February 2013 contemporary Vol. 47. No. 1 American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists sexuality The international resource for educators, researchers and therapists
In this issue... Sexual Surrogacy In Memoriam Revisited Douglas Kirby...... 6
Letter from the President...... 7 The Sessions is garnering Oscar buzz for do and where they fit into the rubric of helping pro- actors Helen Hunt, who plays real life sexual fessionals who work on sexuality and sexual health. Regional News...... 8 surrogate Cheryl Cohen-Greene, and John This confusion is fostered by a lack of public and professional discussion. Masters and John- Quick Hits...... 9 Hawkes, who portrays the late poet and journalist Mark O’Brien. The film is also son set the tone early on, writing only briefly and Reviews...... 11 bringing the issue of sexual surrogacy back to vaguely about SPT and remaining cautious when the attention of the general public and prurient talking about it in public, something that seems News of Members.12 journalists. And sexuality professionals too. to have been the result of legal concerns that con- Congratulations tinue to plague the profession today. What’s more, to newly certified ince the early 1970s when Masters and John- SPT was and remains a relatively uncommon prac- members son wrote about their work with “partner tice. At the height of its popularity, there were at surrogates,” the practice of sexual surroga- Member Profiles.... 13 S most a few hundred surrogate partners working in cy, or Surrogate Partner Therapy (SPT) as it’s now the U.S. Now the number is closer to a few dozen. known, has been highly controversial and widely Call for Award A recent meeting of surrogate partners in Florida misunderstood both inside and outside of sexuality Nominations...... 15 attracted 25 attendees. helping professions. It’s too bad. Because everyone who stands to The cause for controversy is not surprising Continuing gain from the practice of SPT loses when people to any of us who work in the areas of sexuality Education don’t talk about it. Lack of discussion makes it Opportunities...... 16 and sexual health. Social and institutional anxi- harder for clients to access a qualified professional. ety about sexuality means that any professional It increases confusion for therapists who may be activity involving sexuality is considered suspect. interested in working with a surrogate partner but The closer that activity gets to sexual intimacy and aren’t sure how to assess the benefits and risks of explicit sexual behavior, the more suspicious it be- the practice. And it makes it more difficult and comes. A sex educator talking to a room full of less safe for certified surrogate partners to do the people arouses a certain level of suspicion, a sex work they believe in, in an environment in which therapist working in a private practice with a cou- they are respected as professionals and in which ple around non-monogamy arouses another. Vari- they are able to develop professionally. ous forms of sex work are subject to the greatest Following the release of The Sessions, and a level of suspicion, mistrust, and derision, even in subsequent highly charged thread it instigated places where they are legal. on the AASECT listserv, Contemporary Sexuality For forty years, surrogates have tried to carve thought it was a good time to address the topic, out their own professional space alongside those at least in our own world of sexuality profession- three professions, but they continue to find them- als. For some this may be a refresher, for others it selves ambiguously positioned somewhere between might be new information. We hope it encourages them. To make matters more complicated, many, thoughtful discussion about SPT, regardless of possibly most, of the professionals around them are your position in relation to the practice. If you’re also unclear as to what exactly surrogate partners What We Publish contemporary
Contemporary Sexuality publishes information under the th following categories. Deadline for submission is the 5 sexualityFounder Patricia Schiller, MA, JD of the month. Please note that due to space constraints, AASECT Board of Directors we might not always have room to publish every President P. Michele Sugg, MSW announcement. President Elect Konstance McCaffree, PhD Secretary Richard Siegel, MA, LMHC Treasurer Triste Brooks, MA News of Members Membership Steering Chair Stephanie Buehler, PsyD Related-content book and journal article publications, Certification Steering Chair Jo Marie Kessler, MS,NP Outreach Steering Chair Sabitha Pillai-Friedman, MSW, PhD degrees conferred, significant awards, members who Public Relations, Media & have taken on positions in other related organizations, Advocacy Steering Chair Megan Andelloux, BA death of a member. Professional Education Send news of members to: [email protected] Steering Chair Joan Sughrue, MEd, BSN, RN Communications Steering Chair Sallie Foley, LMSW
Regional News Immediate Past President William W. Finger, PhD Talks, presentations, keynotes, regional get-togethers. Regional Representatives Send regional news to: [email protected] Eastern Region Linda Lotz, MSW, PhD Mid-Continent Region Joe Kort, PhD, LMSW Western Region Alexandra Katechakis, MA Continuing Education International Region Talli Rosenbaum, Msc, PT AASECT sponsored and AASECT approved CE activities. President’s Committees Send to CE opportunities to AASECT office:[email protected] Personnel Committee Chair Catherine Ravella, PhD Ethics Advisory Committee Chair Peggy Kleinplatz, PhD Awards Committee Chair Dennis Sugrue, PhD Bylaws Committee Chair Russell J. Stambaugh, PhD Nominations Committee Chair William Stayton, ThD, PhD How to contact AASECT Certification Committee Chairs board members Sexuality Counselors Mitchell S. Tepper, PhD, MPH Sexuality Educators Lis Maurer, MS Can’t find what you’re looking for on the website? Sex Therapists Linda DeVillers, PhD Supervisors Gretchen Fincke, MSSW Can’t get a question answered through your section Contemporary Sexuality leader or regional representative? Listserv members Editor-in-Chief Sorah Stein, MA, BCBA don’t have the answers? Feel free to contact a board Coordinator for Books & member directly at: Media Reviews Chris Flynn, PhD Editor for CE Articles Gina Ogden, PhD President Michele Sugg, [email protected] Editorial Advisors Elizabeth Boskey, PhD, MPH; Janet Greenhut, President Elect Konstance McCaffree, MD, MPH; Debra Herbenick, PhD, MPH; Marty Klein, PhD; Dug Lee, MA, LMHC, CMHS; Fran Secretary Ricky Siegel, [email protected] cis Tuffour, MA; Beverly Whipple, PhD, RN, FAAN Senior Writer Cory Silverberg, M.Ed. Treasurer Triste Brooks, [email protected] Staff Membership Steering Chair Stephanie Buehler Executive Director Dee Ann Walker, CAE Director, Education & [email protected] Membership Alphonsus Baggett, MEd Certification Steering Chair Jo Marie Kessler, Membership Coordinator Janet Huynh [email protected] Contemporary Sexuality is a monthly publication of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists, 1444 I Street NW, Suite 700,Washington, DC 20005; Outreach Steering Chair Sabitha Pillai-Friedman, phone: 202-449-1099; fax: 202-216-9646. Please address all membership and subscription [email protected] queries and editorial correspondence to this address. If you have comments, please contact Editor-in-Chief Sorah Stein at [email protected]. Professional Education Steering Chair Joan Sughrue, © 2013 The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists. All- [email protected] rights reserved. The views expressed in Contemporary Sexuality represent individual opin- ions; they do not represent the official opinions of AASECT, its Board of Directors or its staff. Public Relations, Media and Advocacy Steering Chair Megan Andelloux, [email protected] COPYRIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS: Written permission must be obtained from the Copyright Clearance Center (CCC), UMI Company, or UnCover Company for copying Communications Steering Chair Sallie Foley, articles/parts of articles. Contact: CCC, (508) 750-8400; UMI, (800) 521-0600; or Un- Cover (800) 787-7979. Those desiring to use articles for classroom use should contact [email protected] CCC. Permissions for republication of quotes, charts, tables, figures and pages of text are normally granted contingent upon similar permission from the author(s), inclusion of ac- knowledgment of the original source, and payment to CCC of the appropriate fee. Queries regarding permissions and fees should be directed to Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danver, MA 01923, U.S.A., phone (508) 750-8400, fax (508) 750-4744, e-mail: [email protected]. Sexual Surrogacy Revisited interested in becoming part of an organizational and boundaries around physical touch and safer conversation about SPT you’ll find contact infor- sex are explained. By the third or fourth session, mation at the end of this article. clothes come off and work focuses on body im- age and increasing the client’s comfort with their What Is Surrogate Partner Therapy? own and a partner’s naked bodies. Sessions three In the late 1970s a group of surrogates began a through six are conducted primarily in the nude support group. Their work involved sexual inti- and include guided touch exercises in which the cli- macy and touch, they found clients only through ent is encouraged to explore the surrogate’s body therapist referrals, and their work was highly struc- and their own sensations while touching and being tured, goal oriented, and time limited. This meant touched. Conversations throughout these sessions that the challenges they faced were related to, but invariably include some sharing of sex informa- “It’s useful to think different from, sex educators, counselors, and ther- tion. For example, Poelzl says: apists -- whose work was talk based and didn’t in- “I give the client an opportunity to look of the surrogate volve touch. However, their challenges were also at my cervix, which they usually take me different from those of sex workers, who worked partner/client up on since they rarely get the chance out independently and without an explicit therapeu- in the world!” tic goal. The group soon became the International process as one that Professional Surrogates Association (IPSA). In ad- In these sessions, touch, which may include geni- is about evaluation, dition to support, it began offering training, and, tal touch, is generally exploratory. Sessions seven by the 1990s, certification for surrogate partners. through ten focus on the client’s sexual goals, and training, skill Vena Blanchard, who worked as a surrogate the specific work depends on the difficulties identi- building--emotional and is the current president of IPSA explains that fied. These final sessions also draw on previous ones, one of the great misunderstandings about SPT is bringing it all together to help the client holistically and behavioral, that encounters are a sexual event, rather than an enjoy being in a sexual and sensual moment rather intimate, sexual, and therapeutic process: than focusing on particular body parts or ideas. and re-evaluation. “It’s useful to think of the surrogate These sessions may, and often do, include intercourse. It’s a combination partner/client process as one that is about evaluation, training, skill Who Is Involved in SPT Today? of desensitization building--emotional and behavioral, The practice of SPT remains almost exclusively and re-evaluation. It’s a combination heterosexual. Both the therapists and surrogates and successive of desensitization and successive interviewed for this piece said that requests from approximation.” approximation.” gay, lesbian, or queer clients are rare. While in most cases the surrogate is in the role of partner, What SPT is meant to approximate is the kind sometimes the surrogate’s role is more of men- of real life intimate and sexual relationship a client tor. In these cases a client who is a heterosexual wants outside of therapy. So SPT begins by creating woman, for example, may prefer to work with a a genuine, caring relationship between surrogate surrogate who is also a woman. Such work is done partner and client. in the nude, but the client and surrogate primarily I asked Linda Poelzl, a surrogate working since touch themselves, with the surrogate demonstrat- 1995, who wrote a case study in The Journal of ing touch and