More information and booking under:
www.instituteofcouplestherapy.com
This workshop is suitable for both individual and couples therapists both experienced and more recently qualified.
By the end of the workshop they will:
· Understand what may be getting in the way of them talking freely about sex
· Be familiar with the correct terminology both physically and with regards to sexual experiences
· Be able to help clients explore what they like and dislike about sex
· Be able to communicate about sex respectfully and clearly
· Understand how support clients towards a more healthy sexual relationship
· Have gained an understanding of how sex works from a male and female anatomy perspective
· Have an insight into desire and what might interrupt desire
Event Schedule:
Introduction 9.30am - 10.15am:
Explain the importance of having mental health practitioners who are interested and educated in psychosexual issues.
Encourage all attendees to say one word or sentence about why they’re attending.
Irish context 10.15am - 10.50am (this section sets the scene for working with clients in or from Ireland, and encourages attendees to reflect on their own cultural influences):
Slides: Review the gaps in Ireland’s research, role models and education.
Activity: Group discussion on the strange or humorous terminology for sex or anatomy, as remembered from youth.
Discussion: Highlight the importance of having accurate language to name our body parts, our sexual interests and desires, and our concerns.
Sex education 10.50am - 11.30am:
Activity: Instruct attendees to close eyes, tell them you will tap one random attendee on the shoulder and that that person will be instructed to disclose something about their sex life that nobody knows. Almost immediately, inform attendees that this activity is made-up. (This activity helps attendees to relate to the client experience of “first disclosure” of a sexual issue, and to recognise the privilege and power of the practitioner position).
Slides: Anatomy of the penis and vulva
Slides: Inevitability of change in function and sensation due to e.g. age, illness, hormonal changes, disability.
Slides: Importance of sensory and psychological contributions to sex e.g. touch that does not include genitals or penetration, sexual (dis)empowering beliefs of what sex ‘should’ look like.
Sexual response and desire cycles
Fear and sexual function response cycles e.g. sexual impact of anxiety in the body
Activity: Demonstration of lubricants and sexual aids including for pleasure and painful penetration.
11.30am - 12pm Break
Sexual Communication 12pm - 12.45pm
Slides: Brief review of research on barriers to sexual communication with clients, partners, peers and healthcare practitioners
Slides: Brief review of Irish media representations of sex from 1960s - 2020s (this highlights the various relevant public discourse for clients of various ages)
Activity: Group discussion on the messaging we receive from family, partners, peers, media etc. Encourage attendees to think of an example of a memory from youth of hearing discussion of bodies and sex e.g. in household, radio, music etc. Encourage attendees to assess the sensory memory i.e. what was their emotional response and how did it present in their body. (This activity includes note-taking option for those who prefer not to discuss)
Slides: Discuss necessity of raising or being open to raising sexual issues with clients e.g. sexual wellbeing as core aspect of overall wellbeing, duty of care to be open to discussing sexual issues, breaking down stigma for the client.
Slides: Key points from the day; Practical communication, somatic and mindset strategies for discussing sex confidently.
Role play: Client role plays to allow attendees to practice asking a client about their sexual wellbeing and practices, including self-touch.
Looking forward 12.45pm - 1.30pm
Slides: Services available in Ireland which may be useful for referrals
Activity: Group discussion on main eye-openers of the day. And Q&A
Disclaimer: While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on the IACP website event calendar, the IACP cannot accept any responsibility or liability for information provided by outside organisation. The views expressed in presentations made at this event are those of the event organiser / speaker and not, necessarily, of the IACP. Presentations at this event do not constitute an endorsement of the IACP regarding organiser’s or speaker’s views, products or services.
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