Meet Them Where They Are: Can Sexuality Education Go Down on Social Networking Sites?

Presenter: Becky Anthony, LCSW, MSW, MEd

Learning Objective(s): To identify sexuality education strategies that can be utilized specifically on social networking sites.

Abstract: Social Networking Sites (SNS), such as Facebook and Myspace, have become household names, especially with pre-teens, teens, and young adults. Magazine articles, blogs, journal articles and even a Hollywood movie, "The Social Network," have propelled SNS into the cultural forefront and established their relevance in the global community. Currently, the main researchers of SNS are institutions of higher education with a focus on formal educational advancements and businesses with an interest in marketing. Gerlich, Browing and Westermann (2010) suggest educators take advantage of this opportunity as a way to connect with students in a medium that they are already utilizing. While their study was conducted with college students with a university focused educational system, sexuality educational organizations can also benefit from this educational opportunity for similar reasons. Little research has been conducted specifically about how sexuality education organizations are use SNS or how sexuality education is being offered via SNS. Levine (2011) suggested that new approaches to sexuality education need to be flexible and open to new technological avenues. Sexuality educators are always looking for new and successful ways to reach youth and young adults, and social networking sites are the medium to use now. Since social networking sites are such an integrated part of western societies, using them to promote sexuality education could serve to reach a different audience and provide the education in a familiar and non-threatening way (Levin, 2009). This interactive workshop will provide a review of the current literature about social networking sites and how they are currently being used in the broad field of education. Participants will be asked to interact and share their opinions whether social networking sites are appropriate tools for sexuality education. Participants will be encouraged to start the dialogue around this important topic, based on their opinions, either by identifying potential sexuality education strategies that can be developed for social networking sites or by generating a list of barriers to explain why social networking sites might not be appropriate avenues for sexual education. Participants will clarify their own opinions on whether social networking sites can be used for sexuality educational purposes and be able to discuss the possible barriers to using these sites for sexuality education. Additionally, participants will identify and learn specific techniques and helpful hints for how they can tap into the potential sexuality educational benefits of social networking sites.

Transforming Fraternities’ Sexual Culture with Student-Centered Pleasure-Focused, Gender-Inclusive Sexuality Education

Presenters: Susan Stiritz, MBA, MSW, PhD, CSE

Learning Objective(s): To be able to list four primary barriers to gender synergy on college campuses today-conditions that contribute to high rates of risky sex, sexual harassment and assault; to list four lessons young men in this program affirmed helped them improve the sexual cultures in their fraternity houses; to name four principles of intergroup dialogue, which foster gender synergy.

Abstract: The U.S. Office of Education’s new zero-tolerance of sexual harassment and assault on campuses signals it is time to work on homophobia and misogyny enshrined in universities’ fraternity cultures. This workshop shares exciting results of a new course, “Designing Sexuality Education: Service-Learning,” in which an undergraduate Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies class designed and implemented for a campus fraternity a semester-long, sex positive, gender inclusive, student-centered sexuality education program using principles of intergroup dialogue. Because sex is often experienced as highly personal and so is rarely broached candidly, students talking to each other about sexuality accelerated the effects of intergroup dialogue. This class contributes new evidence that sexuality education can provide transformative benefits beyond reducing risks of pregnancy, stis, and sexual coerciveness. The workshop shares the needs assessment, syllabus, readings, and evaluation for this course as well as a narrative of what happened when feminists challenged male sexual supremacy on campus.

Exposing Influence: Helping your Students Understand Sex, Love, & Relationships via the Media

Presenters: Ranee Alison Spina

Learning Objective(s): To discover what are the top influencing media sources on sexual behavior today. To learn how to utilize the media's content to effectively convey sexually realistic messages to students.

Abstract: We are a culture that imitates. Whether it is hairstyles, platform high heels, baggy pants or oversized sunglasses, teenage consumers copy what they deem "cool," popular or the societal norm. Being "sexy" has become part of the societal norm and there are abundant media sources to fuel students' intrigued minds. Back in 1999, Steele studied influencing factors and discovered that "teenagers are affected by the way they use, understand or oppose suggestions from the media, often allowing the media to define sex, love and relationships for them." Steele has been cited over and over again because this study states what we have all witnessed to be true—the media can easily become the default educator. If we can successfully teach students to recognize images and messages in the media that are unrealistic, they are less likely to be negatively affected by them. As SEICUS' Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education suggest, we have a responsibility to help students deal effectively with media influences. Activities during the two hour workshop will include interactive discussion, media viewing and a group project. The first part presents an overview of the significant challenges that educators face because of mass media and societal norms. The second part will breakdown the various media influences (TV, magazines, advertising and the internet) and through specific examples the group will learn and discuss how to take the unrealistic behaviors and/or consequences and convert them into an effective teaching strategy. The third part allows for participants to collectively create a teaching solution to a media clip. Through the use of Hulu.com and YouTube.com, the group will examine media messages that affect the behavior of students such as: understanding sexual identities and orientations of others, respecting one's own body, taking responsibility for one's own behavior, and what it means to fall in love or be sexually attracted to someone.

Sexual Health Education for Health Professionals

Presenters: lore m. dickey, PhD
Eddie J. Turner, MD, MPH
LeConté J. Dill, DrPH
Khusdeep Malhotra, DDS, MPH

Learning Objective(s): To describe methods for addressing the educational needs of health professionals in addressing sexual needs of clients and patients with an emphasis on LGBT individuals.

Abstract: Sexual health affects people across the lifespan. Concerns range from sexual dysfunctions (e.g., erectile dysfunction) to fertility concerns, finding a partner to making decisions as a couple and coming out to exploring sexuality. It is not uncommon for people to take these concerns to a healthcare provider. However, it also is not uncommon for people to feel as though these topics are off limits. The Center for Excellence in Sexual Health (CESH) has developed a comprehensive guide to addressing the training needs of health professionals. This guide was developed in response to the Surgeon General's Call to Action to Promote Sexual Health and Responsible Sexual Behavior. This report, published ten years ago, was a ground-breaking resource published by the federal government that addressed the clear need to discuss sexual health concerns in the U.S. Sexual health is a public health concern. A recent study (Obedin-Maliver, et al, 2011) showed that medical schools included an average of five hours of training on the topic of LGBT health care needs. One of the reasons respondents gave for why so little time is spent on this topic includes the admission that faculty are not prepared to address these topics with students. According to CESH and others sources, barriers to training include inadequate knowledge of the subject matter, a lack of comfort in discussing sexual concerns or details, commonly held misconceptions about sexuality, a lack of skill, values conflicts, the assumption that someone else will address the content and a lack of time. While each of these has some merit, there also are clear solutions to addressing these concerns. The CESH model curriculum covers 18 topic areas and includes the necessary lesson plans to provide experiential training on the topic of sexual health. In this session, we will review the research about the coverage of sexual health in medical school and allied health program curriculum. We also will review sample lesson plans for this content. Finally, we will talk about other gaps in training across health-related disciplines.

Understanding Swingers and the Swinging Lifestyle

Presenters: Edward M. Fernandes, PhD

Learning Objective(s): To acquire a comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter.

Abstract: Swinging is fast becoming part of main stream society. This presentation will focus on the functional understanding of swinging and swingers. The findings of four research studies on the topic will be presented and the implication of such findings discussed. These studies were conducted by the author in the last three years regarding swingers' sexual and marital satisfaction, STI profiles, swinging protocols and sexual activities and swinging satisfaction. Participants will be divided in small groups and asked to discuss the implications of swinging in everyday life. The results of the following studies will be discussed. Study1: The marital and sexual satisfaction of a sample of 1,376 men and women swingers were examined. Data revealed that both men and women in the sample scored high on marital and sexual satisfaction scales. No statistical differences were found in the scores of men and women in these measures. Further, both men and women scored high on swinging satisfaction. Study 2: The prevalence and incidence of STIs among a population of swingers were measured through a self-reporting protocol. Data were collected from 2,727 participants using a survey posted on 15 international swinger's dating sites. The study explored areas of sexual behavior, safe sex practices and STI history. The results showed that swingers had a lower incidence of STI than that of the general population. However, a larger percentage of women than men reported having contracted an STI through swinging sexual activity. Moreover, overall, swingers reported using protection on a regular basis (over 78 percent) and were tested for STIs at least once a year. Again, swingers reported a high level of satisfaction with their swinging activities. Study 3: The relationship between positive feelings of individual well-being was measured by scores in the self-determination and swinging satisfaction. This study compared the scores of 3,242 swingers in the self-determination scale with scores in a swinging satisfaction scale. The results showed that individuals scoring higher on the self-determination scale also scored high on the swinging satisfaction scale. Study 4: A data mining study was conducted to identify swingers' social clubs online as well as resorts catering to swingers and swinging activities. There are an estimated 15 million people worldwide engaging in some form or organized swinging activities. Additionally, there are swingers' social clubs in all of the U.S. with the exception of Idaho and there are over fifty social swinging dating sites with an average membership of over 1,000,000 members. Results also found that swing chat rooms and adult sites are multiplying at an increased rate on the internet, on-premise swing clubs are rapidly expanding in every state and Canadian province (there are at least over 400 clubs continent-wide), Caribbean swingers resorts are estimated to number over twenty and there is an estimated 22 million dollars of monthly revenue from all swing sites and resorts.

BDSM Explorations: Spank Me, Tease Me, Tie Me, Please Me

Presenters: Artemis Hunter

Learning Objective(s): To learn how BDSM can be therapeutic and enhance relationships. To explore toys/equipment associated with BDSM play, uses, and skillful applications.

Abstract: Margaret Nichols, PhD, wrote a wonderful article published in the spring of 2011 in American Family Therapy Academy called "Couples and Kinky Sexuality: The Need for a New Therapeutic Approach." (http://www.afta.org/files/AFTA_Monograph_11_.pdf) In this article, Dr. Nichols casts a positive alternative view into the rapidly growing world of BDSM, something that remains a mystery to many. Though many people participate in BDSM activities, it is still something that carries negative stigma; therefore many choose to remain closeted concerning their participation. Knowing about the BDSM lifestyle and practices can help prepare those in Sexual Health fields for encounters with those participating in BDSM activities. The purpose of this workshop is to focus on how BDSM can be therapeutic and enhance relationships, along with exploring toys/equipment associated with BDSM play, uses and skillful applications. Artemis Hunter, a well respected presenter and stage performer in the world of BDSM, brings to you a seasoned insider's perspective. From basement play parties in the back woods of Tennessee to the bright lights and big city nights at L.A.'s hottest kink conventions, Artemis discusses the impact of kink on small and large scales. Don't miss this opportunity to get up close and personal with someone well versed in the world of kink. A well seasoned BDSM practitioner, Artemis is known in BDSM circles specifically for her powerful use of erotic, shibari inspired, rope applications and sensual play that often leads to surprisingly moving, emotional and therapeutic results. Come take a guided tour through a well stocked and diverse BDSM toy bag containing sample items that range from the mild to the wild, from the tame to the "Oh, that's scary!", and from the quick and simple to the time intensive and complex. Learn not just about the items, but how they are used in play and the roles they serve in enhancing consensual adult play. Items will be available for participants to sample and skill test. With the popularity of BDSM growing, now is an opportunity to get find out more about a lifestyle that speaks volumes to those brave enough to step out of their comfort zones and bravely explore. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a clearer understanding BDSM play and how it can enhance sexual expression.

Sex Ed Justice: Strategies for Building Community Partnerships for Sexuality Education

Presenters: Shannon Rauh, MEd, CSE

Learning Objective(s): To explain Sex Ed Justice and Reproductive Justice. To identify strategies for aligning Sexuality Education, Reproductive Justice and Sex Ed Justice with marginalized communities.

Abstract: This workshop will address the difference between sexuality education and sex ed justice and why is it important to collaborate, support and organize within marginalized communities around sexuality education. It will explore best practices for delivering sexuality education and how Sex Ed Justice and Reproductive Justice (RJ) framework supports such practices. This framework supports inclusion of all in sexuality education as a way to build youth leadership, advocate for gender equality/inclusion and educate families and communities on sexual health. This workshop will review how RJ differs from the reproductive health/rights approach to sexuality education. We will discuss collaborations and current programs that are using RJ to address the gaps in sexuality education. In addition, we will look at evidence based interventions and how to integrate RJ and Sex Ed Justice within them. Participants will have an opportunity to walk the "RJ/Sex Ed Justice Timeline" and discuss how marginalized communities can advocate for sexuality education. This session will include large group discussion, small group discussion and interactive activities.

Charting a Course to Improve School-Based Sexual Health Education: The National Sexuality Education Standards

Presenters: Monica Rodriguez, MS and Barbara Huberman

Learning Objective(s): To increase awareness of the National Sexuality Education Standards and their academic and social context. To understand the application of the Standards to existing and emerging student concerns about sexuality such as gender-based bullying, sexting, and pregnancy and disease prevention. To know resources for effectively introducing the Standards to their school stakeholders.