stimulation techniques rather than Bisexuality, to describe a typical course of therapy. performing them on the client. “It’s a skill building environment for the client. Most professionals say that a successful part- We’re working on relaxation, communication, and ner/client relationship requires the development of capacity to bring one’s mind back to one’s present a genuine intimate and sexual relationship. But experience. We are in the moment but we’re also according to several professionals interviewed for modeling attitudes toward sexuality and intimacy this article, it is rare for there to be sexual chemis- that many of these clients didn’t get in their origi- try or attraction at the outset. nal family. We demonstrate what it’s like to take This, it turns out, may be the ideal situation. risks, to tell the truth about how you feel about Ronit Aloni is a therapist and the academic direc- something in your body.” tor of the Tel Aviv Sex Therapy Clinic, the epicen- A ten-session template begins with sessions one ter of SPT with more than a dozen surrogates and through three, clothes on, getting acquainted and several dozen clients at any given time. She says: building rapport and trust. Exercises and concepts like sensate focus and sexual energy are introduced
3 Contemporary Sexuality www.aasect.org | February 2013 Vol. 47, No. 1 Sexual Surrogacy Revisited
“I tell clients to think of the surrogate as a friend, legal.” In other words, although SPT may be illegal, not a lover. For many clients it is desire and attrac- the likelihood of a surrogate partner being arrested tion that raises anxiety, which creates problems with may be low. functioning, so early on it’s better not to be attracted She further states that “the Sex Workers Project to the surrogate. Desire and attraction can come doesn’t believe this work is unethical nor do we with the process of therapy. If a client can feel con- think it should be criminalized. But we want peo- fident and comfortable, they can be intimate, then ple to know all the possible risks. We want people they function, and that’s when their anxiety level to know what the law says and what could apply drops and they may feel desire and attraction.” to them in theory or practice.” In Aloni’s Tel Aviv clinic, 30-40% of clients are In California, surrogate partners have under- women. Most present with issues around orgasm stood their work to be legal since 1997, when then difficulties. Male clients tend to present with erec- District Attorney Kamala Harris was quoted the San tile dysfunction, rapid ejaculation, and sexual inex- Jose Mercury News saying, “If it’s between consen- perience. Another significant part of Aloni’s prac- sual adults and referred by licensed therapists and tice is sexual rehabilitation following an injury. In doesn’t involve minors, then it’s not illegal.” Harris fact, her clinic began in 1989 inside a rehabilitation is now Attorney General, but the rationale and legal hospital working with clients with disabilities. impact of her comment remains unclear. Because certified surrogate partners only receive Is It Legal? clients by therapist referral, these legal ambiguities Another reason SPT remains under-discussed and are also relevant to therapists who may wish to re- rarely practiced likely has to do with its murky fer their clients. Some therapists are concerned that legal status. In some countries surrogate partner providing such a referral might be breaking the law. therapy is clearly legal. Aloni’s clinic in Israel, for On this point, Baskin raises two considerations. example, has a contract with the military and the First, professionals should consult other laws that cost of SPT was awarded in at least one court case regulate their profession. Second, they should con- involving a motor vehicle accident. But in the US, sult with a criminal lawyer in their state (she rec- the answer is less clear. In the 1970s, Masters and ommends finding one familiar with minor crime Johnson stopped using SPT over legal concerns, law) to assess whether SPT could be considered even though they believed is was highly beneficial. prostitution in their state. If so, they should dis- Currently, there is no reference to SPT or sexual cuss whether referral carries a risk of being seen as surrogacy in US law. promoting or advancing prostitution. According to IPSA no certified surrogate part- All of this might sound like more risk than any ner has ever been charged while practicing SPT. therapist would want to take on. But the process However, since most surrogate partners engage in of understanding and assessing risk may be less sexual contact with clients, their work may be cov- time consuming, and less costly, than one imagines. ered by laws related to prostitution or sex work. What seems most important is that professionals The degree to which this may be the case can vary think through both the risks and benefits that this widely since these laws are written and enforced at modality may offer. the state and not federal level. Dr. Marty Klein, who has provided training for Sienna Baskin is a lawyer and co-director of both surrogate partners and therapists who work the Sex Workers Project, which provides legal and with them, explains his position: social services to sex workers in New York City. “Surrogate Partner Therapy is a valuable She explains that in New York State the definition clinical modality. Unfortunately, any of prostitution is the offer, agreement, or exchange licensed professional who refers a patient of sexual conduct for a fee. From her perspective, to a surrogate is putting his/her license at “surrogates would fall under this definition and risk. We all accept various risks as part of it would be illegal.” But she’s quick to point out doing therapy in a sex-phobic society and there’s a difference between an act that’s illegal and sex-phobic psychotherapeutic profession, one that will be prosecuted. “How prosecutions but anyone who uses [SPT] without happen is really about law enforcement priori- considering the legal risks is simply not ties. Prosecutors can choose to deprioritize specific paying attention to the world in which crimes, so they’re still on the books and it’s still il- we live.”
