1.1 The objectives of the International Association of Psychosexual Therapists are dedicated to advancing the field of psychosexual therapy as a science and profession. The primary goal is to promote overall health, education, and human welfare by fostering the broad and inclusive development of psychosexual therapy. This is achieved through:

• 1.1.1 Encouraging and supporting all aspects of psychosexual therapy with a systematic and comprehensive approach.
• 1.1.2 Promoting and enhancing research endeavors within psychosexual therapy while refining research methodologies and conditions.
• 1.1.3 Elevating the proficiency and value of psychosexual therapists by upholding high standards in ethics, conduct, education, and professional accomplishments.
• 1.1.4 Establishing and upholding the utmost standards of ethical conduct among the Association's members.
• 1.1.5 Expanding and disseminating knowledge in psychosexual therapy through gatherings, professional interactions, reports, papers, discussions, and publications.

1.2 By pursuing these objectives, the Association aims to further scientific interests and exploration and to apply research discoveries effectively for the enhancement of health, education, and the general welfare of the public.

2.1 Membership Categories
The International Association of Psychosexual Therapists (IAPST) recognizes four membership categories: Certified Members, Full Members, Associate Members, and Student Members. The Association may additionally confer Fellow Status upon qualifying members as set forth in Section 2.6.

3.1 All Certified, Associate, and Student Members are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards and conduct themselves in a manner that preserves the integrity of the Association within the field of psychosexual therapy. Conduct that breaches ethical principles or damages the Association’s reputation may result in disciplinary action.

3.2 Allegations of misconduct shall be referred to the Ethics Committee. The Ethics Committee is responsible for establishing and enforcing rules for disciplinary procedures, which are subject to approval by the Association's Executive Committee.

3.3 Former members may reapply for membership after a specified period, provided they demonstrate restored ethical and professional qualifications. Reapplication will require review and recommendation by the Ethics Committee, with final approval by the Executive Committee.

3.4 Resignations from Certified, Associate, or Student Members are typically accepted by the Executive Committee. However, if a member is under investigation by the Ethics Committee due to allegations of misconduct, the acceptance of their resignation will be subject to review and decision by the Ethics Committee.

4.1 All Members and Fellows of the International Association of Psychosexual Therapists shall possess the right to vote, hold office, and seek fair consideration for governance roles within the Association in accordance with their membership status. Voting in any Association election may be conducted in person or by electronic means.

4.2 Every Member and Fellow shall be accorded respect and treated without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or mental or physical disability.

4.3 Any individual Member or group of Members who believes that their rights under this Article, or any other rights, have been infringed upon by actions of any part of the Association's governance structure or by any Association employee(s), may seek recourse through procedures established by the Council of Representatives.

5.1 The annual Association dues shall be determined by the Membership and Certification Committee and approved by the Executive Committee.

5.2 Nonpayment of dues after thirty (30) days shall be considered equivalent to a voluntary resignation (see Article 2.8) from the Association.

5.6 Members, including Fellows, Certified Members, or Associate members aged seventy (70) or older and retired, qualify for a fifty percent (50%) annual dues reduction. Such members shall retain all rights and privileges.

5.7 Any member adjudged as totally and permanently disabled, with appropriate documentation, shall be exempt from annual dues. Such members shall maintain all other rights and privileges within the Association.

6.1 The Executive Committee comprises voting members, including the President, Vice President, Executive Officer, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Founding President, Member-at-Large, and President-Elect. Additionally, non-voting honorary Committee placement is granted to the Student Representative. All members, except the Founding President, shall continue in their roles until their successors are duly elected and assume office.

6.2 Regular meetings of the Executive Committee shall convene at least quarterly at times and locations determined by a vote among the Committee members. The Board shall establish a mechanism for the timely resolution of issues that arise.

In alignment with the Objects of the International Association of Psychosexual Therapists, and without extending beyond or deviating from those Objects, the Association and it’s Executive Committee hold the authority:

