The American Association of Certified Christian Sexual Addiction Specialists began in 2004 when a group of therapists recognized the need to train and equip professionals and pastors to address the problem of sexual addiction in churches and communities.  Richard Blankenship and Mark Laaser were the founding members.  Richard continues in his role as executive director.  The organization has been served by many distinguished professionals on the executive board and advisory board. 

Mark and Richard developed the first graduate course in sexual addiction counseling.  While it is no longer taught at a university, it is now available through Cornerstone Training.  The original course was entitled “Advanced Sexual Addiction Counseling.”  Unfortunately many highly qualified students were not able to get into the course due to administrative requirements from the graduate institution.  The decision was made to move the course to a venue where it would be more accessible to qualified professionals and church leaders.  This course is now taught in it’s entirety through Cornerstone Training under the title “Understanding and Treating Sexual Addiction.”  An advanced course was developed that went beyond the basic training of the first class.  It is now taught through Cornerstone Training under the title “Sexually Addicted Families.”  This provides a more thorough educational foundation than we have been able to offer in the past.

The organization has grown to where we have therapists certified in the United States and Canada.  Our goal is to certify professional counselors who will be able to treat sex addicts and their families in all 50 states and to have an international impact as well.  The pastoral certification is for leaders of churches, parachurch organizations, and ministries to be able to educate and recognize the needs of sex addicts and their families.  The American Association of Certified Christian Sexual Addiction Specialists, Inc. is devoted exclusively to improving the profession and providing support for those working in this industry.