4 Contemporary Sexuality www.aasect.org | February 2013 Vol. 47, No. 1 Sexual Surrogacy Revisited
Weighing the Risks and Benefits to SPT in their ethical and/or practice guidelines. One consideration in weighing these risks is, of Now none do. There are several references online course, the possible benefits of SPT. to a 2010 statement of clarification from the Cali- There are plenty of anecdotal reports from fornia Association of Marriage and Family Thera- therapists, surrogates, and clients that attest to the pists (CAMFT) saying that when practiced by a efficacy of SPT. However, no controlled studies ex- licensed therapist and a qualified surrogate partner, ist examining the efficacy of SPT. Only a handful SPT is not unethical. When contacted for this ar- of papers have appeared in peer-reviewed journals ticle, Jill Epstein, the current Executive Director of since the early 1970s, and those tend to be retro- CAMFT, was not able to find any such comment in spective and have small sample sizes. CAMFT records. Masters and Johnson originally reported on No reference may be understood to mean that 28 men who worked with surrogate partners, and there is nothing inherently unethical about the found that SPT was successful for 63% of men pre- practice. But if SPT would be considered illegal senting with primary ED and 78% of men present- where you practice then, in theory, referring clients ing with secondary ED. The most recent study as- to surrogate partners would be an ethical violation sessing SPT was published in the Journal of Sexual regardless of their certification. Medicine in 2007, and was based on data from Alo- I spoke AASECT’s Ethics Chair, Dr. Peggy ni’s Tel Aviv clinic. The clients were women with Kleinplatz, about what AASECT’s position might vaginismus, half who worked therapeutically with be in practice, if not in the Ethics Code itself. She a primary partner, and half who were un-partnered offered this statement: and worked with male surrogates. One hundred “The recent resurgence of interest and publicity percent of the women working with surrogates surrounding surrogate partner therapy has led to achieved pain free intercourse, compared to 74% of much discussion within AASECT, some of it rabid- the women working with their partners, although in ly against the work of surrogate partners, and oth- 19% of the couples’ cases they terminated due to a ers suggesting that our own work will be tarnished separation. The difference is not statistically signifi- by association with those in a legal grey zone. cant. Both groups reported similar levels of satis- The position of AASECT with respect to sur- faction with the process and the outcome, though rogate partner therapy remains nebulous. As Ethics women working with surrogates ended therapy Chair, I would welcome any opportunity to discuss about 2 months earlier than those going through the topic of surrogate partner therapy with AASECT the program with a partner. In explaining this dif- members directly so that we might arrive at a consen- ference, the authors suggested the surrogate might sus. We can remain silent ourselves or we can help by have been more consistent and motivated, did not adding clarification and formal guidelines for AAS- bring their own sexual dysfunction into the relation- ECT members and to the benefit of the public.” ship, and were less affected by interpersonal tension, With little research available and popular, and which can arise during treatment. relatively salacious, interest in the practice popping With little data available, it’s not possible to up about once every ten years, it’s hard to imagine state unequivocally that SPT is effective, let alone when or how a practice like SPT could be assessed for what sorts of client populations, or for what more objectively. kinds of presenting issues it is most appropriate. It seems safe to say that with the right modality But existing research, along with anecdotal evi- and fit of practitioner and client, the experience can dence from clinicians who have worked with sur- be transformative. When the fit is poor or lacks rogate partners, suggests that for some, the practice planning and critical thinking in the early stages, is effective, and further research is warranted. the experience could range from unhelpful to trau- With questions of both legality and efficacy matic. Of course, the same can be said for any kind open for discussion, professionals must still con- of relationship, professional or otherwise. sider various ethical ones. What seems most regrettable is that sexuality According to all of the major professional codes helping professionals get as caught up as anyone of ethics that govern helping professionals it would in arguments about SPT that are rooted more in be unethical for a therapist to also work as surrogate social anxiety and discomfort than in practical ex- partner. That much is clear. But what are the ethics perience or research. of referring to and working with a surrogate partner? At one point the American Psychological As- sociation, AASECT, and SSSS all made reference
5 Contemporary Sexuality www.aasect.org | February 2013 Vol. 47, No. 1 Sexual Surrogacy Revisited
In case you need convincing that SPT might brave and strong and somebody else in be worth continuing to think about, here is how the world was there to witness it.” Blanchard characterizes this unique therapeutic approach: What’s Next? “It’s similar to having had a wonderful AASECT members are encouraged to keep the con- vacation with a friend who you may versation going. The listserv is one space to share not get to see again. You had this thoughts, questions, and experiences around SPT. fabulous, intimate, contained bubble of Additionally, Dr. Kleinplatz welcomes the input an experience and only you guys were and participation of any member of the AASECT there, and you know that no one else will community who wants to work toward consen- completely understand the experience but sus and clarification of these issues. She writes: the two of you. You both carry it around “As longtime AASECT members know, I would inside, like a touchstone, remembering welcome your telephone calls at (613) 563-0846. that there was this time when you were Please do not attempt to email me.”