Abstract: The quality and content of comprehensive sexuality education varies greatly depending on the state, district, school and even teacher.  Four leading national health and education organizations along with Advocates for Youth, Answer and SIECUS, released the first ever National Sexuality Education Standards: Core Content and Skill K-12 in January 2011. This session will provide the background, rationale and process by which the Standards were created and strategies for adoption and implementation for health professionals working on the front lines of sexuality education nationwide.

Sexuality After Cancer: Issues & Solutions

Presenters: Ellen Barnard, MSSW

Learning Objective(s): To describe one significant physical or psychological effect that cancer treatment has on sexual function. To identify at least one specific strategy to address one psychological and one physiologic change caused by cancer treatment and affecting sexual function.

Abstract: With more people surviving cancer than ever before and a growing "survivorship" movement, the need to understand cancer treatment's effects on sexual function is growing concomitantly. Survivors and their partners are struggling with these effects, and the health care system is not prepared to deal with helping them address their sexual function concerns. Sex educators, counselors and therapists are the most likely professionals to be approached for help, as they have many of the basic skills needed to assist cancer survivors and partners in this journey. This workshop will discuss the physiologic and psychological factors required for healthy, pleasurable sexual function and how those factors are specifically affected by the most common cancer treatments. Participants will learn the typical stages that a cancer survivor and partner go through during and after cancer treatment in regard to sexuality and sexual function. They will also learn specific strategies for addressing both these physiologic and psychological changes in order to assist survivors and their partners in achieving satisfying sexual health and pleasure. The methodology will include lecture, group discussion, interactive exercises and handouts which may be used in educational and therapeutic settings. The workshop will build upon the basic knowledge and skills that practicing educators, counselors and therapists possess, and enable them to comfortably work with cancer survivors and their partners to address and ameliorate a variety of sexual function concerns following treatment.

Utilizing Tantric Methods as Interventions in Sex Therapy Practice

Presenters: Sally Valentine, PhD, LCSW

Learning Objective(s): To learn when to implement tantric methods in a psychotherapeutic practice setting. To learn step by step guide to teaching tantric methods in a psychotherapeutic practice setting.

Abstract: Individuals and couples come into sex therapy with an array of sexual concerns. Whether they are diagnosable according to the DSM or not, most display a high level of anxiety and pain around their perceived sexual issue. In addition to other psychotherapeutic interventions, teaching tantric methods prove to be an adjunct to the healing process. This workshop will identify both DSM sexual dysfunctions, as well as other sexual issues that do not meet the criterion, and how specific tantric practices can be used successfully to assist in addressing the sexual concerns and reducing the level of anxiety around the symptomatic presentation. The material being presented in this workshop is a compilation of experience from a sex therapy practice and teachings of tantra workshops over a span of several years. It is the belief of this presenter that adding the component of sacredness into the sexual realm enhances and expands sexual wellbeing. Whether the sexual issue is physical, mechanical, biological, relational, psychological or spiritual, there always is an element of disruption. In addition to other intervention techniques, teaching practices that help create calmness and connection, as well as opening or deepening erotic pleasures, can be very healing. "When" and "how" to introduce tantric material or techniques in a private practice setting will be discussed, as well as a step by step guide. Ethical issues, such as boundaries within ones professional discipline and AASECT code of ethics will be discussed. Other issues, such as contraindications or precautions, and checking the effectiveness of the usage of tantric practices will be explored. Lastly, the participants will experience a select set of tantric methods that are used in both private practice settings and workshop settings.

Get Out of Your Head & Into Your Body! Improving Sex Lives through Mindfulness

Presenters: Jennifer Gunsaullus, PhD

Learning Objective(s): To explain what mindfulness is and three ways it is beneficial to participants' work with clients.

Abstract: During sexual activity, it is not unusual for an individual's distracted mind to interfere with the enjoyment of pleasure. It is also common within a relationship to automatically react from past conditioning, regardless of a partner's intentions. A powerful tool to assist in both situations is mindfulness, a practice in present-centered awareness with nonjudgmental observations. In my intimacy counseling work, I have found that integrating tools for mindfulness is invaluable in empowering clients to make healthy changes. Clients learn to cultivate intentionality in their awareness, and be present with their emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations. This grants them choice around unwanted behavior and harmful patterns. My presentation will explain mindfulness, describe recent research related to health and therapy, and provide skill building to assist clients in the field of sex. Several practitioners have brought the Eastern practice of mindfulness to Western populations and psychological therapies, namely Jon Kabat-Zinn, Thich Nhat Hanh, Jack Kornfield, and Tara Brach. Kabat-Zinn's "mindfulness-based stress reduction" program is the basis for most of the mindfulness-based therapies in Western culture. His program is founded on the premise that a habitual practice of moment-to-moment awareness allows for regulating the mind. Although mindfulness is based in Buddhist philosophies, it is amenable to all religions and spiritual beliefs. The benefits of mindfulness practices are well documented. Current research suggests that mindfulness practices can improve addictive behaviors, physical health (e.g., immune system, pain) and mental/emotional health (e.g., stress, depression, anxiety). Regarding relationships, practices in mindfulness have been found to improve marital satisfaction through an increase in understanding a partner's perspective. Brain scans have shown the impact mindfulness practices have on neural plasticity, such as increased executive functioning and decreased fear response. Researchers are just starting to study the impact of mindfulness practices on improving one's sexual fulfillment. One recent study found significant improvement for women in several aspects of sexual function and a decrease in distress. With such a broad range of benefits, this information is valuable for AASECT members. Mindfulness is a form of intimacy with oneself, thereby improving self-knowledge and the potential for deeper intimacy with others. Mindfulness is potentially beneficial in addressing many common factors interfering with sexual ability and enjoyment, including performance anxiety, body image concerns, unrealistic expectations, low desire and pain. In this workshop, participants will experience a blend of didactic presentation with experiential learning. They will leave with knowledge about specific mindfulness techniques that can be used to assist in their practice in sex education, counseling, or therapy, and also in their personal growth. The wide-ranging benefits of mindfulness-based therapies have great potential as safe, non-drug interventions.

A Sex Guide for Orthodox Jewish Couples? You're Kidding!

Presenters: David S. Ribner, DSW

Learning Objective(s): To gain a greater understanding of the need for sex education for this population and to become familiar with a new tool to fill this need.

Abstract: While Judaism has been historically an essentially sex-positive religion, education for healthy sexual expression has had little or no formal structure or adequate source material. As a consequence, many couples begin their married lives lacking even basic information on emotions, physiology, expectations, behaviors and the many other topics necessary for satisfying sexual experiences. In addition, for those who abide by Jewish law and tradition, premarital physical contact between the sexes is forbidden, precluding any intimate touch which may help prepare for marital sex. Recognizing this problem, we have authored a manual designed to provide clear and unambiguous sexual information and guidance to this cultural group. The name of the manual is Et Le'ehov (A Time to Love): The Newlywed's Guide to Physical Intimacy, available in English and Hebrew. This presentation will focus on the following topics: 1) Understanding historically and culturally the lack of sex education in the Orthodox Jewish community, 2) The challenge of language, which has to be both clear and culturally appropriate, 3) Gaining community acceptance in a conservative population with no central authority, 4) Determining which topics to include, and how to deal with possible sexual dysfunctions, 5) Weighing the use and format of illustrations, and 6) How this manual can be a model for other religious groups.

Paths to Sexual Healing: Extraordinary Technicques to Expand Your Expertise and Grow Your Practice

Presenters: Gina Ogden, PhD, LMFT; Patti Britton, PhD; Linda Savage, PhD; Chelsea Wakefield, LCSW

Learning Objective(s): To list four distinct approaches to addressing sexual issues in the clinical setting that can complement medical and pharmaceutical approaches. To articulate at least one essential difference between treating sexual pathology and offering information that guides clients and students toward optimizing their own sexual health.

Abstract: To list four distinct approaches to addressing sexual issues in the clinical setting that can complement medical and pharmaceutical approaches. To articulate at least one essential difference between treating sexual pathology and offering information that guides clients and students toward optimizing their own sexual health. Abstract: Clients are often failed by traditional therapies when the issue is sex—the lack of it, the presence of troubling thoughts or behaviors, blocked drive or whatever derails full sexual potential. This symposium addresses the emotional, spiritual, relational and energetic aspects of sexual experience that are left unaddressed by modalities focused on DSM-based diagnoses and pharmaceutical treatments. This symposium offers a rare glimpse into cutting-edge models that enhance the practice of sex therapy and sexuality education. Four seasoned practitioners, with careers spanning more than 100 combined years of clinical practice and research, present work that informs and complements each other. Their accumulated wisdom offers powerful techniques, strategies and models that guide clients toward optimizing sexual health rather than simply treating pathology. Presenters discuss innovative, practical ways to expand self-awareness and negotiate positive sexual relationships, using case examples to illustrate complex approaches for addressing desire, function, aging, gender, orientation, affairs and the turbulence of sexual "addictions." The first speaker will offer an expansive model of sexual experience drawn from her national survey, "Integrating Sexuality and Spirituality" (ISIS). She will demonstrate how this model serves as an organizing principle to help clients explore multiple dimensions of their sexual issues—physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Core dynamics of this model include strategies to help clinicians evoke both positive and negative aspects of clients' issues, and to engage clients in the spirit of therapeutic adventure. The second speaker will deconstruct the unique MEBES model, an integrated, integrative, holistic, no-nonsense approach used by hundreds of practitioners and with over 2,000 clients today. MEBES integrates mind, emotions, body, energy and spirit, focusing clients on where they may be blocked and creating action steps for the resolution of their sexual concerns toward alignment for optimal sexual well-being. The presentation will include an interactive forum with sample cases and stories of clients' transformation using MEBES. The third speaker will present her pleasure model utilizing seven energy centers as a schema to understand sexual/relational dilemmas for couples. This framework allows clients to understand an alternative perspective to performance-based sexuality. She will draw from ancient traditions of spiritual sex and deconstruct esoteric concepts into simple terms and common language that makes the model easy to teach. In cultivating the capacity to love, the model encourages the renewal of body-mind-spirit through sexual energy. The fourth speaker will present ideas about how our Inner Cast of Characters and the archetypal dimension of our sexuality impacts sexual function and sexual fulfillment. Ways to help clients understand and value the uniqueness of their sexual template, work with shadow issues, transcend self-limitations, communicate deep desires and explore the sexual psyche will be discussed. Shifting or expanding one's archetypal orientation enhances our sexual experience, even if all the "moves" are the same.

Digging Deep: Understanding our Cultural Selves in Relation to Our Professional Work

Presenters: Kimberly Jorgensen, MA
Carmen Cruz, PsyD

Learning Objective(s): To identify experiences of privilege and marginalization for themselves and for clients/constituents. To integrate social justice framework and definitions with personal and professional experiences of cultural values related to sexuality.

Abstract: The purpose of this workshop is to acknowledge the importance of self-awareness and increase understanding of our own cultural identities and social positions as practitioners as we prepare to work with culturally diverse clients and constituents. This workshop intends to aid educators and therapists in exploring their personal biases that potentially impede their work within multicultural communities. Attention will also be given to participants' multiple identities and the impact on our professional work. By highlighting and beginning to dismantle cultural values and biases inherent in the process of socialization, this workshop will provide suggestions for improving multicultural competence and use of self in our shared missions across disciplines. As facilitators, we identify sexuality as a cultural identity and believe that the source of cultural oppression is the combined influence of cultural prejudice and social power. This workshop aims to both provide a rationale and practice the skills of participating in complex discussions about gender, sexuality, race, class, age, size/appearance and other cultural and social identities. The field of psychology recognizes and honors the significance of multicultural competence in effective and ethical work with clients. As psychologists, we are prepared to facilitate a cross-discipline discussion introducing a social justice framework for counseling and educating in multicultural spaces. Facilitators will first present a framework of privilege and oppression that will aid participants in identifying and analyzing their own social positions and cultural identities, particularly areas of privilege. Small groups or dyads will be used to help participants reflect on the implications of their own cultural identities on their work with clients or constituents. Participants will brainstorm myths and stereotypes about sexuality across racial, ethnic, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious/spiritual, class, ability, size/appearance national origin and other cultural identities. The group will briefly discuss the sources of these stereotypes and facilitators will explore the myth of neutrality in cultural beliefs. As the group names cultural values related to sexuality, facilitators will aid participants in connecting their increasing self-awareness to their conceptualization and common interventions with constituents. The remainder of the session will utilize small and large group discussion to support the development of action items that participants can implement in their professional practices.

(Re)Defining Fidelity in Committed Relationships: How to Negotiate Non-Exclusivity Successfully

Presenters: James Fleckenstein

Learning Objective(s): To evaluate with better confidence and a more complete understanding the appropriateness of negotiated non-exclusivity as a relationship choice for their clients.