1. 7.1 To serve as a central entity for consultations on matters of educational or public interest regarding psychosexual therapy.
2. 7.2 To promote, endorse, and oversee education, training, and clinical standards within the principles, practice, and expertise of psychosexual therapy.
3. 7.3 To maintain and disclose a register of members encompassing their qualifications, appointments, and experience.
4. 7.4 To institute and oversee systems for accrediting and/or registering counselors, therapists, supervisors, trainers, and other individuals, organizations, or activities associated with psychosexual therapy as deemed appropriate.
5. 7.5 To acquire and lease approval for the utilization and assignment of the trademarked title Certified Psychosexual Therapist™ and the post-nominal letters C-PST™.
6. 7.6 To establish services beneficial to the public and members, fostering their interests and enhancing members' efficiencies, skills, knowledge, and abilities within the psychosexual therapy profession.
7. 7.7 To accept donations or transfers of money or any property, regardless of any specific trust.
8. 7.8 To fundraise, ensuring compliance with relevant statutory regulations and refraining from substantial, enduring taxable trading.
9. 7.9 To acquire, lease, exchange, hire, or otherwise obtain and possess any real or personal estate.
10. 7.10 To manage, modify, or equip for utilization of any real or personal estate.
11. 7.11 To construct, maintain, enhance, or alter any buildings under the Association's current interest.
12. 7.12 Subject to legal consent to sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of all or part of the Association's real or personal estate.
13. 7.12 Subject to legal consent to borrow or raise money, offering security for loans or grants.
14. 7.13 To offer financial grants or loans, provide guarantees, or offer security for contract performance.
15. 7.14 To collaborate, including information exchange and advisory support, and to establish arrangements with other bodies—international, national, local, or otherwise.
16. 7.15 To create or support charitable trusts, associations, companies, institutions, or other bodies aligned with the charitable purposes within the Objects.
17. 7.16 To merge with or acquire any other charity aligned with the Objects.
18. 7.17 To engage in partnerships, joint ventures, or agreements with bodies sharing similar objectives, wholly or partially aligned with the Objects.
19. 7.18 To affiliate with or accept affiliation from bodies sharing similar objectives, wholly or partially aligned with the Objects.
20. 7.19 To reserve funds for specific purposes or as reserves against future expenditures adhering to a documented reserves policy.
21. 7.20 To hold the Charitys’ investments or property in the name of a nominee, controlled by the Executive Committee or a financial expert under their instructions, and to pay any reasonable fees required.
22. 7.21 To insure and arrange various types of insurance covering the Association, its assets, property, employees, volunteers, or members, as necessary.
23. 7.22 To provide indemnity insurance covering the Executive Committee or any officer of the Charity, excluding specific liabilities outlined in the provisions.
24. 7.23 To employ and remunerate individuals to supervise, organize, conduct, or advise the Association.
25. 7.24 To engage in contracts providing services on behalf of other bodies.
26. 7.26 To establish and run an Annual Convention of the Association at a time and place to be determined by the Executive Committee. Joint meetings with related societies shall be subject to the approval of the Executive Committee.
27. 7.27 To establish subsidiary companies aiding or serving as agents for the Charity.
28. 7.28 To disseminate information through publications, exhibitions, meetings, lectures, classes, seminars, courses, or in collaboration with other entities.
29. 7.29 To produce, circulate, and distribute written, printed, or electronic materials, including periodicals, magazines, books, leaflets, documents, films, recorded tapes, or electronic media materials.
30. 7.30 To foster and conduct research related to the Objects and disseminate research outcomes.
31. 7.31 To act as a trustee for any trust.
32. 7.32 To make charitable donations in cash or assets.
33. 7.33 To seek legal authority or support, advocate legislative measures, and petition public entities affecting the Association’s interests.
34. 7.34 To use the Association’s funds to cover costs related to the formation, registration, or other incidental expenses associated with the Charity as a company and charity.
35. 7.35 To do all such other lawful things as are calculated to further the Objects, or any of them, or are incidental or conducive to doing so.

8.1 Each year, the Election Committee will send a notice to all voting members of the Association requesting nominations for the staggered positions of the Executive Committee. Electronic nomination ballots will be distributed to the membership forty-five (45) days before the annual conference. These ballots will have space for members to list at least three names in order of preference. Following this, the Committee will create a final election ballot that includes the names of the three individuals receiving the highest number of nominating votes for each position.

8.2 The Election Committee shall assess the eligibility of nominees and confirm their willingness to stand for office. In cases where any nominee is deemed ineligible or unwilling to stand for office, the name of the next-ranked person from the preferential count shall be substituted.

8.3 The election of new committee members will occur on the first day of the annual conference. Members who are unable to attend the annual conference may cast their votes through electronic ballots, which will become available ten (10) days prior to the annual conference. Proxy votes will not be accepted.

8.4 Winners of the election will be announced during the annual conference.

9.1 The terms for elected executive board positions shall be staggered to ensure continuity in leadership and organizational stability, including President, Vice President (VP), Executive Officer, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Member at Large, and President-Elect.

9.2 The election process for each position shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions outlined in these bylaws.

9.3 Outgoing executive board members shall provide support and transition assistance to newly elected members to ensure a seamless transfer of responsibilities.

9.4 The staggered terms aim to maintain consistency in the executive board while allowing for new perspectives and ideas to be integrated into leadership over time.

9.5 The terms for newly elected executive board members shall commence at the conclusion of the annual meeting following their election.

9.6 This article is subject to any additional provisions outlined in these bylaws regarding the election process, eligibility criteria, and voting procedures.

9.7 Members of the Executive Committee, through procedures outlined in the Association Rules, shall serve a three-year term and may not serve more than 2 consecutive terms.

9.8 In the event of a President's death, disability, resignation, or removal, vacancies shall be filled following procedures outlined in the Association Rules.

10.1 The Association establishes the following committees: Ethics, Membership, Certification, and Students.

10.2 New committees may be formed upon the request of members or when deemed necessary by the Executive Committee, with approval through a majority vote of the Executive Committee.

10.3 Committee members serve alternating two-year terms to ensure continuity and stability within the committees.

11.1 The official corporate seal of the Association shall be as follows:

12.1 The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern the Association in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any special rules of order the Association may adopt.