Understanding Sexual Shame & Moving towards Sex-Positivity March 6, 2010

Mar 6 & Mar 13, 10am - 5:30pm both days. May be taken separately.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
Sexual shame, sex-negativity, and erotophobia influence every aspect of our lives. They're often present in clinical settings, even when they're not explicitly part of the conversation. In this class, we'll explore some of the patterns that negatively affect sexuality and develop strategies for overcoming them. We'll learn to identify and describe physiological and affective indicators of shame, and ways in which shame manifests in interpersonal and group dynamics. We'll also examine some of the processes that create and deepen sexual shame and ways to recognize how shame affects our clients and ourselves. Topics will include the influence of shame on relationships, and steps we can take to respond to it.

On the second day of the workshop, we will discuss what we can do to foster more positive relationships with sexuality in order to enhance health, pleasure, and well-being. We will learn to identify characteristics of sexual well-being. We'll also discuss ways in which the Myth of the Normal affects sexuality. We'll identify ways that service providers can create sex-positive client interactions. Other topics covered include sexual diversity, and resources for further learning.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Charlie Glickman, PhD, is the education program manager at Good Vibrations in San Francisco. His areas of expertise include sexual diversity, sex and shame, communities of erotic affiliation, sexual practices, and sex-positivity. He has taught workshops and classes on a wide range of topics for many organizations including CIIS, JFK University, the Graduate Theological Union, and numerous nonprofit agencies. He is certified as a sexuality educator by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.

Official Website: http://www.ciis.edu/publicprograms