Abstract: We live in times where there is vastly increased public attention to "infidelities" committed by public figures in politics and entertainment. The recently taboo (this was a settled issue – yes – based on the research of the1970's and 1980's) topic of "can open relationships work" is now being talked about broadly. Respected clinicians like Esther Perel and Tammy Nelson, and popular commentators like Dan Savage, are bringing the issue of "negotiated infidelity" to the forefront of public discussion. Clinicians and educators need to know and understand this topic to perform their roles effectively. Substantial communities exist where negotiated sexual non-exclusivity is the norm and many insights can be gained from these communities' practices. These insights can be adapted and applied to assist clients struggling to incorporate negotiated non-exclusivity into an existing relationship. As educators and counselors who have been active in non-exclusive communities for more than a dozen years, we approach the topic from the perspective of examining participants' values and attitudes and the choices that spring from them. We examine the issue of needs fulfillment and the meanings of "commitment" within individual relationships. Essential to success is making explicit the formerly implicit boundaries, agreements and assumptions of the parties. This allows them to be examined, negotiated, modified or discarded as needed. We look at what constitutes a "transgression" and what are the associated penalties, negotiating the "unthinkable;" the role of trust and successful models for transitioning to negotiated non-exclusivity while preserving a valued relationship. Clients will be presenting with concerns in this area. Persons we educate will need to have empirically valid and complete information about these relationship options. Negotiated non-exclusivity may represent a productive avenue for many clients seeking to preserve existing relationships by introducing a "third way" when challenges arise around issues of emotional or sexual exclusivity. We provide guidance on the issues frequently faced by those exploring negotiated non-exclusivity, and ways counselors can be of assistance in helping clients navigate these uncharted waters. As Esther Perel notes, "Generally, the role of therapists is to challenge the cultural status quo. We regularly encourage our patients to examine their assumptions about what's normal, acceptable and expected. Yet sexual boundaries are one of the few areas where therapists seem to mirror the dominant culture." It is time for therapists to move beyond mirroring the dominant culture and help their clients explore alternatives that may work for them.

Using Circles to Break Cycles: Stage 2 Recovery for the Sexually Dysfunctional and Compulsive

Presenters: Buster Ross, MA

Learning Objective(s): To be able to re-conceptualize certain 12-Step sexual addiction approaches in a sex positive context; to diagram behaviors with sexually dysfunctional clients using the "Three Circles" tool; to build on this strategy and use it with couples.

Abstract: "The Three Circles" are a tool used for defining abstinence, most commonly credited to the Sex Addicts Anonymous 12-Step program. The tool is created by drawing three concentric circles and diagramming and organizing behaviors based on their constructive, destructive or unclear outcomes. This workshop teaches participants how to use "The Three Circles" tool in practice to facilitate the defining of abstinence and healthy sexuality with their clients. The greater purpose of the workshop is to present for the first time an adaptation of "The Three Circles" titled "The Three Circles for Couples." Building upon the original, slight modifications in layout transform the tool into an even more powerful therapeutic tool. This workshop gives participants the opportunity to diagram "The Three Circles" and "The Three Circles for Couples" so that they leave fully prepared to integrate these tools into practice. Applying circle based tools in therapeutic practice can provide a structure for patients to define sexual boundaries, promote healthy sexual exploration and establish parameters for clients and their partners to effectively dialogue on their personal and shared sexual issues. This approach may help move a couple away from defining one partner as the "identified patient" in recovery and move toward looking at both partners as sexual beings with similar recovery needs. Participants will be able to use both variations of the circles in their own practice for the treatment of sexual compulsivity/dysfunction and/or as a map of sexuality for individuals and couples. Participants with prior experience using "The Three Circles" will still benefit from the workshop and be able to make use of "The Three Circles for Couples."

Media Training

(Space is limited to 8. Pre-registration is required)
Reserve your spot via Email

Presenters Michael McGee, MEd, CSE

Learning Objective(s): To identify three key elements for effective media relations; to describe at least one personal strength in handling media.

Abstract: AASECT's Public Relations, Media, and Advocacy Committee regularly contacts certified members to respond to media requests. This session gives 10 certified educators, counselors, or therapists the tools they need to be effective in the media. Participants learn skill-building activities to respond to media requests, with on-camera practice. As space is limited, pre-registration is required.

Media Training

(Space is limited to 8. Pre-registration is required)
Reserve your spot via Email

Presenters Michael McGee, MEd, CSE

Learning Objective(s): To identify three key elements for effective media relations; to describe at least one personal strength in handling media.

Abstract: AASECT's Public Relations, Media, and Advocacy Committee regularly contacts certified members to respond to media requests. This session gives 10 certified educators, counselors, or therapists the tools they need to be effective in the media. Participants learn skill-building activities to respond to media requests, with on-camera practice. As space is limited, pre-registration is required.

Degendering Sex: It's Not What You Have, It's How You Use It

Presenters: Elizabeth Hawkins

Learning Objective(s): To identify and move away from socially created gender norms as they apply to sexuality in order to better serve clients who fall on every part of the gender spectrum.

Abstract: As early as the 1920's and 1930's, research indicated that gender expression did not fit into the male-female binary that had been adopted by most cultures. However, it is only within the past year that the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) has provided Standards of Care (SOC) for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People that reflect the ideas of gender as a spectrum. This workshop will present the concept of gender as a spectrum and cover populations that fall outside of the gender binary in addition to discussing WPATH's updated SOC. Then, in an interactive exercise, participants will explore how to operate from a perspective inclusive of the concept of gender as a spectrum. The information provided in this presentation is a compilation of a literature review of books, articles and online resources addressing gender variance and sexuality. Additionally, information and ideas cultivated under the tutelage of a seasoned educator in LGBTQ communities with a focus on transgender issues will be presented. As professionals, it is important to operate from a framework which is inclusive of all client experiences. Viewing gender as a spectrum instead of binary allows therapists, counselors, and educators to better serve clients who fall on any part of the gender spectrum.

Addressing Sexual Pain and Fear with Mindfulness: An Integrated Workshop for Medical and Mental Health Practitioners

Presenters: Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum, PT, MSc

Learning Objective(s): To use a mindfulness based treatment protocol to address anxiety and aversion in women with sexual pain disorders.

Abstract: Sexual pain disorders are understood to have multi-factorial components. While research has focused mainly on physiological mechanisms, cognitive and affective factors are recognized to have an important role in sexual pain. Higher catasrophizing, fear of pain, hypervigilance and lower self-efficacy have been associated with increased intercourse pain intensity. Traditional biopsychosocial conceptualizations of vaginismus and dyspareunia compartmentalize treatment by designating the physiological aspects to physiotherapists and physicians, and the psycho-social aspects including anxiety and aversion, to mental health professionals including psychotherapists and sex therapists. There are several problems with this model. Fear avoidance and anxiety are significant characteristics of the patient's response to the physical examination, mirroring the sexual setting. Yet, medical practitioners traditionally receive limited training in mental health counseling skills and in addressing anxiety in women with sexual pain disorders. Therefore, medical professionals must learn to address these behaviors in the clinic. Similarly, mental health professionals need to be aware of the physiological aspects in order to validate the patient and offer appropriate behavioral interventions. Currently, no integrated protocol exists for physicians and physiotherapists attempting to examine anxious patients. Current conceptualizations of vaginismus describe this condition as the inability to allow penetration despite a strong cognitive desire to do so. Therefore, in the clinical setting, women motivated to succeed in treatment express cooperation, yet upon attempted examination, display an aversive response. Practitioners' attempts to address the patients' cognitions may be ineffective because the behavior is not cognitively driven. Upon attempted examination and treatment, as well as attempted intercourse, the anxious patient confronts a conflict between her cognitions, motivating her to battle against her anxiety and fear of pain, and her emotions. This often results in aversive and protective responses which include disassociation and vaginal muscle contraction. A novel mindfulness based treatment intervention has been designed that encourages patients to guide themselves less cognitively and with more awareness aware of their growing levels of anxiety, while learning methods of coping with that anxiety. This workshop describes a mindfulness based therapeutic intervention designed to treat women with vaginismus and penetration pain addressing the component of anxiety in real life situations. This approach is also appropriate for physiotherapists, nurse practitioners and physicians who work with this patient population and may be adapted for sex therapists to teach as a home exercise.

Sexuality Issues in Substance Abuse and Chemical Dependency

Presenters: Lawrence Siegel, MA
Ricky Siegel, MS, CSE

Learning Objective(s): To identify some sexuality issues typically seen in all phases of chemical dependency, as well as the often neglected concerns that can effectively couple these disciplines. To incorporate strategies for more effective recovery and relapse prevention in chemical dependency by better addressing sexuality and sexual health issues.

Abstract: This session presents both developmental and consequential sexuality issues associated with substance abuse and chemical dependency, many of which have been historically neglected both in treatment and recovery. Beginning with a "timeline" of the development of chemical dependency, sexuality issues are identified in early drug use, addiction, detox, rehab and treatment, early recovery and long-term recovery. An overview of the effects of each of the major categories of "drugs of abuse" and a discussion of sexual identity follows, identifying important considerations for recovery. Finally, strategies for relapse prevention are discussed, particularly around those sexuality issues that have typically not been considered in treatment planning and 12-Step recovery programs. The session is presented as a lecture, illustrated throughout with rich case histories from the presenters' more than 35 years combined experience as psychotherapists, sexologists and addictions professionals. The session will also present useful advice for practitioners to better incorporate sexuality and sexual health into treatment plans for their chemically dependent and recovering patients.

Sex Therapy Interwoven with Depth Psychology: Sensate Focus as Window onto the Sacred Other

Presenters: Constance Avery-Clark, PhD

Learning Objective(s): To describe the similarities between Masters & Johnson's concepts of sexuality and sexual difficulties and those of dynamically oriented, and particularly Jungian, psychology. To describe and implement Masters & Johnson's sensate focus as a method for experiencing what depth psychology, and particularly Jungian psychology, mean by the Other and the Sacred.

Abstract: Consistent with AASECT's 2012 conference theme of weaving together various parts of humanity, even in places where conflict and contradiction rule, this workshop focuses on the interface of re-emerging depth psychological approaches to intimate relationships with Masters & Johnson's traditional techniques of sex therapy. Special emphasis will be placed on the intertwining of Jungian spiritual perspectives and Masters & Johnson prescriptive approaches. Masters & Johnson developed their techniques for treating sexual dysfunctions in opposition to dynamic approaches. However, as Masters & Johnson's high success rates were questioned, their methods and theoretical framework more also scrutinized more closely. It has become evident that Masters & Johnson's approaches contain more dynamic underpinnings than previously recognized. Using a lecture format, case material presentation and brief experiential exercise, this workshop will explore the growing interest in the interaction between behavioral and dynamic approaches to sexual difficulties, approaches that partake of both schools but that also transcend each as crystallized most profoundly in Carl Jung's concepts of the genuinely Other and the truly Sacred. Understanding the meanings of these concepts and how they are operational in sensate focus is the focal point of this workshop. This workshop will focus on three key points that Masters & Johnson have in common with Jungian psychology. First, while it will delineate the differences between the Jungian perspective and that of Masters & Johnson on sexuality, the Other and the Sacred, it will accentuate the similarities between both schools in terms of sexuality as a natural, biological function expressing itself throughout the lifespan. Second, the workshop will focus on the affirmation by both Jungian psychology and Masters & Johnson not only of sexuality's being malleable but also that it is this very malleability, and the disconnection from instinct that results, that produces sexual difficulties. Third, both orientations rely heavily on the dynamics of projection and transference to treat sexual problems, Jungian psychology unabashedly and Masters & Johnson unadmittedly. It is in the treatment of sexual difficulties that the importance of understanding the Other and the Sacred is most critical. Masters & Johnson's sensate focus, often criticized by dynamically oriented therapists as superficial, constrictive and ego-directed, provides an opportunity for experiencing the Other and the Sacred in a manner befitting the depth of Jungian psychology. The hierosgamos, or "sacred marriage," of Masters & Johnson's sensate focus and the Jungian perspective in the treatment of sexual difficulties has never been overtly attempted but is eminently possible. This workshop provides the opportunity to explore the interaction of traditional sex therapy and re-emerging, dynamic perspectives, creating both a broad and depth-oriented approach. Although the emphasis will be primarily theoretical, practical considerations for therapists, educators, and the layperson will also be explored.

A Relational Therapy Treatment Approach for Out of Control Sexual Behaviour

Presenters: Robyn Salisbury, MA

Learning Objective(s): To learn how to integrate a relational approach to whatever treatment modality participants use for out of control sexual behavior (OCSB).