In Memoriam Douglas Kirby ociologist, educator, colleague, spouse, Nations Fund for Population Activities to father, brother, and friend to many in help Uganda develop a more effective sexu- S the sex education community here and ality and HIV education curriculum. around the world, Doug Kirby, a senior re- He is remembered not only for his passion search scientist at ETR as a professional, but Associates passed away also for his generosity December 22, while “He is remembered not as a mentor and col- mountain climbing in league, and for his hu- Ecuador. He was 69. only for his passion as a mility when it came to Doug was an inter- professional, but also for his his own achievements. national expert in sex- A public memorial ser- ual health education. generosity as a mentor and vice is being planned He was most inter- for the spring to be held ested in how we could colleague, and for his humility in Washington, D.C. develop and deliver when it came to his own We will print more in- education that made a formation when it be- difference in the lives achievements.” comes available. of young people. In his work, he collabo- Read More: rated with local, national, and international Santa Cruz Sentinel: Doug Kirby, Sexual organizations, from the CDC and USAID, Health Expert from Rio del Mar, Dies to the WHO and UNESCO. Most recently, he worked under the auspices of the United Read Tributes to Doug on the ETR Website
6 Contemporary Sexuality www.aasect.org | February 2013 Vol. 47, No. 1 Presidents Letter
AASECT’s Ascent
write this column with the past, present, and Committee (sounds like a band, doesn’t it?) are future of AASECT on my mind. In 2007, working to streamline our bylaws. I AASECT’s founder, Patricia Schiller, came to Further updates on the working of AASECT: the annual meeting in Charlotte, NC. She spoke Peggy Kleinplatz continues to represent the eloquently about her original intentions for AA- highest ethical standards to the membership of SECT: first to strengthen relationships by provid- AASECT, Dennis Sugrue soon begins his work as ing accurate information about sexuality to the Chair of the Awards Committee, Cathy Ravella One of the general public and second to provide training for represents the Personnel Committee with profes- educators, counselors, and therapists in the field sionalism and heart, and Bill Stayton will be culling continuing issues of human sexuality. As AASECT membership nominations for the upcoming elections. nears two thousand, and other professional or- Board member Joan Sughrue, PESC Chair, and that I see needing ganizations and the general public become more her committees took on the monumental task of our attention is the aware of what our certification means and how revamping our CE program. Megan Andelloux certified educators, counselors, and therapists dif- and her committees are aiding AASECT with me- question of what fer from non-certified ones, I think of how much dia requests and helping us promote increased di- our predecessors did, and how much more work versity. Stephanie Buehler and her committees con- kind of “Big Tent” we have to do. tinue to represent our membership with aplomb. we want AASECT We need to ask ourselves: what kind of “Big Sallie Foley, our Communications Chair, worked to Tent” do we want AASECT to be? Currently we wel advocate for the best we can provide in a listserv to be. Currently we come professional and non-professional members, and website. Sabitha Pillai-Friedman and her com- certified and non-certified. We strive for diversity of mittees continue to work on improving AASECT’s welcome professional experience and opinion. We know some members mentor program, fundraising, and international and non-professional would prefer AASECT only be open to certified pro- outreach, Triste Brooks, our treasurer, a remark- fessionals. Others would like to see a membership able and steadfast business person, along with members, certified category not requiring certification or signing of the her committee, will help professionalize the inner AASECT Code of Ethics, an important document, workings of AASECT. And thanks to Ricky Siegel, and non-certified. We which nonetheless excludes other kinds of profes- our Secretary, for translating “board-speak” into strive for diversity sionals working in the field of sexuality. understandable language and to Dee Ann Walker, Some members feel professionals who work in ED, for being at our helm. of experience and the field of “Sex Addiction” should not be AAS- Konnie McCaffree, our President-Elect (who ECT members, believing that vantage point repre- will make a terrific AASECT President), is already opinion. sents ideas antithetical to what AASECT is about. asking the hard questions and reflecting on her Of course, many members take a different position, SSSS presidency with experience that serves AAS- including the term in their practice and philosophy. ECT well. The selfless work of the board and all Some members believe AASECT is not sex the committees is deeply appreciated. uality educator friendly. Some feel AASECT stan- In closing the first President’s Column of 2013, dards are too stringent. Others feel AASECT stan- remember that AASECT has strength in its diver dards are too watered down! sity via the “Big Tent.” Closed systems are prone One point upon which everyone seems to agree toward entropy, as Von Bertalanffy’s General Sys is that our process of becoming certified could be tems Theory suggests, whereas open systems tend clearer! Jo Marie Kessler, Certification Committee to remain robust. If you believe in ideological Chair, and her sub-committees have been working cross-pollination, exposing yourself to differing tirelessly to clarify and streamline this process. Ku- opinions and ideas that challenge your beliefs and dos to all of them! make you feel uncomfortable, and if you are will- And while we are handing out kudos – thanks ing to speak out and get into the sometimes rough to Gina Ogden and Twinet Parmer for the work and tumble discourse, welcome to Human Sexual- they and their committee are doing on the SAR ity and AASECT! Task Force, focused on standardization and qual- As always, I welcome any comments or ques- ity control. Russell Stambaugh and his Bylaws tions-please email me at: [email protected].
7 Contemporary Sexuality www.aasect.org | February 2013 Vol. 47, No. 1 Regional News
