly. But life–and our legacy–goes on.

What keeps me going...
I’ve studied from the top gurus in the world on sex, life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. Now I’m living my passion (and continuing the “PattiandRobert” legacy) by helping others find their own joy and ecstasy in connection with themselves and others. It’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Beyond all the formal education and training, I think of myself as a healer with an intuitive gift when it comes to the nature of our sexual being. As a sex coach, I become a container for others to heal, learn, grow and expand. That’s why I do what I do; it’s an honor to create a unique opportunity for others to heal and discover their true sexual potential.
May you get to experience the joy of deep connection and intimacy that is your birthright.
Join me in my “mantra” to “CELEBRATE YOUR SEXUAL SELF!!!”
Credentials
Dr. Patti Britton has led 55 SAR programs over the past ten years in seven countries to over 1,500 people. She is the author of the only SAR training manual (Routledge Press, 2017). Britton is a nationally board-certified Clinical Sexologist and world renown as the Pioneer of the profession of Sex Coaching. She’s the author of hundreds of articles, book chapters, forewords, and five major books in sexology; a popular speaker to consumers and a seasoned professional trainer for her peers. Dr. Patti has hosted over 40 DVD programs on sexual enhancement. Her media record speaks for itself—with appearances on over 200 television shows, as the featured guest on over 250 interviews for radio, podcasts and media, such as Cosmopolitan, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, celebrity podcasts and popular sexual health-related websites.
Dr. Patti is the very top leadership globally and is a well respected pioneer in the field of sexology. Britton possesses a Ph.D. and Masters in Public Health, both in Human Sexuality. Dr. Patti is a Certified Sex Coach. Her stellar credentials include: Past President of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT); AASECT Sexuality Educator of the Year 2016; Clinical Fellow, American Academy of Clinical Sexologists; Diplomate, American Board of Sexology; AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator/Supervisor; Lifetime member and Advisory Council for the American College of Sexologists International; Member of the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality; National Advisory Board Ambassador of the Woodhull Freedom Foundation; Elected member of the Advisory Committee for the World Association for Sexual Health.
She is also a former Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Sexology for the Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Sexuality; and former Adjunct Faculty at The Chicago School (TCS) of Professional Psychology, Saybrook and Pacifica Institutes. In her capacity as professor, she has chaired more than 30 doctoral dissertations in sexology studies.
Dr. Patti has a private practice in Los Angeles area and online via zoom worldwide. Dr. Patti is the Co-Founder of Sex Coach U, the world’s premier training and credentialing organization for sex coaches.
Each year, Dr. Patti conducts professional trainings, speaks at major events, participates in national magazine/news/website interviews, speaks on radio shows/podcasts, is a featured expert at various virtual summits, and appears on camera for documentaries, webinars, and DVD programs for couples’ sexual enhancement.
Dr. Patti believes that women and men have a divine birthright to experience their full erotic and sexual potential.
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Curricula Vitae / Patti Britton, PhD
Sexological Entrepreneur:
- Nationally Board-Certified Clinical Sexologist
- Certified Sex Coach/Sex Expert
- Former AASECT-Certified CE Provider/Sex Educator Supervisor
- AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator
- 2016 AASECT Sex Educator of the Year
- Conducts private sessions for clients and educational groups
- Former faculty (Professor and Dean of Students) at Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality; The Chicago School of Professional Psychology/Southern California; Pacifica Institute; and Saybrook Institute
- Co-founder & Faculty at Sex Coach U
- Media expert
- Consultant for sexual enhancement DVDs and independent projects
- Clinical research
- Professional trainings, workshops, author of five books and other writings in sexology