Abstract: Debate rages on the AASECT listserve whenever the topic of OCSB (Out of Control Sexual Behavior, also referred to as sexual addiction, sexual compulsivity or sexual impulsivity) is raised, because of the variability of such behaviors and their etiological determinants. This range of expressed views is also reflected in the published literature. One consequence appears to be that the research focus remains largely on nosology and aetiology rather than progressing on determining effective treatment. It is suggested that growth in the understanding of OCSB can evolve between research and practice. This workshop will focus on examining core aspects of a treatment approach and will first review the treatment model for OCSB used at Sex Therapy NZ and currently undergoing efficacy evaluation research. The importance and key components of an attachment-based relational treatment approach will be examined with reference to the neuroscience research of Alan Schore and the wisdom of psychoanalyst and Gestalt therapist Lynne Jacob's work on enduring relational themes and emotionality in therapy. Given the role that secure attachment plays for couples deeply satisfied with their sex lives (Kleinplatz, Rosenfeld), it is argued that the capacity for intimacy is developed initially through attachment and further that the related goals of progress towards earning a secure attachment and developing the capacity for intimacy may be important components of effective treatment of OCSB. Effective sex therapy will use a relational approach in order to help clients move towards these two goals and address the diagnostic criteria of sexual-related distress and impairment that led to seeking therapy for OCSB.

It Gets Even Better: Bringing an Inspired YouTube Campaign into the Classroom

Presenters: Bill Taverner, MA, CSE

Learning Objective(s): To identify one strategy participants can employ when using the It Gets Better project in the classroom.

Abstract: This workshop will employ a variety of teaching strategies to equip educators with plans for making use of It Gets Better videos in the classroom. The workshop will include a review of facts and figures about harassment targeting people based on sexual orientation and gender identity, from GLSEN. There will be a demonstration of sample It Gets Better videos representing a range of people from all walks of life – famous and ordinary, younger and older, funny and serious and with people of different sexual orientations and gender identities. Videos will be selected so as to vary the content and themes. Participants will discuss their reactions as well as which of the videos they would use in the classroom and why. Participants will be asked to select one video they saw and develop discussion questions to engage their own participants about that video. These will be shared in pairs and then with the larger group. Participants will brainstorm possible projects and assignments they could create that utilize the videos. They also will use a simple storyboard to create their own It Gets Better video. As time permits, one or two sample videos will be created and immediately uploaded. Participants will discuss the ease and pedagogical application of this exercise with their own groups of students, from in-classroom activities to homework and group projects. Participants will leave with a list of tips for making their classrooms safer for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Additional video resources will be given, including: www.familydiv.org/lovemakesafamily.php, www.fearlesscampustour.org/Fearless_Portfolio.html and www.glbthistorymonth.com Participants will volunteer specific plans they will make for using It Gets Better.

Making Connections: The Intersection between Healthy Sexuality & Sexual Violence Prevention

Presenters: Alison Bellavance, MEd

Learning Objective(s): To identify two connections between healthy sexuality and sexual violence prevention. To identify two strategies for incorporating healthy sexuality into sexual violence prevention education and/or materials.

Abstract: Historically, the fields of sexuality education and sexual assault prevention have existed in separate spheres. In order to gain entry to classrooms, sexual violence prevention had to clearly define itself as personal safety education and leave out any discussions that may be construed as sexuality education. Recently the argument has surfaced that, in order to provide truly effective sexual violence prevention, healthy sexuality must be a part of the overall discourse. As sexual violence prevention begins to incorporate healthy sexuality into prevention strategies, there is much need for collaboration with the field of sexuality. This workshop will help to continue to build the much needed connection between the two fields and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. This workshop will explore the connections between healthy sexuality and sexual violence prevention with examples from several arenas including: prevention of child sexual abuse, date rape and sexual abuse of older adults. The two presenters, a professional sexuality educator and a sexual violence prevention expert, both worked on designing and implementing the National Sexual Violence Resource Center's 2012 Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign and will share the campaign, challenges faced in developing it and lesson learned. Through the example of this real-world collaboration, participants will learn strategies for including healthy sexuality in sexual violence prevention education and materials, practical approaches to collaboration, as well as potential challenges that can arise when the fields of healthy sexuality and sexual violence prevention collaborate. The workshop will be interactive in format, allowing for discussion and feedback regarding collaboration, challenges, and future directions.

Evidence Based Sexual Health Programs in Higher Education

Presenters Joleen M. Nevers, MAEd, CHES, CSE

Learning Objective(s): To describe the current research published on evidence-based sexual health programming. To identify gaps in the sexual health literature surrounding standards of practice for higher education.

Abstract: As the field of sexual health education continues to grow, the need for developing and implementing evidence-based strategies on campuses is increasing. To date, there has been no comprehensive survey to assess college campus sexual health education programs. While college students are adolescents, they are not typically the targeted population that has been examined in terms of protective and risk factors. Research conducted by Douglas Kirby may imply that applications previously developed for adolescents could be applied to the college age population, thus possibly reducing the risk of STIs and unwanted pregnancy. In 2009, four college sexual health educators, representing a variety of institutions across the United States, formed a research team to design and implement a comprehensive survey to identify the evidence-based strategies being implemented at colleges and universities One representative at each college or university completed the survey through Survey Monkey; professionals were solicited through various professional organization's listservs. A total of 157 participants completed the survey. The goal of the survey was to identify who was conducting sexual health on college campuses, what they were implementing, programs that were frequently administered(in particular evidenced-based strategies), method of distribution, topics most frequently covered, frameworks to guide their work and evaluations. The research examined two primary questions: 1) What demographic factors were the most frequently reported by the participants? and 2) Of those who used evidence-based strategies, what type of evaluation was conducted? Overall our findings showed various programs and methods being implemented across the United States. Results indicate gaps in sexual health content and topics areas. This research is important to inform college sexual health educators on what type of sexual health programming occurs at the institutes of higher education and what resources are required to support their campus. The evidence supports professional collaboration and provides professionals a base-line knowledge of effective sexual health programming so that the field can continue to advance. While each institution and population may differ in needs, identifying strategies that can be modified rather than specific programs may be more helpful to sexual health educators.

"You Mean We Can't Say ‘Sex'?": Strategic Framing of Comprehensive Sex Ed for Use in Abstinence-Only Environments

Presenters Roxy Trudeau, MSW
Kimberly Lux, AM, LSW

Learning Objective(s): To strategically frame comprehensive sex education as relationship education. To leverage the relationship education frame, in order to increase access to vital information in the communities they serve.

Abstract: This workshop offers strategies for implementing comprehensive sexuality education programs in conservative, abstinence-focused environments. Using the facilitators' own three-year process for implementing comprehensive sexuality education in an abstinence-only state, the workshop emphasizes how strategic re-framing of sex education as relationship education can open new doors for successful collaboration across societal sectors, the political spectrum and diverse communities. Comprehensive sex education vs. abstinence programs. Progressive values vs. conservative values. Too often, a focus on binaries prevents us from embracing pluralism and the richness of co-existing contradiction that permeates everyday life. Many comprehensive sexuality educators see beyond the abstinence/comprehensive binary and include abstinence as one component of a comprehensive program. Nevertheless, highly charged political environments and pervasive "culture wars" pose serious challenges to even discussing the merits of comprehensive sex ed programs in abstinence-focused settings. This workshop lays out a strategy for soliciting buy-in for comprehensive sex ed programs among stakeholders in communities where abstinence is valued. Co-facilitators Kimberly Lux and Roxy Trudeau report on their successful implementation of a multi-level, sustainable, comprehensive sexuality education program within a public intermediate school in Indiana, a so-called "abstinence-only state." Through engaging activities, dynamic discussion, and a participant-led skill share, participants will leave with concrete steps, specific language and considerations for adapting this approach in their own communities. The workshop opens with an activity that invites participants to reflect on moments when opposing viewpoints between collaborators might have left participants feeling disempowered or ineffective. From there, Lux and Trudeau describe their own past feelings of powerlessness during attempts to teach comprehensive sex education within the confines of "abstinence-only" settings. The facilitators will then present a case study of their own three-year process of working to integrate comprehensive sex ed into an abstinence-focused school setting. The case study will emphasize how the re-framing of sex education as relationship education gave the facilitators increased access not only to students, but also to administrators, board members, and parents. Finally, Lux and Trudeau will facilitate a participant-led skill share, wherein session attendees can "workshop" their own challenges integrating various components of sexuality education within seemingly resistant communities. In this way, participants will leave not only with the knowledge imparted by facilitators, but also with the collective wisdom of session attendees.

Lesbian Sexual Behavior Patterns as Reported in Online Survey and Telephone Interviews

Presenters Glenda Corwin, PhD

Learning Objective(s): To challenge myths about lesbian sexuality by comparing responses from sexually active vs. inactive long-term lesbian partners.

Abstract: Current research on lesbian sexual behavior is close to non-existent, yet many partnered women report distress about low- or no-sex relationships. Some therapeutic approaches to this issue have been either pathological, suggesting that lesbians are prone to loss of self through "fusion," or dismissive, suggesting that this isn't a real concern because heterosexuals also have this problem. Both of these stances fail to provide a useful approach for partners who want more sexual intimacy and in fact may increase feelings of inadequacy and shame. Accurate information can enhance sexual self-esteem and illuminate a realistic approach to sexual enrichment. Four hundred women who partner with women responded to an online survey about lesbian sexual patterns. Of these 400, 156 had been with their partners at least two years. A 72-question survey was created using Survey Monkey, a web-based survey making program. A majority of questions used a Likert-type scale, while a few allowed open-ended responses. At the end of the survey, volunteers were recruited to participate in a 30-minute structured telephone interview of 13 questions. Thirty women who had been partnered at least two years were interviewed by the investigator within one month of taking the survey. Several findings were salient in the survey data: 1) Ninety-two percent agreed that "regular sexual contact is important in an ongoing committed relationship." 2) Only 20 percent regularly planned time for sex, 3) Among women in long-term (10 years or more) relationships, about 20 percent continued to have sex at least twice a month. These women differed from their less active cohorts on only one item: they planned time for sex while the others did not. During follow-up interviews, the impact of planning vs. not planning was affirmed. Inactive women said they thought sex should happen spontaneously and active women said intentional planning and foreplay is essential to sustainable sex. Both active and inactive women said that sexual intimacy "takes the relationship to a deeper level." A second emerging issue was that about half of women worried about needing too much time to have an orgasm, and for some this led to stopping sexual activity. Others reported that positive communication with their partners eased these worries. Finally, concerns about body image and difficulty initiating were mentioned often as a deterrent to sexual activity. Again, positive communication with a partner helped resolve some of these concerns. These findings suggest that sex has a high value but low priority for most partnered lesbians, given that 92 percent thought sex was important but only 20 percent scheduled time for it. Difficulty planning for sex reflected a widespread belief that sex should be spontaneous These data clearly suggest that in long-term relationships between women, without intentionality, sex will decline or disappear over time. This conclusion is very consistent with the Responsive Desire Model (Basson, 2007). Many women discover a same-sex orientation through spontaneous emergence of unbidden and even unwanted sexual feelings toward another woman. Perhaps this is why the myth of spontaneity retains such force among lesbians. Releasing that myth requires accurate information about normal female sexual desire and affirmation that sexual intimacy is a worthy goal. Intentional ways to sustain sexuality, such as a 24-Hour Foreplay model (Corwin, 2010) can be taught in workshops and consultations with a gay-affirmative context.

Finding Your Link in the Sexological Chain

Presenters Melanie Davis, PhD

Learning Objective(s): To link participants' work/interests to a minimum of one foundational sexologist. To give practical examples of five mentoring techniques, so participants can serve the field as mentors, protégés or both.

Abstract: Both emerging and established professionals sometimes suffer from "foundations amnesia" or work in a vacuum, disconnected from others currently in the field. Additionally, we might feel trapped – or content – in our own space, so we miss out on offers of or requests for help from colleagues. Finally, through our college courses, we learn about caring for everyone else's relationships and we forget to take care of our professional ones. The presenters intend to overcome all these via this active workshop and discussion. Based on workshops and classes that they have presented before, Davis and Garrison will facilitate discussions ("accurate reminders") on the foundations of sexology and ask participants to link themselves to the prominent thinkers of the past. The presenters will offer professional and social networking ideas, including Sex in the Park, as well as the five-step mentoring process, allowing participants to serve the field as mentors, protégés or both. Finally, through an "I need/I can offer" exercise, participants will have the chance to articulate what is necessary for their success and what they can provide others needing assistance. Participants from other conferences, where Davis and Garrison have presented, expressed via email and personal testimony that they felt more connected both to the field and to their colleagues. The presenters would expect similar results from offering the presentation in Austin.

Sex: What FTMs Enjoy!

Presenters lore m. dickey, PhD
S. L. Colt Meier, MA
Jamison Green, PhD

Learning Objective(s): To describe the types of sexual behavior that FTMs most commonly engage in and the level of satisfaction that is experienced.

