This interactive, skills-based workshop will give you the opportunity to deep dive into the complexity of your therapeutic work with sexual issues. Share and explore your own case studies in a peer-led environment, guided by Dr Sarah Ashton. Apply evidence-based frameworks and sexual theories to your practice through experiential exercises in a supportive learning environment.
The day will start with a recap/brief overview of sexual function, sexual scripts, sex and gender core beliefs and an outline of assessment, formulation and treatment planning for sexual issues. You will then have the opportunity to practise the application of these frameworks to your client work through facilitated discussion, activities and mini peer workshops.
The second part of the day will be dedicated to exploring ‘self’ in practice. We will explore common countertransference experiences when talking about sexual issues, and you will have the opportunity to discuss experiences relevant to you and your work. Learn how to hold difficult spaces in a therapy room while looking after yourself.
This workshop offers the vital opportunity to hear from peers about their experiences. This is an important part of learning as it normalises the humanity in our work and minimises our feeling of isolation in the difficult emotional spaces we hold. Sex therapy can involve complexity, shame and trauma (because of our cultural shame and attitudes towards sex) and feeling connected to a supportive community is key to sustainable, enjoyable work. Let's come together to support each other.
Learning objectives:
Receive peer supervision on your client work - walk away with a clear plan for assessment and treatment of sexual issues
Normalise your imposter syndrome
Share and understand the human responses that are part of being a therapist treating sexual issues
Learn how to ask about sex during the initial stages of therapy and how to respond to your own anxieties or bias
Understand sexual function theories, sex and gender scripts & core beliefs and bio-psycho-social factors that influence sex and sexuality
Understand how to assess sexual issues
Understand how to formulate sexual issues within the context of the clients broader psychology
Understand how evidence-based frameworks (e.g., CBT, Mindfulness, Schema Therapy, IFS, EMDR) can be used to treat sexual issues
Understand how to manage countertransference regarding sexual issues
When: Saturday 18 November, 9 am - 5 pm
Where: Roxy’s Unique Functions & Events - 2 Alfred Pl, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Cost:
$200 professional
$150 students or individuals facing social or financial challenges *
*No explanation needed - we trust you to make this call.
Tickets are non-refundable
What will be provided:
Lunch & snacks
Copies of slides and case studies
Suitable for:
Students
Sexologists
Psychologists
Social workers
Counsellors
Nurses
Psychiatrists
Sex therapists
Students undertaking education in all of the above
Level of experience required:
Undertaking or completions in psychology or the above disciplines
No experience with sexual therapy necessary
About the presenter:
Sarah (she/her) is the Director and Founder of the first psychology practice dedicated to sexual health treatment – SHIPS and is the Founder and Lead Training Author of Sexual Health and Intimacy Psychological Training. Sarah is a registered psychologist (AHPRA), board approved supervisor (AHPRA), member of the Society of Australian Sexologists and has worked with clients in the sexual health field for over 15 years. She is the Coordinator for the Sexual and Mental Health Primay Health Network, and a Sessional Lecturer at RMIT University. She is a published researcher in The Journal of Sex Research, Porn Studies, Feminism & Psychology, and has written articles for The Conversation and Red Magazine. Sarah has been a guest speaker on Joy FM and ABC radio. Sarah brings a warm, down-to-earth, compassionate approach to therapy and leading her practice. She loves what she does and wants to share this important area of knowledge with emerging and established practitioners.
FAQs
How is this different from the SHIPS online training ?
This is practice-based training (rather than content based). This workshop is focused on applying the content from online training (which is also briefly refreshed in this training) to your client work, and yourself. You will have the opportunity to workshop clients issues and practice skills with peers.
What if I don’t have any cases/client work to share yet?
You are welcome to listen and offer your perspective of other people’s cases. Sharing client work is not necessary for participation.
Is this event being recorded?
No. This is a live, experiential event.