DESCRIPTION: Since Masters & Johnson developed Sensate Focus touch in the 1960’s, many clinicians have devised modifications to this foundational technique in order to address client diversity and the range of sexual concerns. Sexual trauma survivors who are likely over represented in our consultation rooms can be some of our most challenging clients. Survivors may present with out-of-control sexual behavior, sexual phobias, avoidance, pain, lack of desire and/or responsiveness and, too often, are not initially in sex therapy for themselves.

The literature is rich with publications about the potential emotional, relational and sexual after effects of sexual trauma and there are many good self- help books dealing with emotional healing. However, very few authors have published detailed suggestions for working with the sexual healing of survivors and even fewer have published suggestions for the use of mindful and somatic strategies, including Sensate Focus.

In this full day webinar participants will learn about the various presentations of sexual trauma in the therapy room and offered guidelines for modifying Sensate Focus suggestions. Clinical case examples will be presented to illustrate the creative strategies and varied outcomes in working with these often-challenging clients and their partners.

Linda Weiner, MSW, LCSW (she/her) is an author, speaker and therapist with 33 years in the field of sexology. Linda is an AASECT Certified Diplomate in Sex Therapy, a Supervisor and CE provider. Linda was previously Director of the Masters & Johnson Child Sexual Abuse Program and a Consultant to the State of Illinois Division of Child Welfare. She and Dr Constance Avery-Clark recently published Sensate Focus in Sex Therapy: The Illustrated Manual.

Learning Objectives:

Recognize the common presentations of sexual trauma in the therapy room
Become conversant in understanding the brain’s response to trauma and usual coping mechanisms
Identify common sexual concerns of trauma survivors
Understand the theoretical underpinnings of Sensate Focus and its general sequencing
Describe the modifications in Sensate Focus suggested for survivors
Become informed about additional therapies and techniques for working effectively with survivors
Identify creative techniques for individualizing therapy with survivors

EARN CEs:

This program meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 6 CE credits of synchronous learning. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification with completion a brief post test and evaluation form. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. No other CE credit is offered at this time. For further information, please contact ce@assect.org.

COST:

$300 professionals

$250 students* (*please submit a copy of your valid student ID or a letter from your institution on their letterhead to sextherapiststlouis@gmail.com)

$200 groups of 5 or more registrants** (**ALL must register and pay at the same time, listing current email addresses)

Limited scholarships available.

If you are interested in being considered for a scholarship, please email me at sextherapiststlouis@gmail.com. Priority will be granted to active students who represent marginalized groups.

Please submit a written statement describing your current scholarship needs and a copy of your valid student ID or letter from your institution on their letterhead. Applications are due by February 16, 2023. Those chosen for a scholarship will be notified by March 2, 2023.

SENSATE FOCUS: Trauma Informed Interventions WITH SURVIVORS