- Product development and endorsements toward promotion of ultimate sexual health and well-being for men, women and couples worldwide; 1993-present
Deputy Director, Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS): 1991-1993
Sexual Health Educator, Stanford University Medical School: 1991
President, Celebration Associates: National training and educational programs in sexual health and clinical sexology: 1990-1991
National Coordinator, CDC-funded “Teaching AIDS Training Project” at ETR Associates; 1987-1990
Associate Director of Education, Planned Parenthood Federation of America: 1981-1987
Prior work experiences include positions in public health program management, education and advocacy
Ph.D. Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality, California 1993
Masters in Public Health Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality 2010
B.A., Johnson College, Vermont 1971
Certified Safer Sex Educator & STD/AIDS Instructor
Certified Erotologist
Reiki Level II Practitioner
Feng Shui Certification, Levels I and II
American Academy of Clinical Sexologists (AACS): Fellow
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT): National Past President; Certified Sexuality Educator; Past Chair SAR Task Force; Past Chair of Individual CE Providers
American Board of Sexology (ABS): Diplomate
American College of Sexologists International (ACS): Lifetime Certified Member & Advisory Board member
Feminists for Free Expression (FFE): Founding Member; Professional Speaker
Foundation for Scientific Study of Sexuality (FSSS): Past President & Vice President
National Writers Union: Member in Good Standing
Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television & Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA): Member In Good Standing
Sex Coach University: Co-Founder and Faculty
Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS): Member in Good Standing
Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS):Former Associate Professor of Sexology; Former Academic Dean
Saybrook Institute: Past Adjunct Faculty
Pacifica Institute: Past Adjunct Faculty
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology/So Cal: Past Adjunct Faculty
Woodhull Sexual Freedom Alliance: National Advisory Council Member
World Association of Sex Coaches: Co-Founder
World Association for Sexual Health: International Advisory Committee, North American Secretary, Media Committee Chair (2017-2021)
Faculty Positions
2007-2009: Adjunct faculty at The California Graduate Institute
2009-2019: Adjunct faculty at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology; Pacifica and Saybrook Institutes; former professor and Academic Dean/Faculty at Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality
These are the doctoral dissertation committees on which Dr. Patti has served:
2016: Alexandra Katehakis on” sexual addiction” recovery model for healthy sex; Hazel Grace Yates on impact of workshop to address male sexuality and emotional expression
2015: Kevin Sweers: PsyD: Born This Way: The Lived Experience of Christian Gays, Lesbians and Bisexuals in the Era of Proposition 8/Defense of Marriage Act and Ongoing Faith-based Discrimination Toward Sexual Minorities (pending completion)
2014: Stephanie Johnson: PsyD: Internalized Homophobia and Adult Attachment Styles: A correlation study of bisexual women
2014: Giselle Teller-Holt: PsyD: A Phenomenological Exploration of Compulsive
Sexual Behaviors as an Embodied Experience of Heterosexual Women
2014: Elizabeth Watt: PsyD: The Correlation Between Sexual Attitudes and Sexual Satisfaction
2012: Todd Petrowski: PsyD: The Relationship Between Sexual Activity And Subjective Well-Being In Older Adults
2012: Alana Marie Route: PsyD: High-Risk Sexual Behaviors Among Black Males with Multiple Sex Partners And Their Effects on HIV/AIDS Transmissions
2012: Tiffany Juterbock: PsyD: The Lived Subjective Experience of Married Couples that Partake in Bondage, Dominance, and Sadomasochism
2012: Marjan Bakhtyari: PsyD: Personality Factors In Infidelity In Iranian American Men
2012: Nadia Teymoorian: PsyD: The Application of Scheme Focused Therapy in the Potential Treatment of Romantic Jealousy between Couples
2010: Eric Walker: PsyD: Combining Outdoor Experiential Therapy With Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy For The Non-Residential Treatment Of Young Male Internet Pornography Addiction
2010: Zelana Montminy: PsyD: Happy Eating: An exploration of the association between happiness, optimism and healthful eating