International Los Angeles, CA. Upcoming CEU Lectures at The first AASECT Israel meeting took place De- Center for Healthy Sex will include: cember 23, 2012 in Modiin, Israel. It was the first • January 25 – Tiffany Levine, MA, LMFT pre- step towards realizing the vision of two long-term senting on Sex Addiction and Domestic Violence. Israeli members of AASECT, Ronny Shtarkshall • February 22 – Lauren Costine, Ph.D. present- and David Ribner, teachers and mentors of many ing on How to Use LGBT-Affirmative Therapy in in attendance. Treating Addiction. For more information, contact Tom Bliss at tom@ Eastern Region thecenterforhealthysex.com The Comprehensive Program in Human Sexuality & Sex Therapy at NYU Langone Medical School San Diego, CA. Rose Hartzell & Irwin Goldstein is now accepting applications for class beginning of San Diego Sexual Medicine both received their September 2013, running through June 2014. own monthly sex segments on the local FOX5 morning news. Website: Human-sexuality.med.nyu.edu or call Amy Rosenberg 212-535-3271. Upcoming events include the next STEM meeting on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm, The Sex Therapy Postgraduate Training Institute and the San Diego Sexual Medicine Grand of New York is offering 120 hours of Sex Therapy Rounds on the first Wednesday of the month at Education and 20 hours of Clinical Case Super- 12:30pm (lunch provided). Both events are held vision beginning March 23, 2013, 5 weekends a at Alvarado Hospital in San Diego and are open year for two years. This training is co-directed by to anyone interested. For more information about Dr. Susan Lee and Richard Siegel, LMHC, both of these events, contact Rose Hartzell, PhD, EdS at Florida. For more information contact drsusan- [email protected]. [email protected] or call (561) 833-0066. San Francisco, CA. A small group of San Fran- Hani Miletski and Tammy Nelson will host an cisco Bay Area AASECT members plan to host AASECT Forum in Rockville on May 4, 2013, meetings and get-togethers for AASECT folks in on “Erotic Recovery After Infidelity – Creating a our area on a regular basis. We are looking at New Monogamy.” AASECT CE Credits will be sometime in Jan/Feb/March, and hope to have available. For more information and to register: a Northern Nevada group too. More informa- www.DrMiletski.com or call 301-951-6592. tion to come. If you are interested, contact Mary Gina Ogden and Patti Briton will present Writ- Minten at minten. [email protected]. ing SEX for Success—a one-day intensive offering Barbara Anderson, Ph.D. LCSW, of San Francis- training and support to help sex therapists and co is writing a monthly column for a newsletter, educators conceptualize, propose, and promote “Devil Woman,” serving the transgender com- academic and trade books. Acquisitions editors munity in the Bay Area. It is called “The Cutting from Routledge, Health Communications, and Edge,” reporting on items in the news impacting Your Tango will present as well. June 5, 2013, the community. Reprinted as a blog at barander- Miami Hilton, Miami FL: 9 CE Credits, For more son. blogspot.com information visit: http://theissr.com/Writing_Sex_ For_Success.html . Amy Marsh, EdD, DHS, ACS, CH holds a new monthly Sexology Salon Meet Up meeting in Western Region Berkeley. People who attend learn about various Denver, CO. Our local education program for sexuality topics including erotic hypnosis, writing 2013 was announced this week. The meetings and publishing erotica, sex toy “show and tell,” are the first Monday of every other month from objectum sexuality. AASECT members are wel- 11am to 1:30pm in Denver. We welcome AAS- come. If you are interested contact Amy at wai- ECT members to visit and attend one of our [email protected]. workshop and luncheons. Each workshop quali- fies for 1 AASECT CE. For detailed information, Reno, NV. Reno has two transgender support please contact Dr. Neil Cannon. neil@doctorcan- groups, a transgender family group, and an in- non.com creasing support system for social, medical, and mental health needs. Contact Mary Minten at [email protected] for more information.
8 Contemporary Sexuality www.aasect.org | February 2013 Vol. 47, No. 1 Serving the Transgender Community Along with continued education, we need continued from page 4 to treat clients on an individual basis and not Quick Hits pathologize individual needs. To learn more about my own physical and mental journey, you Newstated earlier,Report these on labels Violence can have a lasting im- “Thecan read transgender my memoir, population Second is Son:the most Transitioning affected Againstpact. Clients Transseeking careWomen for issues in other than a byToward the HIV My epidemic Destiny, Latin Love America, and Life, with released a in transition may choose not to disclose their gen- prevalenceApril 2012. rate Also of 35%.feel free To putto visit an end my to website the at Latinder identity, America surgeries, current medications, etc. www.ryansallans.com. Compiled and produced by the Red Latinoameri- epidemic, it is essential to ensure the fulfillment of to their provider, fearing how they will be treated Other suggested resources are GID Reform cana y del Caribe de Personas Trans (REDLAC- human rights as well as access to health services and what will end up in their chart. Advocates: http://www.gidreform.org/, Dr. Jack TRANS), Latin American and Caribbean Trans- that respect gender identity. As a LGBTQ Inclusion consultant, educator, Drescher’s article Queer Diagnoses: Parallels and gender Network, and the International HIV/ AIDS By describing individual cases, the document and author, as well as a transgender man, every day Contrasts in the History of Homosexuality, Gen- Alliance, The Night is Another Country: Impuni- details the human rights violations suffered by I am exposed to new ways of looking at identities der Variance, and the Diagnostic and Statistical ty and Violence Against Transgender Women Hu- transgender women defenders and shows the di- and new challenges within the transgender commu- Manual, the Center for Transgender Excellence: man Rights Defenders in Latin America makes rect responsibility the States have when it comes nity. Because of this, if there were any advice that I http://transhealth.ucsf.edu/, and the Endocrine use of individual cases and the little data that exist to respecting, protecting, and promoting those could give professionals working with transgender Society: http://www.endo-society.org/. on the daily and systemic violence experienced by rights. The final section contains recommendations clients, it would be to always continue exploring Editor’s note: Thank you to Ryan Sallans for trans women across Latin America who advocate drawn up jointly with representatives of transgen- the community and the spectrum of identities and volunteering to write this article. for their rights. From the report: der women human rights defenders from Hondu- forms of expression. Also stay on top of current By Ryan K. Sallans, MA, LGBTQ Inclusion Edu- ras and Guatemala.” articles, personal stories, and political issues that cator, Consultant, and Author download a copy of the report here. have an impact on the clients you serve.
