Discover and develop competence in utilizing Sensate Focus suggestions in working with intimacy and sexual concerns.
Sensate Focus Touching is a highly useful adjunct therapy for both mental health and allied health professionals to address sexual desire as well as a spate of sexual distresses and dysfunctions. Sensate Focus touching was developed by Masters & Johnson, the inventors of modern sex therapy on the basis of their research into human sexuality. It serves to foster a mindful connection to self and partner as well as diminish anxiety through repeated touching experiences. Through a structured hierarchy of suggestions, participants learn to turn off their internal chatter and tune into their body, managing their mind’s negative messages, building comfort and connection and accumulating sexual tension. This is Sensate Focus, a simple but elegant and evidence-based strategy that forms the foundation of sex therapy.
Sensate Focus is helpful in addressing low desire and sexual dysfunctions, for identifying and managing blocks to sexual feeling and expression, and for promoting healthy adaptions to the biopsychosocial challenges following cancer and other illness.
In this lively and highly practical workshop, participants will be updated regarding best practices, be introduced to the underpinnings of Sensate Focus in somatic therapy and mindfulness practice and be offered the opportunity to learn to apply Sensate Focus suggestions to diverse populations including modifications for LGBT, non-binary and gender fluid individuals and couples. Also included are modifications for varied sexual concerns, those who have experienced sexual trauma, those affected by chronic illness or coping with reduced abilities or body image concerns. The program includes case presentation as well as video demonstrations of Sensate Focus suggestions and positions.
o By the end of this workshop, Participants will be able to:
o Describe Sensate Focus and it’s relationship to the practices of mindfulness and somatic touch
o Analyze when and how to use Sensate Focus touching suggestions
o Identify how to integrate Sensate Focus into relationship counseling/therapy and sexual medicine
o Apply Sensate Focus suggestions to various populations and sexual concerns
o Explain commonly encountered problems in assigning and processing Sensate Focus
o List interventions useful in addressing commonly encountered problems
o Establish a plan to integrate Sensate Focus into their practices
Linda is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Diplomate in Clinical Social Work, a Certified Diplomate in Sexology (American Board of Sexology), and is certified by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists as a Sex Therapist and Supervisor. Linda is also an author and most recently published Sensate Focus in Sex Therapy: The Illustrated Manual with co-author Dr. Avery-Clark. Prior to beginning a private practice, Weiner was a Clinical & Research Associate at Masters & Johnson Institute in St. Louis. Linda also served as an Assistant Professor at Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis. Linda has been providing individual, relationship, sex therapy and training for the past 32 years. Her current interests are on mindfulness and somatic processes in sex therapy and in helping allied health professionals become comfortable and proficient in addressing the sexuality concerns of their patients.
This program meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 6 CE credits. of synchronous learning. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. No other CE credit is offered at this time. For further information, please contact ce@assect.org.
COST: Professionals $325, Students $250