Empowering Sexuality with Somatic Sexology

Course Description:

Somatic sexology is a field that focuses on holistic approaches to sexual education and exploration. Through an intersectional lens, we challenge traditional norms surrounding gender, sexuality and relationship with the aim of celebrating diversity. One important part is the understanding and exploration of somatic awareness and its pivotal role in expanding pleasure and sexual experiences. The starting point for working with challenges in the area of sexology, it is unconditional for us to provide and hold a safe space and positive regard for all clients, regardless of their desires and practices. With explorational exercises and open questions, the participants will get clues in how to deconstruct societal norms and confront biases surrounding gender, sex and sexuality. We briefly cover the historical and cultural specificity of “normal” and will question assumptions that are easily taken for granted. We will raise awareness about the importance of empowerment and inclusivity and give examples on how participants can support developing skills in sexual communication and how to navigate feelings of shame and embarrassment in a professional setting.

By the end of the course, participants will have more critical understanding on the complexities surrounding sexual experiences, being more equipped with other approaches to support individuals on their unique journey navigating sexuality.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe how increased somatic awareness connects clients to their identified needs.
2. Discuss and reflect on three (3) different ways that empowerment and motivation can be included in our work.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of how societal norms influence sexuality using Gayle Rubin’s Charmed Circle framework.
4. Describe common sources of shame related to the individual's challenge areas or presenting concerns.
5. Discuss three (3) ways to apply exercises based on the understanding of Somatic Sexology.

Instructor:

Anna Linde, MS in Sexology (she/her)

Credits: 3 hours (must complete evaluation and post-test to receive credit). 

Please note that this course will be recorded and available for 30-days to registrants. CEs will be issued to those who attend live or watch the recording after completing the evaluation and post-test.

Missouri Social Workers: 

This course has been approved for three (3) CEs by the Missouri State Committee for Social Workers.

AASECT: 

This program meets the requirements for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 3 CE credits. These CE credits may be applied toward the AASECT Certification and renewal of certification. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT Certification. For further information please contact ce@aasect.org.

• CKA-C: Socio-cultural, familial factors (e.g., ethnicity, culture, religion, spirituality, socioeconomic status, family values), in relation to sexual values and behaviors.
• CKA-E. Intimacy skills (e.g., social, emotional, sexual), intimate relationships, interpersonal relationships and family dynamics.
• CKA-O. Professional communication and personal reflection skills.
• STT-A. Theory and methods of sex-related psychotherapy, including several different models.
• STT-C. Theory and methods of approach to intervention in relationship systems experiencing sex and intimacy problems.

Please note that this course will be recorded and available for 30-days to those who register in advance. CEs will only be issued to those who attend the live course and complete the evaluation and post-test.

Grievance Policy:

1. The person with a grievance will first try to informally resolve their grievance by contacting Rafaella Smith-Fiallo with the issue concerning the workshop, its delivery, the evaluation method, or technological issue. Rafaella can be contacted at rsf@healingxchg.com.

2. If the aggrieved person is not satisfied with the resolution through informal means, the aggrieved person shall put their grievance in writing via this form. The collective event facilitators will then consult to find fair methods of resolving the grievance. The collective will then consult with appropriate personnel at the organization that have approved the course to find fair methods of resolving the grievance.

4. If the aggrieved person is not satisfied with the solutions put forth, then they will be directed to put their grievance in writing and contact the appropriate organization, e.g. AASECT or state in which training has been provided. The appropriate AASECT personnel can be reached at ce@aasect.org.

5. The AASECT CE Provider, Rafaella Smith-Fiallo, will abide by any decisions regarding resolution of the grievance.

Please use this form to document any grievance from this workshop