See you in Miami for the Premier Conference for Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists
Registration now open
June 5–9, 2013 • Hilton Miami Downtown • Miami, Florida AASECT 45th Annual Conference
5 Contemporary Sexuality www.aasect.org | November – December 2012 Vol. 46, No. 9
9 Contemporary Sexuality www.aasect.org | February 2013 Vol. 47, No. 1 HIV Prevention Research Quick Hits & Education: The Rectal Revolution Is Here DSM-V Is Finalized Microbicides are products (like gels, lubricants, or On December 1, 2012 the American Psycho- films) that can be applied in the rectum or vagina logical Association board of trustees approved to reduce the risk of HIV infection during pen- the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical etrative sex. If found safe and effective, microbi- Manual of Mental Disorders, the DSM-V. This cides could, eventually, put an important, easy to was the final step in the pre-publication process use, and affordable prevention tool in the hands that will end with the May 2013 release of the of the people. In December three organizations, manual, which was last fully revised in 1994. the International Rectal Microbicide Advocates Major changes include a scrapping of the “axis” (IRMA), the Population Council, and the Micro- system, a restructuring of diagnostic groups based bicide Trial Network (MTN) released a collabor- in part on disorders that are currently thought to ative video project called The Rectal Revolution be biologically related, and the inclusion of “di- Is Here: An Introduction to Rectal Microbicide mensional assessments” to indicate severity of Clinical Trials. The video is designed to educate symptoms. There are three changes related to sex- communities affected by HIV about rectal micro- uality and gender garnering the most discussion: bicide development and the importance of partici- The change from Gender Identity Disorder pating in clinical trials to help speed the search for (GID) to Gender Dysphoria (GD), is seen by most new HIV prevention options. as a positive move away from pathologizing gen- The video debut precedes the soon-to-be der expression (although many disagree as to the launched landmark study being conducted by MTN significance of the move). to test the safety and acceptability of a reduced- There was an effort to include a new diagnosis glycerin formulation of Tenofovir gel among gay of Hypersexuality disorder, but this did not make men, other men who have sex with men, and trans- the final edit and will not be included in the DSM-V. gender women. MTN-017 is not only the first-ever A change in both name and scope, from Trans- Phase II study of a rectal microbicide, it is also the vestic Fetishism to Transvestic Disorder, a move first time rectal microbicide research is expanding that seems to be the opposite of the one from GID outside the United States and going global, with sites to GD, captures a much larger group of people un- in Thailand, South Africa, Peru, and Puerto Rico. der a disordered category and attempts to canonize the controversial concept of “autogynephilia”. Read More: Not surprisingly, both the process and the result- • Rectal Microbicide Research Takes Giant Leap ing changes in the DSM-V are drawing criticism Forward with Groundbreaking Educational Video from many quarters. • Watch: The Rectal Revolution is Here (English) Read More: • Watch: The Rectal Revolution is Here (Spanish) • An Update on Gender Diagnoses, as the DSM-V Goes to Press • Watch: The Rectal Revolution is Here (Thai) • Sex Addiction Beyond the DSM-V The video is available for viewing in English, Spanish, and Thai. You can read more and watch • DSM 5 Is Guide Not Bible – Ignore Its the video by following the links. Ten Worst Changes
10 Contemporary Sexuality www.aasect.org | February 2013 Vol. 47, No. 1 Reviews
Strengthening Couple timacy, sexual health, or sexual development. Anoth- Relationships for Optimal Child er critique of this volume is the lack of attention to Development: Lessons from non-heterosexual couples but may reflect the lack of research with non-heterosexual couples. Nonethe- Research and Intervention. less, I believe this text is a good research companion to more clinically-focused volumes on the bookshelf, By Marc S. Schulz, Marsha as it synthesizes an extensive range of findings in the Kline Pruett, Patricia K. intersection of couples, parenting, and resultant out- Kerig, and Ross D. Parke. comes for children. In my role as a faculty member Washington, DC: American within a child and adolescent psychiatry residency Psychological Association, program, the authors’ research and clinical conclu- 2010. Hardcover, ISBN 13: sions validate my educational emphasis on assessing 978-1-4338-0547-9, $59.95. relational functioning (e.g. cohesion, adaptability, The aptly titled Strengthen- communication) among parents and caregivers of ing Couple Relationships children seen in practice. for Optimal Child Develop- ment is inspired by the foundational work of lead- Kenneth W. Phelps, Ph.D., LMFT ing family researchers, Philip and Carolyn Pape Assistant Clinical Professor Cowan. The editors navigate readers through a Department of Neuropsychiatry diverse landscape of the relevant literature in a vol- and Behavioral Science ume divided into three sections: the implications University of South Carolina School of Medicine of the couple relationship for parenting and child [email protected] development, the key domains and determinants of couple functioning, and the promotion of healthy relationships. In each chapter, leading scholars re- view research findings to regarding couples’ inter- Daddy & Papa personal health and the implications of health on aiding or hindering youth on their development. Johnny Symons. Indepen- The initial section of the text provides readers with dent Television Service a review of the reciprocity between co-parenting (ITVS). Persistent Visions. and marital health. As this section progresses, au- San Francisco. 