Breaking Barriers: Therapy Student Exposes Controversial Sex Education Practices and Loses Internship

Naomi Epps Best, a therapy student, was let go from her internship after she spoke up about her university’s program. She found it disturbing that students were required to share intimate sexual details and even tour a BDSM dungeon as part of their training.

Naomi, 26, started her journey at Santa Clara University in 2021, with the goal of becoming a marriage and family therapist. At first, she noticed some unconventional beliefs in her program, but it escalated into discomforting territory. In her human sexuality class, she was asked to write down personal dislikes about her genitals and share details about her intimate life with classmates.

The situation reached a breaking point when a professor presented a video featuring BDSM practices. Naomi felt it was inappropriate, stating, “This isn’t clinically relevant to becoming a good therapist.” After openly expressing her concerns, she wrote an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal, which led to her dismissal from the internship.

In her op-ed, titled “Santa Clara University’s Crazy Idea of Human Sexuality,” published in June, Naomi criticized the program’s radical approach. After she shared her thoughts, she was met with backlash during a meeting with her director and fellow interns. She felt attacked, with some insinuating that she might pose a danger to clients.

Now, because of her firing, Naomi faces a delayed graduation. She reflects on the larger issues within the field, noting that many professionals have been silent about similar concerns for decades. She’s received numerous messages from others feeling uneasy about the current trends in therapy education.

Experts in psychology have noted a growing tension in therapeutic practices. According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association, nearly 45% of therapists feel pressured to adapt to progressive ideologies that clash with traditional therapeutic methods. This shift raises questions about pluralism and scientific validity in therapy standards.

Naomi remains hopeful. She’s connecting with veteran therapists who value diverse perspectives. “It’s tough but encouraging to know that I’m not alone in this,” she said. “Many are reaching out to support me.”

While her journey has been challenging, Naomi is driven by the desire for better training standards in therapy. Her story showcases the struggle many feel when standing up against prevailing norms in mental health training.

As the conversation around therapy evolves, it’s clear that open dialogue and diverse viewpoints are critical for the future of mental health education. Exploring what it means to be a therapist in today’s world remains crucial for both students and clients alike.



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