Abstract: Research on transgender (TG) populations is beginning to emerge, as many fundamental questions about the unique needs of TG individuals remain unanswered (Erich, Tittsworth, Dykes, & Cabusas, 2008; Hussey, 2006). Male-to-female trans women (MTFs) have received much research interest, while the unique experiences of female-to-male trans men (FTMs) have received relatively little attention (Green, 2004; Meyerowitz, 2002; Sevelius, 2009), creating significant obstacles to providing competent care tailored to this population. Physicians who specialize in routinely performing sexual modification surgeries on FTMs have admitted that they "have no idea about patients' sexual satisfaction," (Djordjevic & Monstrey, personal communication, 2009). Given the lack of information on FTMs in the clinical community and in the TG population itself, this paper will focus on the rates of different types of body modification treatments, the variety of sexual behaviors practices, sexual health including rates of practicing safer sex and STIs and the level of reported sexual satisfaction in the largest known international FTM Internet sample. Available sexual modifications for trans men include hormones, chest reconstruction, and genital surgery. While these methods are known to impact sexuality, no large-scale studies have examined the resultant sexual satisfaction in the FTM population. A recent meta-analysis of studies examining the effects of hormones and surgeries on the sexual functioning of TG people revealed that limited information exists on the sexual behaviors, health, and satisfaction of FTMs who have had chest or genital surgery (Klein & Gorzalka, 2009). Of the four studies reviewed, the number of participants ranged from 9-23 and each study had numerous methodological problems. The current study presents the results from a larger research initiative by the Trans Men and Partners Surgical & Sexual Satisfaction Project (TMAPS-3). As part of the largest study of trans men to date, over 1200 respondents from 40 countries filled out a time-intensive 97-question anonymous web based survey. Respondents answered questions about their body modifications, sexual behavior, health, and satisfaction. Results indicate that 98 percent of participants masturbate, 74 percent use a vibrator, and less than 1 percent report being HIV+. The information presented in this session will be useful for clinicians who are assisting FTMs in making complicated decisions, which will permanently modify their body and affect their sexual functioning. It will also be useful for FTMs who are dealing with sexual changes resulting from sexual modification and sexuality researchers who desire to learn more about the sexual behaviors of FTMs.

Sexual Pharmacology

Presenters Lawrence Siegel, MA
Ricky Siegel, MS, CSE

Learning Objective(s): To understand the neurohormonal and physiological mechanisms that modulate sexual response, as the basis for understanding the various chemotherapeutic interventions in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions and disorders. To enhance awareness of the complex issues surrounding sexual response and how to develop a comprehensive approach to treating sexual disorders.

Abstract: This workshop session will address a number of important aspects of sexual pharmacology about which all professionals working with sexual issues need to be informed. The session will begin with an overview of the physiological and neurohormonal bases of sexual response and how those responses are theoretically mediated. This will then carry into a review and overview of the chemotherapeutic interventions currently available for the treatment of sexual dysfunctions and disorders, including many treatments that are coming "down the pike." Participants will then have the opportunity to discuss the sexual side effects of many of the more commonly used licit and illicit drugs, including those supplements purported to have pro-sexual effects. The final discussion of the session will focus on achieving an understanding of the need for comprehensive, integrated approaches to the treatment of sexual dysfunctions and disorders and the need for sexuality professionals to be better informed about the relationship between commonly-used substances and their impact on sexual functioning.

Doing Psychotherapy with Gay Men of African Heritage

Presenters Jasper Lawson, PhD

Learning Objective(s): To understand the interactions among race, culture and sexual orientation. To understand resistance to psychotherapy and its potential to promote personal growth and social change. To increase participants' awareness of their attitudes and values around sexual orientation and ethnic diversity.

Abstract: This presentation uses a developmental and investigative approach to understand the emergence of affectionate and sexual behavior in homoerotic relationships of men of African heritage. The process of coming out or accepting a sexual identity will be viewed as multidimensional interactions that occur throughout the life span. The inculcation of shame around homoeroticism in boyhood and adolescence will be part of the discussion of male socialization in American culture. Attention will be given to cultural contempt toward the expression of "feminine" behaviors in boys and men. Issues that concern interracial couples will also be addressed.

Sex Therapy Supervision: Creative Synergies that Help Clients

Presenters Gretchen Fincke, LCSW and Gina Ogden PhD, LMFT

Learning Objective(s): To clarify procedures regarding certification requirements and contracts for AASECT supervisors and potential supervisors. To increase the skills and quality of supervisors and those who want to learn to supervise.

Abstract: Certification of sex therapists is a unique service offered by AASECT and supervision is vital to the certification process. This workshop clarifies both the mechanics and the creative process of supervision and the interplay among supervisor, supervisee and client. This two hour workshop has multiple purposes: 1) Mechanics of practice management - including creating the initial supervision contract and what language it should include, helping the supervisee prepare an application for certification and helping the supervisee through the application period, and 2) Synergies of the supervisor-supervisee-client relationship. Methods used include a PowerPoint presentation, discussion, role-playing where appropriate and questions and answers. The mechanics of practice management include writing the contract, supervisor's responsibilities and supervisee's responsibilities. Ethical and interpersonal issues in supervision include: 1) What are the responsibilities of a supervisor and how do these differ from those of a therapist? 2) When is it beneficial for a supervisee to have more than one supervisor and how many supervisors may a supervisee have? 3) How to proceed when you feel a supervisee is not ready to become AASECT certified? 4) When to consult with another supervisor, or with the committee, who to consult? 5) Why, when and how to refer a supervisee to another supervisor? Transference and countertransference issues in supervision include: 1) The complex braiding of emotional issues among supervisor, supervisee and client, 2) Ways to maintain clarity as a supervisor, 3) Ways to use transference and countertransference to further both supervision and therapy. Therapeutic issues in supervision include assessment of clients' issues. A clinical roadmap of how to help supervisees assess clients for a full range of sexual experience should include: sexual attitudes and behaviors, desire and sesire discrepancies, orientation, gender identity, relational dysfunctions, sexual dysfunctions, disabilities, effects of aging, cultural and racial diversity, up-to-date medical information, spiritual dimensions and more. Handouts will be offered for all practice management issues. A list of supervision "dos" and "don'ts" will be generated and discussed. Case examples will illustrate creative uses of supervision, and also supervision difficulties and disasters. Question and answers will be on-going.

Normative Childhood Sexual Play and Games

Presenters Sharon Lamb, EdD

Learning Objective(s): To differentiate normative play from play that signals abuse.

Abstract: How do we know what's normative in children's sexual development? Most of the child sexuality research focuses on what parents have observed rather than on what children have experienced, what they think about and how they feel. This presentation summarizes recent research on sexual play and games in childhood and what this means for addressing sexual play and sex talk in therapy. Sexual issues and talk about sex and sexuality are surprisingly common in therapy sessions with children as well as adolescents. Yet many therapists are not prepared on to what to say regarding these issues. For example, if a child has two dollhouse figures humping each other or demonstrates oral sex between Barbie and Ken, what kind of response is appropriate? If a child asks the therapist for sexuality education information, what response is a therapist permitted to make? When adolescents talk about their "hook-ups" or sexual activities that seem unusual to the therapist or perhaps dangerous, how does a therapist respond? Child psychotherapists are concerned about over stimulating a child, encouraging an adolescent to say more just to satisfy their own curiosity or not having permission from parents to talk about these things with their children and being worried about making the parents angry or being fired or sued. Additionally, therapists may feel ill-equipped when talking to teens about sex, knowing that some teens know more about newer practices and the context in which sex takes place. Yet, remaining silent may mean we lose important opportunities to intervene in ways that to help clients develop healthy attitudes and practices with regard to sex. Through the discussion of real life case material, this presentation will describe issues including sexual material in therapy can be over stimulating to the child and to the therapist, when to obtain permission from the parents, what kind of play suggests overexposure to sexual material or victimization, what "sexual acting out" is and to what extent the culture interprets sexual play between children as abuse.

Increasing Father Involvement in the Personal and Sexual Development of Their Adolescent Daughters

Presenters Stephen Duclos, MS

Learning Objective(s): To employ therapeutic strategies for increasing father involvement in the personal and sexual development of daughters. To increase the role of fathers in resolving adolescent conflicts about sexuality, body image, and different kinds of human relationships.

Abstract: In the tumult of psychotherapy practice, the role of the father is rarely a focus of therapy. In the clinical research, for every word about fathers, there are a thousand words about mothers. The male therapist is becoming an endangered species, with articles about this trend reaching the front page of the Sunday New York Times (2011). Involving fathers in therapy is often not seen as essential. The father/daughter relationship can be held hostage to cultural directives that are sex-negative, and rarely challenged. This can lead to what Margo Maine has termed Father Hunger, and in a larger context encourages fathers to reluctantly withdraw from engaging continuously and productively with their daughters. Therapeutic conversations with fathers that focus on their involvement with the sexual development of their adolescent daughters can lead to marked improvement in family functioning, and in couples functioning. More importantly, young women gain the non-judgmental counsel of their father in discussions of their burgeoning sexuality in all its fluidity and relational intensity. How do we engage with fathers in psychotherapy around adolescent and adult female sexuality? What protocols can we establish that are collaborative and effective? How do we set up our practice and the marketing of that practice to encourage father involvement? What are researchers saying about father involvement that we can productively use? In this presentation, we will provide an overview of the research on father involvement. We hope to present videotape vignettes of sessions in which fathers and daughters talk about their difficulties, and how things have changed. Researchers on this topic such as Michael Lamb and Margo Maine will be introduced to the audience. Participants will be divided into small groups to develop marketing strategies, collaborative protocols, therapeutic directions, and stances that would increase father involvement. In essence, we would like this presentation to engage participants in thought provoking discussions about sexuality and the father/daughter relationship. This presentation, led by a father/daughter team, may also be novel and germane. At the conclusion of the presentation, we hope that participants who are therapists will be able to take practical steps to include therapeutic conversations with fathers and daughters about sexuality in their practices. We also hope that a broader understanding of the contemporary father/daughter relationship will have value for sex educators and researchers. In terms of family systems, this presentation seeks to underscore the therapeutic validity of exploring the father/daughter relationship as an antidote to pathologies of eating and sexuality, and of diminished self-image, among other developmental concerns. Finally, we will discuss ways of increasing father involvement in therapy through marketing practices.

The Foundation of Sexual Energy

Presenters: Anita DeFrancesco, MA
Susan Kaye, PhD

Learning Objective(s): To choose when and how to use your life energy force through commitment, understanding and trust. To learn techniques to enhance libido, understand sensual vital fluid while deepening intimate capacities.

Abstract: The Foundation of Sexual Energy is a comprehensive enrichment class on how to understand the wholeness of energy that is within the human species. The strategy of work applied is orgone energy breath work as developed by Wilhelm Reich, M.D. He quoted that if one is a chest breather they are cut from the pelvic center and that orgasm has its foundation in the breath. General happiness is equivalent to the pleasure known as orgasm. This class is an overview on what energy and emotion are and how they work together at a cellular, psychological and physical level. When the energy of the body is unbalanced the emotions can become scattered and suppressed, leading the human species to develop psychological challenges such as depression, anxiety, armor, loneliness, confusion and more. The goal is to attain a wholeness of one's physical, emotional and sexual self. Students will develop the ability to deliver their energy at their own will, to build and focus their energy as they see fit. They will have an understanding of how to contain and bring in the energy that dances outside the body at the same time to release the suppressed emotions so that an integration of a foundation between the emotions and senses begins to develop and eventually connect as the orgasmic nature of ones being. Since the body holds trauma at many levels it is crucial to integrate the split that exists in many people to attain a wholeness of confidence, courage and well being. Resolving past traumas bridges us into the future, thereby adapting and adjusting to fear and newness. The process of adaptation enlightens the species into a greater wisdom of the body senses. I teach one to let go of the past, not only in the mind sense but at a character muscular level where armor is addressed and layers are undone. This process brings about more love and pleasure living in the species rather than fear and hate. This is evolution and awakening. The strategy is rather simple; it involves breathing and movement. The value and results of orgone energy breathwork is phenomenal. The exercises relax the muscle tension within the body and emotions begin to surface or a discharge of energy surges forth. The purpose of this workshop is teach people to understand how the emotions and energy are connected as one. The purpose is to reduce trauma at a cellular level. When we understand this connection then relationships of all kinds begin to have more meaning. Emotions are the base cause of everything from disease to mental illness. The purpose is to maximize the power of the emotions so that it builds in all that we do. Essentially one challenges the mental discipline while awakening the natural wisdom of the body. The purpose is to integrate the physical, emotional and sexual wholeness as one with the spirit. The purpose is to break unwanted emotional patterns and re-create new patterns and inhabitation. The idea is to rid the transference and re-create new cells. The issues are how people disconnect and become split on many different levels and can be affected in many areas of their lives. The issues people have include that they believe they can't change because they are so connected to the biologics of their families. Change at a cellular level is new these days and takes a deep understanding for one to learn this. People have issues with intimacy and connecting on different levels with people because of a lack of trust and judgment. Breath and movement are the exercises to be applied. Expect to breathe in a group and then be supported with a chosen partner. Undulation is first done as a group and then hands-on undulation with a partner. Emotional clearing through dyads and opening to more trust. Participants can expect to feel more aware, energized, feel emotionally released and more expressive. They can expect to feel supported through the removal and opening of emotional layers within the musculature character. They will recognize their body pain patterns and emotional joint dysfunctions as well as the body's habitual holding patterns. They will understand the bio-physiology of sexual energy and let go of hidden fears sitting in the musculature armor. The methods applied are breath and undulation work including: Reichian orgone energy breathwork as developed by Wilhelm Reich, M.D.; Bionergetics physical exercises and orgone breath combined as developed by Alexander Lowen,M.D.; Gestalt therapy as developed by Fritz Perls, M.D.; The Kinepathics™ approach to undulation and movement as developed by me which is a combination of hands on undulation body work.