2010: Lee Leibman: PsyD: A Jungian Oriented Treatment Plan for Veterans In Residential Recovery: Psychodrama utilization
2010: Yvette Andrizzi: PsyD: The Effect of Psychological Birth Order on Emotional Expression in Sisters
2010: Geborah Goldberger: PhD: A Study of Atypical and Aberrant Socio-Sexual Behaviors in the Lower Functioning Late Teen and Young Adult Male Population with Autism Spectrum Disorder
2010: Chuck Crook: PsyD: The Phenomenon of Self in Meditation and Psychotherapy
2010: Shannon Chavez: PsyD: An Attachment-Oriented Psychodynamic Therapy Manual for The Treatment of Love Addiction
2009: Annie McElhinney Kirln: PsyD: A Treatment Plan For Elimination Of Sexual Compulsions Utilizing Attachment Theory And ETT ™
2007: DoJuana Hairston: Theoretical Treatment Model For Families Of Sexual Minority Youth; A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy And Strategic Family Therapy Perspective
Saybrook Institute: 2011-2104
- 2014: Nawachi Tafari: Doctoral essay: “Evolution of Sex Coaching” and doctoral committee
- 2014: Dana Waters: Doctoral Essay: “Levels of Relationship Satisfaction Associated with Sexual Emotions”
- 2012: Alex Baker: Masters Thesis: “Sexual Wellness Enrichment and Enhancement Training Model: A modified mind-body skills group for adult populations”
Pacifica Institute: 2012-2013
- Susan Robertson: 2013; Independent Study on Sexual Healing Journey
American Academy of Clinical Sexologists: 2014
- Rhoda Lipscomb: PhD dissertation: ”The Clinical Mental Health Experience of Persons with Paraphilic Infantilism and Autoepiophilia: A phenomenological research study”
Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality: 1993-2017
Associate Professor of Sexology and Academic Dean
2014-2017
- Patricia Futia: on female orgasm disorders
- Christina Stein: on treating female sexual desire
- Claude Cruz: on a new model for the SRC
- Cari O’Neal on a new model for sexual wellness/optimal sex
- Celina Mueller: on the impact of IASHS on the sex positive culture
- Iris Bettan: on sexual values and issues among Orthodox Jewish culture
- Valeria Chuba; on the impact of cuckolding on male sexual empowerment
- Jane Guyn; on women over 55 and body image
- Janet Morrison: on the impact of age-gap relationships with older women/younger male sexual partners
- Norelyn Parker; on a new sexuality-inclusive model for resiliency training for military couples
- Stephanie Hunter Jones: on self empowerment among indoor female sex workers
- Anadel Barbour: on using a mindfulness approach to sober sex
Prior to 2014:
Turen, Elise. Ph.D. 2006. The Implications Of Internalized Transphobia For The Transition MTF Transsexual. [Dr. Patti Britton, Committee Member]
Bischof Guscetti, Karoline. Ph.D. 2004. Women’s Sexuality After Childbirth. [Dr. Patti Britton, Chair]
Berkowitz, Robert. Ph.D. 2002. The Naked Television: The Sometimes Dysfunctional Relationship Between Sex And TV. [Dr. Patti Britton, Committee Member]
Mullin, Caitlin. Ph.D. 2002. Voices In The Wind: South African Women Forging New Frontiers In Sexual And Reproductive Health. [Dr. Patti Britton, Chair]
Contessini, Claudia. Ph.D. 2000. The Therapeutic and Recreational Potential Of X-Rated Videos For Women: A Quantitative And Qualitative Study Of Australian Women Viewers. [Dr. Patti Britton, Chair]
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Press Kit
- Foreword: Sizzling Sex for Life: Everything You Need to Know to Maximize Erotic Pleasure at Any Age. M. Castleman. Skyhorse. (2021)
- Designing and Leading a Successful SAR: A Guide for Sex Therapists, Sexuality Educators, and Sexologists. Routledge (2017)
- Loving Sex for Loving Couples: An intimate guide to passionate relationships; Alexander Institute. CA. 2016
- Editorial Board/ Section Editor/author for the International Encyclopedia of Human Sexuality; Wiley-Blackwell (2015)
- PsychCritiques: Reviewer of critical sexology books and films (2007-present)
- Penthouse Forum; Regular sex columnist; 2004-2007
- Front cover blurb for The Heart & Soul of Sex; The Sex Bible, and other books
- The Art of Sex Coaching, W.W. Norton & Co. 2005
- Original material published online at www.iVillage.com and at www.yoursexcoach.com (400+ articles); 1996-present
- The Marriage Medics; Chapter on sex for couples; www.themarriagemedics.com; 2004.
- Complete Idiot’s Guide to Sensual Massage, Alpha Books, 2003.
- Foreword: Sexy Encounters, by Carole Pasahow, Adams Media, 2003.
