New York Spring Seminar
Sexual Intelligence: Cybersex, Kinky Sex, Pornography, & “Sex Addiction”
May 11, 2012
10:00-4:00
Ackerman Institute
149 East 78th Street
New York, NY
Every therapist deals with sexual issues, and the emotions accompanying them. But some sexual issues are more difficult for us than others. They challenge our clinical beliefs or personal values, highlighting our discomfort or lack of knowledge.
We all have cases now that didn’t exist 20 years ago, involving cybersex and internet porn. Our cases increasingly involve sadomasochism, swinging, role-playing, and other “alternative lifestyles.” Is our sophistication about sexuality keeping up? What about our comfort? What about that queasy, uncertain feeling of “can this form of sexual expression be healthy or normal?” When should we trust this feeling, and when is this feeling about us?
The “sex addiction” (and “porn addiction”) movement is one response to these troubling cases. We see both impulsive and compulsive sexual decision-making, people whose sexuality feels and looks out of control. The “sex addiction” concept offers a calm, structured approach that soothes the therapist’s anxiety. Indeed, it’s easier than differential diagnosis and the messy art of psychotherapy.
“Sex addiction” is a narrative of powerlessness. Although these patients describe themselves as “out of control,” colluding with this description is generally a mistake. Instead, we will view these patients as rejecting the consequences of their sexual decisions, while also rejecting the pain of making different choices. That’s why we will also discuss the existential implications of sexual expression.
Since American culture’s sex-negative assumptions and misinformation are at the heart of many sexual problems, we’ll also examine our assumptions about sex—so we can better notice patients’ assumptions.
Participants will acquire new tools to interpret, influence, and treat patients’ sexual decision-making—without stripping sex of its richness, darkness, and adulthood. You will learn:
* How to evaluate patients’ alternative or problematic sexual practices
* When should we focus on the sex, and when on something else (e.g., power dynamics, attachment disorders)?
* The typical dynamics of individuals & couples regarding conflict about pornography use—and innovative ways to resolve it
* What is erotic powerplay? Why is it so popular? How can we support the emotional health of participants?
* How to increase your comfort and skill in dealing with “alternative” sexual expression such as BDSM, consensual non-monogamy, erotic role-playing, and “kinky” sex
* The limitations & disadvantages of the “sex addiction” model
* How to diagnose & treat impulsive and compulsive sexual decision-making & behavior
Approved for 5 CEs for MFTs, LCSWs, Nurses
Approved for 5 CEs for AASECT
For information or to register, see http://bit.ly/yMMc4X