Blogging about Sex to Attract Clients and Media

Presenters: Joan Price, MA

Learning Objective(s): To identify goals for blogging and the audience, to construct blog descriptions and bios and to formulate three blog post topics.

Abstract: This workshop will give participants the knowledge and tools to start blogging about their niche area of sexuality with the purpose of attracting new clients and, if desired, the media. Blogging is an easy way to attract potential clients, increase your credibility as a sex educator, position yourself as a media resource, claim your niche area of sexuality and get your news and views on the Internet for your audience to read. But what and how should you blog? Once your blog is running, how do you reach your audience? This session answers these questions and offers hands-on instructions for getting started. This interactive, hands-on session offers tools and strategies for utilizing blogging to attract clients and media and position participants as experts in their niche area of sexuality. The session leader will teach participants how to formulate their blogging goals, designate and attract their audience, write their blog description and bios, chose post topics and write blog posts in the style that will attract readers and media. Participants will write and share blog descriptions and bios and discuss blog post topics. They will leave the session ready to start blogging immediately. Participants will articulate their goals for creating a blog and their designated audience. Participants will start creating their own blogs by writing their blog description and "about me" bio and selecting their first blog post topics.

Ethics Reporting: The Truth and the Flame of It

Presenters: Donald Dyson, PhD, CSE and Brent Satterly, LCSW, PhD

Learning Objectives: To synthesize major ethical codes in the practice of sex therapy and education. To evaluate ethical issues in the context of existing ethical codes and ethics board practices

Abstract: One of the most challenging issues that professionals face is the interpretation and application of ethical codes and guidelines to their professional work. Those challenges become more difficult when those interpretations are subject to reporting by colleagues in the field. Perhaps no other issue is as inflammatory in professional discussions (both in person and on list serves) as the threat to report ethical infractions.

This 2 hour workshop will explore the major ethical codes of professional organizations that guide the work of sexuality professionals, identifying the prevailing ethical substrates and commonalities between them; illuminate the role of Ethics Boards as well as their specific practices; and walk through essential and contemporary ethical issues in the practice of sex therapy and education in light of these codes and boards. The format of the workshop will be didactic and interactive, offering content and giving participants the opportunity to discuss and evaluate ethical challenges from their professional experiences.

Violence and Discrimination Against BDSM Practitioners

Presenters Susan Wright, MA

Learning Objective(s): To assess the impact of discrimination against individual BDSM practitioners.

Abstract: BDSM and polyamory practitioners experience significant persecution due to the social stigma attached to their sexual behavior. Educators, counselors and therapists must be able to assess the type of discrimination and violence that impacts BDSM practitioners. This workshop addresses the gap in current knowledge by reporting data from 3,058 respondents in the Second Survey of Violence & Discrimination Against Sexual Minorities. This data is compared to the 1998 Violence & Discrimination Survey Against Sexual Minorities, which collected over 1,000 responses. Over 550 comments were made by respondents. The internet survey took place from April 2007 to June 2008, and was promoted through email announcements to: the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom’s sixty-two Coalition Partner groups (totaling 15,000 email addresses), BDSM-related blogs and websites and dozens of email list-serves. At sixteen BDSM-fetish conferences 5,000 postcards were placed at "free literature tables". While over 42 countries were represented, 83.4 percent of respondents resided in the United States. Forty percent of the respondents were heterosexual, 35 percent bisexual, 22 percent gay and lesbian and 6 percent other. The percentages for sexual orientation are the same compared to the 1998 survey, indicating that either there is a high consistent level of LGBT participation in the organized BDSM community or that BDSM practitioners are more flexible in their sexual orientation than the average population. Fifty-seven percent of respondents reported they were "out." However, 60 percent responded they are not out to their job or family. Therefore, in actuality, 17 percent of the respondents stated they are "out," when in fact they are not as no one in their family or work environment knows of their participation in BDSM-fetish activities. This shows that BDSM behaviors are kept secret in order to forestall persecution. Approximately one-third (37.5%) of respondents indicated that they had been discriminated against or had experienced harassment or violence. Rates of discrimination were slightly higher against gay or lesbian respondents than among heterosexual respondents. The types of discrimination included: business discrimination, internet discrimination, internet harassment, persecution, loss of job or contract, refused services, divorce/settlement, loss of promotion/demotion, refused membership, loss of child custody, refused housing and arrest. A total of 30 percent of respondents were discriminated against with 11.3 percent of the respondents reporting being discriminated against by professional or personal service providers. Sixty-three comments were made regarding this issue, such as: "The therapist refused to continue to see me until I acknowledge that I was being 'abused'," "Mental Health Professional said that I was psychologically unsound and that no one in their right mind would consent to 'those types' of activities." Almost one-quarter (22.2%) reported being a victim of violence and/or harassment, which is a 14 percent drop in self-reported violence and harassment in the last decade. The types of violence included: verbal harassment, blackmail, stalked, sexual harassment, physical assault, rape/attempted rape, physical harassment, domestic violence, vandalism and sexual assault.

Cancer and the Sexual Self: A New Measure, Updated Communication Concepts and Clinical Assessment and Treatment

Presenters Annie Laura Cotten, MEd, PhD, LMFT
Carey Roth Bayer, EdD, RN, CSE
Sage Bolte, PhD

Learning Objective(s): To demonstrate strategies for increasing communication about sexuality in a medical setting, particularly related to cancer. To interpret the meaning of my sexual self scale for utilization in their settings.

Abstract: The first presenter, Dr. Annie Cotten, will cover the history and development of "The Meaning of My Sexual Self" scale. Money and Earhardt (1972) had noted a semantic handicap in linking private experiences of gender with public manifestations. The sexual self might then affirm one's body and sexual self in whatever form it takes. The sexual-self meaning scale was developed in two phases: one with college students (ages 21-20), in 1979, and again in 2011 with 294 participants, ages 17-87. Results in 1979 confirmed the hypothesis that androgyny scores (Bem, 1974) would correlate positively with sexual-self meaning scores. Results in the 2011 report showed sexual experience and religiosity as significant. The measure had statistically significant reliability and validity support. The pretesting, design and future uses for the scale will be discussed. The second presenter, Dr. Carey Roth Bayer, will cover how sexuality and the sexual self, integral parts of every human being's identity, including children, is infrequently addressed in the medical setting, particularly the pediatric setting. Patients are at different stages of sexual development during their hospital stay. They are at risk for sexual development regression and altered body image due to the invasive nature of many medical procedures. Dr. Roth Bayer will describe why sexuality is addressed infrequently in medical settings and strategies for increasing communication about sexuality in the medical setting. The third presenter, Dr. Sage Bolte, will cover how cancer directly and indirectly impacts the sexual self of cancer survivors. Research demonstrates that cancer and its treatments impact body image, sexual function and the way a person views themselves as a sexual being. Dr. Bolte will discuss the results of her research on the sexual self of young adult cancer survivors, the ways in which cancer directly and indirectly impacts a person's sexual self at various stages of life and interventions/practical tips for practitioners that may be helpful in a person reclaiming and healing their sexual self during and after cancer.

Transgender Sexuality: The Non-Binary Gender Identity Sexual Intimacy Model

Presenters Damon Constantinides, MSW, PhD

Learning Objective(s): To identify at least one way participants can apply the NBGI Sexual Intimacy Model to their own work

Abstract: There is a gap in the literature regarding the sexuality of transgender identified people. The gap is even more pronounced when looking at the experiences of transgender people with non-binary gender identities (NBGI). This lack of research renders this population invisible, leaves sex therapists and educators without resources and misses an opportunity to understand gender identity development, intimacy and sexual intimacy from a new and unexplored perspective. This workshop will present the research findings of a qualitative study that examines these intersections through the following research questions: 1) How do transgender people with NBGIs describe the interaction between their gender identity and intimate friendships?;2) How do transgender people with NBGIs describe the interaction between their gender identity and their sexually intimate relationships?; and 3) How do transgender people with NBGIs make meaning of the interactions between gender, intimacy and sexual intimacy in their lives? The design of this qualitative research study drew from feminist research approaches, strength-based social work, participatory action research and grounded theory emphasizing the importance of conducting research that is relevant and important to the community that it studies. Stratified purposeful sampling allowed for representation from populations often not represented even in the available research that includes people with non-binary gender identities, specifically people of color and people born male. Sixteen participants participated in in-depth interviews; interviews were conducted and coded simultaneously between March and September of 2010 using NVIVO software. The themes identified in the interview transcriptions were organized into a theoretical model that proposes a representation of how gender identity, sexual behavior and intimacy interact for the research participants. Three major themes were identified in the data: 1) Experience of Otherness, 2) Influence of Support and Trust, and 3) Limited Access. These themes and their corresponding sub-themes were used to develop the Non-Binary Gender Identity Sexual Intimacy Model. This model represents the intersections between gender, sex, and intimacy that were experienced by participants of the study and provides both a starting place and a tool for clinicians and people with NBGIs to increase an understanding of transgender sexuality. During this workshop quotes from study participants will be used to present the study results and proposed model. The NBGI Sexual Intimacy Model can be used as a tool for clinicians working with clients who have NBGIs as well as gender-normative clients. Utilizing this model provides an alternative approach to a variety of relationship or sexual issues that a client may present with including difficulty with intimacy, gender role expectations, or the role of sexual behavior within a relationship. Workshop participants will learn ways to apply this new model to their own work.

Sexual Expression with Musculoskeletal Dysfunction: Limitations and Solutions

Presenters Miriam Graham, DPT, MBA
Reshma Rathod, MSPT, MBA

Learning Objective(s): To recognize the importance of addressing their patient/client's physical ability or limitation for sexual expression and name some common musculoskeletal or tissue dysfunctions that detrimentally impact sexual expression. To explain to their patient/clients potential physical reasons for sexual dysfunction and describe and relate patient/client findings to other health care providers who may be able to assist with achieving patient/client goals

Abstract: When physical changes occur in an individual there can be a profound effect on that individual's sexual expression. Physical changes can be a result of musculoskeletal dysfunction, the ageing process, surgical or other trauma or a disease process. Physical rehabilitation that includes specific assessment and treatment of the pelvis and pelvic floor musculature is essential to fully address patient/client needs. Physical therapy is an important part of the interdisciplinary approach required to enable full exploration of sexual expression following physical change. It's important to educate sexuality educators, counselors and therapists about some physical causes of sexual dysfunction and the options for treatment of these dysfunctions. As well, it's important to encourage cross discipline discussion among participants for greater understanding about how to better serve our patient/clients. The presentation will address some conditions that contribute to the physical causes of sexual dysfunction. These include: pelvic muscle dysfunction, dyspareunia, prostate surgery, erectile dysfunction, hormonal changes (male and female), continence, joint replacement, back pain, arthritis and cancer. The session will include an interactive lecture supported by power point visuals and video clips. Anatomy and function of the pelvis and urogenital system will be presented to facilitate and reinforce the common knowledge base required to incorporate new information. Common musculoskeletal dysfunctions that detrimentally impact sexual expression will be explained. Three case studies that illustrate the importance of cross discipline collaboration and musculoskeletal components of sexual dysfunction will be presented. Questions from attendees will be entertained and discussion will be encouraged during an answer session.

Sexual Offenders and Sexuality

Presenters Kristen Lilla, MSW

Learning Objective(s): To understand how to treat and work with sex offenders in private practice. To distinguish the differences between sexual offending and sexuality, and to correlate overlapping themes.