- The Adventures of Her in France, an illustrated, erotic novel. Leopard Rising. 2001
- “How-To Sex Videos”; article in Libido Magazine. Spring 2000
- “Women Who Make Porn: The Influence of Gender on the Content and Approach of Porn Videos”; chapter in Porn 101: Eroticism, Pornography, and the First Amendment. 1999
- Leaders’ and Viewers’ Guides to accompany video, “HIV/AIDS: It Can Happen to Me…”; American Association for Retired Persons (AARP). 1996
- “Smart Sex: Report on Sex Survey”; article in Penthouse Magazine. 1996
- “Sex in the City”; Sex & relationship advice columns for Manhattan Spirit, NYC weekly newspaper. 1994-95 (over 50 articles)
- Comprehensive School Health Education Curriculum; 15 lessons, grades 7-12. State of Arizona, Department of Education. 1994
- “Let’s Get Over It, Girlfriends…”; article in Adult Video News. 1994
- “Sex, Love and Aging…Get the Facts!”; factsheet on sexuality and aging. AARP. 1994
- Comprehensive School Health Education Curriculum; 60 lessons, grades K-12. State of Arizona, Department of Education. 1993
- Feminism and Free Speech: Pornography; Feminists for Free Expression (FFE), New York. 1993
- Comparative Quantitative Analysis of the Similarities and Differences in Female- Versus Male-Directed/Produced/Written Commercial Sex Films and Videos (1980-90); Doctoral dissertation. Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality, California. 1993
- “Education Through Ignorance”; Index on Censorship: The International Magazine for Free Expression (Vol. 22, No. 1), London, England. 1993
- Talk About Sex: a booklet for young people on how to talk about sexuality and HIV/AIDS; Sex Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS), New York. 1992
- Future Directions: HIV/AIDS Education in the Nation’s Schools; SIECUS, New York. 1992
- Training Educators in HIV Prevention: An In-Service Manual; ETR Associates, Network Publications, California. 1990
- “What is Safer Sex?”; article for California AIDS Clearinghouse. 1989
- A Comprehensive Guide to AIDS Information: More Than a Hundred Ways to Teach About AIDS; Planned Parenthood Federation of America, New York. 1987
- Foreword: Sizzling Sex for Life: Everything You Need to Know to Maximize Erotic Pleasure at Any Age. M. Castleman. Skyhorse. (2021)
- Designing and Leading a Successful SAR: A Guide for Sex Therapists, Sexuality Educators, and Sexologists. Routledge (2017)
- Loving Sex for Loving Couples: An intimate guide to passionate relationships; Alexander Institute. CA. 2016
- Editorial Board/ Section Editor/author for the International Encyclopedia of Human Sexuality; Wiley-Blackwell (2015)
- PsychCritiques: Reviewer of critical sexology books and films (2007-present)
- Penthouse Forum; Regular sex columnist; 2004-2007
- Front cover blurb for The Heart & Soul of Sex; The Sex Bible, and other books
- The Art of Sex Coaching, W.W. Norton & Co. 2005
- Original material published online at www.iVillage.com and at www.yoursexcoach.com (400+ articles); 1996-present
- The Marriage Medics; Chapter on sex for couples; www.themarriagemedics.com; 2004.
- Complete Idiot’s Guide to Sensual Massage, Alpha Books, 2003.
- Foreword: Sexy Encounters, by Carole Pasahow, Adams Media, 2003.
- The Adventures of Her in France, an illustrated, erotic novel. Leopard Rising. 2001
- “How-To Sex Videos”; article in Libido Magazine. Spring 2000
- “Women Who Make Porn: The Influence of Gender on the Content and Approach of Porn Videos”; chapter in Porn 101: Eroticism, Pornography, and the First Amendment. 1999
- Leaders’ and Viewers’ Guides to accompany video, “HIV/AIDS: It Can Happen to Me…”; American Association for Retired Persons (AARP). 1996
- “Smart Sex: Report on Sex Survey”; article in Penthouse Magazine. 1996
- “Sex in the City”; Sex & relationship advice columns for Manhattan Spirit, NYC weekly newspaper. 1994-95 (over 50 articles)
- Comprehensive School Health Education Curriculum; 15 lessons, grades 7-12. State of Arizona, Department of Education. 1994
- “Let’s Get Over It, Girlfriends…”; article in Adult Video News. 1994
- “Sex, Love and Aging…Get the Facts!”; factsheet on sexuality and aging. AARP. 1994
- Comprehensive School Health Education Curriculum; 60 lessons, grades K-12. State of Arizona, Department of Education. 1993
- Feminism and Free Speech: Pornography; Feminists for Free Expression (FFE), New York. 1993
- Comparative Quantitative Analysis of the Similarities and Differences in Female- Versus Male-Directed/Produced/Written Commercial Sex Films and Videos (1980-90); Doctoral dissertation. Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality, California. 1993
- “Education Through Ignorance”; Index on Censorship: The International Magazine for Free Expression (Vol. 22, No. 1), London, England. 1993
- Talk About Sex: a booklet for young people on how to talk about sexuality and HIV/AIDS; Sex Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS), New York. 1992
- Future Directions: HIV/AIDS Education in the Nation’s Schools; SIECUS, New York. 1992
- Training Educators in HIV Prevention: An In-Service Manual; ETR Associates, Network Publications, California. 1990
- “What is Safer Sex?”; article for California AIDS Clearinghouse. 1989
- A Comprehensive Guide to AIDS Information: More Than a Hundred Ways to Teach About AIDS; Planned Parenthood Federation of America, New York. 1987