Abstract: As therapists, we often work with clientele that volunteer to be in therapy. They come to us with various issues they are struggling with in their relationships, including sexual aspects within those relationships. What about clients that are required to be in therapy or clients who have committed sexual offenses? This presentation will begin with facts about sex offenders and how to identify someone as a sexual offender. This workshop will further explore how to work with someone who has sexually offended. Therapists will learn how to address the client's distorted thinking and manipulation tactics. They will learn to teach clients about victim empathy. Sexual offending is about power and control. What does this have to do with sexuality and where is the crossover? Two case studies will be presented to examine the crossover between sexual offending and sexuality. The first case study will explore a man that is a pedophile. While he cannot help being attracted to school age girls, he has been able to control his thoughts with the help of therapy. The second study will explore a man who engaged in a conspiracy theory when he silenced his victim by having her write a letter stating he did nothing wrong. Through therapy, he was able to see how his own sexuality was silenced and how he tried to further silence his victim through manipulation. The methodology used for this presentation has come from direct therapy (group and individual) with sex offenders using the Colorado Sex Offender Management Board as a foundation. Therapy and education are the most effective methods for rehabilitation when working with sexual offenders. Strategies for working with sexual offenders include providing them with the tools they need to keep them from assaulting. Therapists must realize that sexual offending is not about sex, but power. However, someone who sexually assaults is still a sexual being. Therapists will learn how to help sexual offenders have a healthier sexuality. Results indicate that sexual offenders can be rehabilitated. Therapists can teach offenders healthy coping skills, how to develop healthy fantasies and how to be a healthy partner. The importance of this presentation is that many therapists work with sexual offenders and people who assault. While we do not typically identify or label our clientele as sexual offenders, we may work with clients who are. It is important to be able to work with a variety of clients, including those who have engaged in non-consensual sex.

Sexual Attraction with Clients: You Can't Deny It

Presenters Jason Thorne, MS, LPC

Learning Objective(s): To identify two risk factors and two risk assessment questions to assess for potential sexual boundary violations.

Abstract: The enduring tendency to deem sexual feelings as taboo may inhibit a therapist's capacity to recognize, acknowledge and accept attraction or arousal experienced towards clients. Research indicates that therapist-client sexual attraction is a common experience, though one that remains difficult to acknowledge (Blackshaw & Patterson, 1992; Pope et al., 1986; Pope, Keith-Spiegel, & Tabachnick, 2006; Rodolfa et al., 1994). The aim of this presentation is to identify significant empirical findings regarding therapist-client sexual attraction and boundaries. The session will include didactic presentation and participant discussion. Participants will be provided with information on the prevalence of sexual boundary violations in clinical practice. An exploration into the typical reactions to sexual feelings to include shame, shock, guilt, anxiety and confusion about boundaries will be discussed. The notion of erotic countertransference as a therapeutic tool also will be presented as well as the negative impacts of boundary violations on clients. Individual risk factors such as loneliness, professional inexperience, ethics training and ambiguous roles will be discussed. A typology of personality styles that may contribute to professional boundary violations will be presented. The role of training experiences in facilitating or inhibiting discussions of sexual attraction will be identified. The supervisor's role both in modeling and bridging discussions of sexual attraction through overcoming discomfort, making accurate appraisal of supervisee's fitness to practice and understanding vicarious liability will be considered. Participants also will be provided with a risk management-training assessment model that can be used individually or in supervision to identify key areas for personal reflection and evaluation of therapist-client boundaries. This presentation is particularly relevant to the field of sex therapy for two reasons. First, the nature of our clinical work invites the potential for sexual boundaries to be broached. Second, the sex therapy field may be conflated with assumptions of questionable therapist-client boundaries and to ensure the integrity of the field explicit education should be routinely provided.

Synergy in Couples and Sex Therapy: What Motor Neurons, Neuroplasticity, and the Psychology of Flourishing Can Tell Us About Sex and Sexual Enhancement

Presenters Stella Resnick, PhD

Learning Objective(s): To describe the implicit communications that can support or damage a couple's emotional and sexual intimacy. To integrate new body-based methods in their work as therapists.

Abstract: Many therapists are moving beyond traditional methods and exploring new modalities for helping clients attain their relationship and sexual aspirations. Some of the best sources for inspiration come from the relatively new sciences of attachment neuroscience, brain neuroplasticity and the branch of positive psychology that deals with flourishing. Attachment research has made paradigm-shifting discoveries about the role of parent-child body-to-body intimacy in shaping the brain and nervous system and a person's subsequent attachment style as an adult. These attachment styles have been thought to be programmed for life or at least resistant to change. The field of neuroscience, on the other hand, in what has been called the "neuroplastic revolution" finds that what was previously considered to be hardwired is actually modifiable. New evidence shows that, contrary to prior notions of the immutability of brain cells, the adult brain continually undergoes change and can be "rewired." The new field of flourishing investigates factors that enable people to thrive under difficult circumstances and has much to say about resilience and the ultimate advantage of overcoming "problems" in building skills for mastery. The quality of connection between long time intimates has been shown to be a major contributor to personal resilience and to changing a person with insecure attachment to one of security and a concomitant greater ability to enjoy sexual experience. This presentation will explore how information from each of these fields highlights the role of the body and body-to-body communication and contributes to new understandings of intimacy and sexual satisfaction, and to methods that increase effectiveness in therapy. For example, research show that mirror neurons that lie alongside motor neurons in the brain and nervous system fire while witnessing another person engaged in an action. This is true if the person is hammering a nail in the wall or crying in grief. When the action is emotional, the face of the observer mimics that of the one observed and arouses the same feelings. This presentation will explore what this means for empathy, emotional contagion and how it can be applied to sexual compatibility. The presentation continues with other relevant research on stress and the variety of subtle influences that can nurture or stifle love, intimacy and capacity to give and receive sexual pleasure. Through anecdotes based on therapy sessions and experiential exercises, we'll examine body-based methods, like breath work and taking a felt sense inventory, which can be integrated with more traditional methods. These body-mind methods can be useful in helping clients to heal attachment wounds, overcome sexual compulsivity, low libido, or erection and orgasm difficulties, and to develop new skills for enhancing emotional and sexual openness, closeness and fulfillment.

Biopsychosial Management of Premature Ejaculation

Presenters Irwin Goldstein, MD

Learning Objective(s): To describe the impact of various treatments on the excitatory and inhibitory balance of sexual regulation.

Abstract: Premature ejaculation is a male sexual dysfunction characterized by: ejaculation that always or nearly always occurs prior to or within about one minute of vaginal penetration, an inability to delay ejaculation on all or nearly all vaginal penetrations and negative personal consequences, such as distress, bother, frustration and/or the avoidance of sexual intimacy. Premature ejaculation is the most common male sexual dysfunction occurring in 25-30 percent of men of all ages from teens to 70s. Contemporary understanding of the pathophysiology of premature ejaculation engages biopsychosocial problems. Concerning the biologic issues, new genetic research suggests that premature ejaculation, in some men, is a pre-determined biologic phenomenon. For example, a genetic predisposition to premature ejaculation may exist by the man having the LL phenotype of serotonin transport protein. In these men, there is such efficient serotonin transport from the synapse that the low serotonin level results in low inhibition. Men with the LL phenotype have very low intravaginal ejaculatory latency times (IELT) compared to the LS or SS phenotype of serotonin transport protein. We wish to discuss a new treatment paradigm for men with premature ejaculation that works in synergy with traditional psychosocial approaches. Expanding upon the Bancroft concept of the brain having an excitatory and inhibitory balance of sexual regulation, premature ejaculation in men (likely very similar to persistent genital arousal disorder in women) may be conceptualized as existing in men having a high excitement and low inhibition regulation imbalance. Biopsychosocial strategies that engage in the goal of increasing inhibition and decreasing excitation define rational treatment strategies. Concerning biologic approaches, agents that decrease excitation include penile/glans numbing agents, dopamine antagonists, oxytocin antagonists, noradrenergic antagonists, and melanocortin antagonists. Agents that enhance inhibition include serotonin agonists, opioid agonists, prolactin agonists, and endocannabinoid agonists. We will discuss in detail the risks and benefits of the medicine "soup" of biopsychosocial treatments that have proven effective in individual patients with premature ejaculation. Of the male sexual dysfunctions, erectile dysfunction has received the most basic science and clinical research efforts. There are new emerging basic science and clinical research data concerning the male sexual dysfunction of premature ejaculation. A rational biopsychosocial treatment paradigm is described that engages attempts to re-balance such men with high excitement and low inhibition regulation concerns that allows them enhanced control over their ejaculation concerns, thus allowing them an opportunity for a more fulfilling sexual life.

Holistic Sex Education: Integrating Body, Mind, Heart and Soul

Presenters: Rosalyn Dischiavo, EdD, MA

Learning Objective(s): To define the concept of Holistic Sex Education. To identify at least two methods of Holistic Sex Education.

Abstract: Sex education on any level has a tendency to be preventive, strategic, prescriptive or technical. Yet these are not the perspectives with which most people approach sex. In addition, erotophobia and personal experiences or trauma play a significant role in how people receive sex ed information. Holistic sex education is a new field based in research about erotophobia (Fisher, Byrne, White & Kelley) and its effects, as well as the effectiveness of workshops to reduce erotophobia (Barratt, 2008). Holistic Sex Education therefore seeks to 1) Create a feeling of safety in the body of the learner, 2) Provide an environment in which learning is optimized through acknowledging and minimizing trauma, 3) Maximize the pleasure of the learning process and integrate the mind-body connection by using body-centered methods such as dance, poetry, art, music or food, 4) Create community in the classroom, and 5) Connect the student with multiple fields such as sexology, sex therapy, sociology, psychology, anthropology, art, education, literature, ecology, philosophy and dance. The field of sex education can be greatly enhanced by the explicit and conscious recognition of the learner as a whole person who is connected to a community that is connected to the global community. The methods of delivery of the information and the learning environment can communicate this more strongly than a simple statement to this effect. Pleasure in learning is key to a student's active engagement in the process and subsequent retention of information, and sex educators can add to their own satisfaction and effectiveness by the use of these methods and philosophies.

Men, Erections, the Heart and Health: Confusion or Clairvoyance?

Presenters: Anne Katz, RN, PhD

Learning Objective(s): To recognize the factors causing ED in otherwise healthy men that could indicate silent cardiac disease. To discuss the tests that these men need to rule out cardiac disease. To identify the latest evidence supporting the treatment of ED in men.

Abstract: Recent evidence suggests that the man with erectile dysfunction (ED) and no cardiac symptoms is a cardiac/vascular patient until proven otherwise. Because normal erectile functioning is chiefly a vascular phenomenon, alterations to this may be an early warning sign of vascular damage with its attendant risks of heart attack and stroke. Erections are an important aspect of male self-identify and masculine self image. Alterations in erectile capacity have far reaching implications for men and their partners A review of the latest evidence about the link between ED and cardiac disease was reviewed. In addition, the latest literature on male sexuality was reviewed. The evidence linking ED with a subsequent cardiovascular event is strong for subsequent cardiovascular events (e.g. heart attack) in men with ED. Despite a plethora of advertising about ED, the discourse on this topic continues to talk about it as a mechanical event and ignores the important psycho-social aspects of it in male self-schema. ED is the canary in the coal mine for cardiac disease and early accurate identification of men with ED could save lives. Male identity and myths about masculinity may act as a barrier to seeking help.

Gay Affirmative Therapy for the Straight Clinician

Presenters Joe Kort, MSW, PhD

Learning Objective(s): To describe specific interventions and assessment tools for each stage of coming out, sexual development, and relationships. To discuss the data and facts in working with gays and lesbians to minimize therapists bias, feelings and opinions being transferred to the client.

Abstract: Growing up gay can cause developmental injuries around identity and competency as well as intimacy and sexuality, which can lead to adult relational disorders and other mental health problems. Because psychotherapy is largely focused on presenting symptoms, these developmental injuries are rarely addressed in treatment. This workshop prepares clinicians to address the frequently overlooked developmental injuries and covert, internalized heterosexism and homophobia symptoms of the gay and lesbian client. An effective psychodynamic, relational approach which affirms gay/lesbian identity and sexuality will be presented. Clinical issues, such as transference, stages of coming out, family and relationship dynamics and the connection between sexuality and shame will be discussed. Via discussion, guided imagery and case examples, the presenter will share specific interventions and assessment tools that promote gay-affirmative therapy. Typically, the focus in psychotherapy is on presenting symptoms, therefore, the developmental injuries around identity and competency, as well as intimacy and sexuality of gay and lesbian clients, are rarely addressed in treatment. This workshop prepares clinicians to address the frequently overlooked developmental injuries and the covert internalized heterosexism and homophobia symptoms of the gay and lesbian client, and presents an effective psychodynamic, relational approach which affirms gay/lesbian identity and sexuality.

Using Audience Response Devices to Push the Limits and Personalize Sexuality Education

Presenters Laurie M. Wagner, MEd, PhD

Learning Objective(s): To explain how audience response devices can enhance sexuality education and research.

Abstract: The purpose of this session is to provide a hands-on experience with audience response devices (a.k.a. clickers) within sexuality education. Using a PowerPoint presentation incorporating clicker questions, participants will learn some ways to use clickers for education and research within sexuality while getting a refresher (or lesson) on human sexual response. Clickers offer an opportunity to survey an audience’s attitudes and behaviors in simple and anonymous ways. At the push of a button or two, data can be collected from the people in the learning community as an assessment, a starting point of a lesson, to compare to norms or even to track changes as the lesson progresses. Using this technology allows for an opportunity to ask questions we might not otherwise get answered or feel comfortable asking and also personalizes the learning experience. Learners also can anonymously provide personal information, rank order preferences or experiences, demonstrate knowledge or express attitudes. They immediately get to see how they compare to everyone else in the room. One of the most powerful ways clickers have been used is to compare perceived sexual norms with reality. As educators, we can tell learners what the truth is with regard to science which they can accept or reject based on their own filters. With clickers, we can immediately assess the accuracy of their beliefs. Clickers can be used with a variety of audiences in many different ways. This session will explore this while embracing the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and experiences of the sexuality professionals who attend the session.

Sexual Recovery Following Breast Cancer, A Report of Outcomes of a Multidisciplinary Approach

Presenters Carole J. Moretz, PsyD, MSN

Learning Objective(s): To apply the Quantum Model in describing the typical sexual changes experienced by breast cancer survivors and experience and practice two top-down and two bottom-up integrative techniques designed to enhance sexual recovery in breast cancer survivors. To describe two advantages and two challenges associated with implementing a cross disciplinary model for facilitating sexual recovery for breast cancer survivors.

Abstract: Many breast cancer patients are left with a combination of hypoactive sexual desire and dysparenia in recovery. The dysparenia resulting from urogenital syndrome, body image changes related to treatment and interruption in ability to enact unconscious sexual scripts interact to down tune the feedback loop that maintains libido resulting in hypoactive desire. The treatment of this condition requires a multidisciplinary approach. At Lehigh Valley Health Network an ASSECT certified sex therapist and a certified pelvic floor physical therapist developed a clinical collaboration and treated a small number of these patients in collaboration. The physical therapist performed a variety of direct vaginal interventions, including massage of hot spots and trigger points. She then taught the patient and the patient's partner to provide the interventions independently. The therapist treated body image and motivational complaints with a combination of behavioral multi sensory exposure, cognitive restructuring, mindfulness techniques and body work for re-experiencing of the new embodied self. She also employed the Quantum Model to address changes in the couple's dynamics. A sample of 12 women with acceptable sexual functioning prior to breast cancer treatment was treated by the pelvic floor physical therapist alone, by the sex therapist alone or in collaboration. In a case study format, the results of treating these patients were analyzed in terms of three outcomes: level of pain, sexual desire and relational satisfaction. The collaborative treatment diminished pain by 50-85 percent as measured on a linear pain scale, improved desire by 40-50 percent as measured by the Deceased Sexual Desire Screener and improved couple's satisfaction with their relationship, as measured by couple's self report. Treatment by the pelvic floor therapist alone was not effective in improving relational satisfaction and the sexual impasse sometimes persisted even though pain level was ameliorated. Treatment by the sex therapist alone was less effective in ameliorating pain and sexual impasse continues even though the relational dynamic improved.

The Vulva DIALOGUES: A Vulva-to-Vulva Sociodrama through the Lifespan

Presenters Kimberly Chestnut, MS, MEd, PhD
Constance M. Bowes, PhD

Learning Objective(s): To identify generational, biological and cultural issues around sexuality facing women across the lifespan. To use The Wellness Wheel model as a way to initiate conversations on sexuality and wellness with students and clients. To learn The Four Essentials of Integration model as a way to understand and assess practitioner skills in the integration of sexuality and spirituality. To recognize how workshop participants' own emotional and cultural experiences can promote compassion and collaboration when working with students and clients.

Abstract: In 1996, Eve Ensler produced The Vagina Monologues, a theatrical event comprised of a varying number of monologues read by a varying number of women. Every monologue somehow related to the vagina: through sex, love, rape, menstruation, female genital mutilation, masturbation, birth, orgasm, the variety of names for the vagina or simply as a physical aspect of the body. A recurring theme throughout the piece is the vagina as a tool of female empowerment and the ultimate embodiment of individuality. In this hour-long sociodramatic reinterpretation, two vulvas, one youthful, and one aging, will engage in conversations regarding physiology, sex, love and power—dialogues within a biopsychosocial framework. As each theme is communicated vis-à-vis "the age of each vulva," seminar participants will be invited to participate in the dialogues from the perspectives of professional sexologist and sociologist. Dialogues will be crafted to illuminate age-related themes and to stimulate questioning and creative controversy. A facilitator-director will help participants step from the observer (balcony) perspective to active interaction, inquiry and empathy. Tools for skill building in sexuality education and clinical practice will be taught and discussed to promote an understanding of how culture, biology, psychology and spirituality all influence women's sexuality and our humanity. Activities and small group discussion will explore issues of women's sexuality and application of best practices. The models presented will enhance skills for practitioners in both therapy and education. Insightful conversations on promoting and building broader understanding and advocacy for healthy sexuality for all women across the lifespan will be fostered.

Unraveling the Mysteries of the Pelvic Floor

Presenters Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum, PT, MSc

Learning Objective(s): To review the basic anatomy and function of the pelvic floor. To describe the role of the pelvic floor in sexual function.

Abstract: The pelvic floor has an important role in the sexual functioning of both men and women. Sexual therapists and educators recognize the importance of awareness and function of the pelvic floor in sexual enhancement, as well as the role pelvic floor dysfunction may play in sexual problems. Yet, without a clear understanding of pelvic floor anatomy, behavioral counseling related to the pelvic floor may be limited at best and at worst, misinformed. The pelvic floor is a complicated anatomical entity which includes not only muscles, but soft tissues, nerves, blood supply and the organs supported within. In addition to sexual function, the pelvic floor is integral in bowel and bladder functioning, sphincter control and support of the pelvic organs. While the pelvic floor has objective and anatomic markers, pelvic floor function is closely related to psychological processes including anxiety and trauma. This two hour workshop is designed to educate counselors, therapists and educators with limited medical background in the basic anatomy and function of the pelvic floor. The anatomy of the pelvic floor will be reviewed in detail and normal pelvic floor functioning will be elucidated. In addition, the functions of the pelvic floor will be reviewed and explained. The role of the pelvic floor in sexual pain disorders and other sexual problems will be addressed and relevant research will be cited. Pelvic floor activity is often understood to physically manifest psychological states. The inter-relationship between pelvic floor activity and anxiety will be highlighted and treatment approaches to simultaneously reduce pelvic floor activity and address anxiety through mindfulness and relaxation will be introduced.

Technological Revolution in Sexuality Education

Presenters Princess Kali

Learning Objective(s): To learn to employ a variety of technological tools for their professional branding.

Abstract: In 2009 a revolutionary new way of sharing sex ed information was born in KinkAcademy.com and a year later PassionateU.com followed. With the launch of these two websites, BDSM & sexuality educators as well as therapists have an innovative option to promote their message to a world-wide audience. The creation of these websites required a fresh way of thinking about marketing, branding and building a membership base. Technology, including websites & new media, is a vital part of growing a business in the Internet age. Because sexuality has limited options for advertising, knowing how to incorporate these tools can contribute greatly to professional success. It's important to use social meeting sites, Twitter, Facebook and a personal website and/or blog to develop a professional voice and create a memorable brand. There is no denying what a huge part technology plays in today's world. Due to the taboo of talking about sexuality, most professionals in this industry need to learn how to maximize their outreach beyond the boundaries of traditional marketing. Creating an engaging brand that is accessible through the Web 2.0 medium is a necessary component of building a business.

Synergy and Continuity in African American Sexuality: A Multicultural Counseling Perspective

Presenters Twinet Parmer, PhD

Learning Objective(s): To gain an understanding of the Multicultural Counseling Perspective as it relates to addressing the sexuality of African Americans and other culturally diverse populations. To develop strategies and techniques for addressing the cultural identity of the counselor and the client within the context of sexuality.

Abstract: Little has been written about cultural diversity in counseling relative to theory, research, and practice. However, as persons of color embrace the notion of seeking services related to their sexuality, the need is even greater to bring a multicultural counseling perspective (MCP) in order to facilitate the therapeutic process. All counseling is multicultural due to the infinite number of perspectives that are brought to the session by both client and counselor. From this perspective, counselors and clients work to examine how the continuity of events in their lives has been manifested in the contradictions, conflicts and complexities of their experiences. Both counselor and client learn that the historical and contemporary contexts are significant in examining sexuality. For African Americans, their sexuality is entwined in the historical events of slavery in an experience that is unique to their lifestyle. However, few have keen knowledge of these experiences, and even fewer individuals do not wish to talk about this period in general, and specifically, as it relates to sexuality. The purpose of this presentation is to challenge the counselor and client to work from a MCP in order to examine each of their cultural histories. We will also provide specific examples of strategies and techniques that the counselor can use when addressing the sexuality of African Americans and other multicultural and diverse populations, including a case study discussion. Upon completion of the session, participants will be able to understand how a MCP will facilitate an examination of their cultural histories. Participants will also be able to integrate MCP into their practice when working with cultural diversity; and utilize a variety of strategies, techniques, and tools to address sexuality with African Americans and other populations.

Treating Sexual Problems in Adults with ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Asperger's Syndrome

Presenters Stephanie Buehler, MPW, PsyD, CST

Learning Objective(s): To describe and treat five typical challenges faced by adults with three disorders first diagnosed in childhood: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Learning Disabilities and Asperger's Syndrome.

Abstract:This presentation will identify the strengths and limitations of adults with disorders first identified in childhood and how these disorders impact the adult's partner as well as their relationship. Case examples will be included to demonstrate the assessment and treatment of sexual problems in these adults. Intervention strategies with the adult and the partner to improve sexual function and pleasure will be discussed.

Integrating Psychosexual Skill Exercises in the Treatment of Sexual Desire Disorders

Presenters Barry McCarthy, PhD

Learning Objective(s): To use a range of psychosexual skill exercises to enhance individual and couple sexual desire. To implement a change program to enhance sexual freedom, choice and anticipation rather than reliance on traditional sensate focus exercises.

Abstract: The new mantra for healthy couple sexuality is desire, pleasure, eroticism and satisfaction (Foley, Kope, & Sugrue, 2011). The most common clinical complaint involves desire problems, the core issue in couple sexuality. This clinically-oriented workshop describes how to use the classic psychosexual skill exercises of comfort, attraction, trust, design your own scenario and bridges to sexual desire. In addition we will explore how to use exercises to develop a unique couple sexual style, establish a mutually comfortable level of emotional intimacy, promote erotic scenarios and techniques, establish positive, realistic sexual expectations and deal with dysfunctional or dissatisfying sexual encounters. We will especially focus on using psychosexual skill exercises to maintain strong, resilient sexual desire in marital and serious relationships. We will use the psychobiosocial model to examine and reinforce psychological, biological and relational factors which promote sexual desire. Just as important, we will examine change strategies for psychological, biological and relational factors which can subvert healthy individual and couple sexuality. The Good Enough Sex model promotes variable, flexible pleasure-oriented sexuality versus. the individual sex performance model of intercourse and orgasm. Specific psychosexual skill exercises to promote a couple approach to Good Enough Sex to help implement these concepts in clinical work will be demonstrated.

The Chaos of Lust: Synergizing Concepts in Sex Therapy for the Clinician

Presenters Deborah Berry, PhD
Hal Drellich, LMT

Learning Objective(s): To identify some of the biological, psychological and social influences on the phenomenon of sexuality; to apply these influences to a conceptual model to guide clinical assessment and intervention.

Abstract: There are many ideas about what forms and constitutes sexuality. In order to understand these we need an overarching framework to contain them. The Chaos of Lust is a synergistic theory of the phenomena and development of sexuality, and includes a model which can be used to guide assessment and interventions in sex therapy. Factors shaping sexuality include evolutionary biology, pre-natal development, socio-cultural factors, family, formative experiences and variables associated with immediate context. Like most psychological phenomena there is a wide range of variety across people, but there are also certain patterns, themes and forms of organization and enactment that tend to recur. Some people have very specific patterns of what turns them on, such as sex scripts or core erotic themes. Others are flexible and change over time and in different contexts. These aspects of sexuality can be theorized within a chaos model. Within this framework we find a modified version of Donald Mosher's model of the Three Dimensions of Sexual Experience to be useful to organize concepts, assess individuals and guide interventions. Mosher proposes that three phenomenological dimensions (bodily sensation, emotional engagement and role enactment) characterize sexual experience and that people vary in their predominant focus. Patients can be asked if during sex are they primarily focused on sensory experience (body), emotional engagement (heart) or fantasies (head). Masters and Johnson's genius in developing their sensory focus therapeutic exercises was to override the potential inhibitions of the heart and the mind, and get patients back to the body and sensory immersion. In this presentation we explain how many different concepts and exercises can be categorized as sensory/body based, emotionally derived or more complexly psychological and interpersonal, focusing on mind, role and fantasy.