2002. ASIN: thors explore the problematic effects of boundary B004JPKLCO. EAN: dissolution and interparental conflict for children 0728028081046. DVD. and teens. The second section explores the couple $21.95. relationship in greater depth. The roles of family of Daddy & Papa is a docu- origin and of emotion within the couple system are mentary about gay men who explored through attachment-based, psychoana- want to become parents. It lytic, and developmental lenses. The third section follows five would be fathers delves into a number of contexts where research as they confront the hardships of systems that deny meets practice including school or court based ser- their rights and challenge their ability to become vices, a university-based couples clinic, and recent parents. Director Johnny Symons’ captivating national initiatives to improve family functioning. approach to storytelling combined with the men While the editors propose that this text is writ- themselves leave you rooting for the men and the ten for a range of professionals, the content is families that might be. likely best suited for individuals who seek a primer As a narrator, Symons raises the challenges fac- of how systemic changes (e.g., transition to par- ing gay parents who adopt, particularly when the enthood, conflict, triangulation, divorce) affect adoption is trans racial. Among the challenges he children or adolescent development. Individuals highlights are supporting children as they deal with seeking a review of the research will find this book the legacy of their adoption and creating a family exceedingly informative; however, those seeking where diversity in terms of race and ethnicity as well clinical pearls for practice might be disappointed as sexual orientation and identity are respected. by the lesser amount of space given to actualities of It becomes clear this is not an easy road to what occurs in the consultation room. For the sex travel. We see this when one of the fathers admits educator or therapist, there is scarce mention of in- he doesn’t relate to the African-American culture
11 Contemporary Sexuality www.aasect.org | February 2013 Vol. 47, No. 1 The documentary provides the essential con- Reviews cerns for someone contemplating gay parenting. However, the deeper questions that follow about raising these children in our current judgmen- of his son and notes that while it would be won- tal society are left open. I’m glad that Symons is derful if everyone could fully express their culture able to shine light on some of these difficult and within their biological family, when that isn’t an complex challenges; however, I would love to see option love does the job just fine. The same father a follow-up video that addresses the concerns in discusses how he is judged by heterosexuals who greater depth and detail. Overall, Daddy & Papa is think he is going “to turn his kids gay”, is looked an excellent introductory documentary for anyone down upon by his gay friends for being too busy interested in the topic. raising kids, and feels society thinks less of him be- cause he is not of the same race as his child. That Jasmine St. John MS, LMFT is a lot to take on when you are simply looking to [email protected] provide a loving home for a child. http://www.jsjtherapy.com
News of Members
We’re thrilled to welcome the — David Ortmann and Richard Sprott’s book, following newly certified Sexual Outsiders: Understanding BDSM Sexu- members to AASECT: alities and Communities was published by Row- — Sex Counselor: Deborah Nicholas, MSN, WH- man and Littlefield in November. The book in- NP-BC, Richmond, CA corporates clinical case studies, interviews, and overviews of research that are relevant to BDSM — Sexuality Educators: Lisa Henry, MA, Gatin- and kink sexualities - with a special emphasis eau, QC; Alice Holland, MSN, Med, CRNP, on providing information relevant to counselors Reading, PA: Elisabeth Sheff, PhD, GAL, CMT, and therapists. Atlanta, GA — Dr. Tammy Nelson’s new book, The New — Sex Therapists: Rachel Alpert, MSW, LCSW, Monogamy; Redefining your Relationship After Denver, CO; Eunice Aviles, PsyD, LMHC, Am- Infidelity, was released on Jan 2, 2013. Dr. Nel- herst, MA; Jennifer Foust, PhD, MS, Philadelphia, son’s book, Getting the Sex You Want, was re- PA; Rene A. Jones, MA, MSEd, Amherst, NY; released in an updated paperback version in De- Natasha Lewis-Grinwis, MSW, Ann Arbor, MI; cember 2012. Marilyn Lyga, PhD, Basking Ridge, NJ; Natasha Helfer Parker, MS, Wichita, KS — Dr. Jessica O’Reilly’s new book, Hot Sex Tips, Tricks and Licks, was published on January 1st. — New supervisors: Claudia Kraus Piper, LMSW, Ann Arbor, MI; S. Michael Plaut, PhD, Hamp- — Dr. Narayana D. Reddy was awarded a Life- stead, NC; Patricia Rich, LCSW, Jenkintown, time Acheivement Award from The Tamil Nadu PA; Cynthia Lief Ruberg, MSEd, LPCC-S, LLC, Dr. M.G.R. Medical University in Tamil Nadu, Westerville, OH; Jassy Timberlake, MEd, LMFT, South India. Florence, MA — Dr. Debby Herbenick was awarded the 2013 Early Career Scholar Award from IU’s School of Public Health. The review committee mentioned New Books and Awards Dr. Herbenick’s record of research and publishing, — Dr. Marty Klein’s book Sexual Intelligence, al- “but also noted her exceptional history of engag- ready available in 10 languages, will be published ing students in research and efforts to translate re- in paperback by HarperCollins on February 5. search to diverse communities around the globe.” — Sallie Foley, Sally Kope, and Dennis P. Sugrue are winners of the 2013 SSTAR Consumer Book Award for their book, Sex Matters for Women – A Complete Guide to Taking Care of Your Sexu- al Self – Second Edition.
12 Contemporary Sexuality www.aasect.org | February 2013 Vol. 47, No. 1 Member Profiles
n the most recent reader survey we heard loud sit right with me. I began asking questions about and clear from members that you want more sexuality, images, history, and truth. It led me on I profiles, more opportunities to learn about this path and I’m still here, still asking questions, your fellow members, and more information about but enjoying the process much more. what they do and why. So we’re going to start ex- In college, I designed my own major, as nothing perimenting with different member profiles. Each about the traditional choices interested me. I knew month we’ll sit down (virtually) with AASECT that I wanted to pursue graduate school and focus members to find out a little bit about how they on public health, with an emphasis on sexuality/ came to their work, what their current passions are sexual health. I completed a fellowship at the Cen- in the field of human sexuality, and what they love ter of Excellence for Sexual Health at Morehouse most about being a sexuality professional. School of Medicine, which was a wonderful expe- I’ve been asked to rience. CS: Sex education is such a large field, are there collaborate or provide issues that interest you the most or topic areas that sexuality education you are drawn to? MGS: I’m most interested in how sexuality has to many communities been defined by “the other” for many disenfran- of color locally, as chised groups. As a member of one of many groups that’s subjected to this, I search for ways they don’t have a to create spaces for honest, safe, open and respect- ful sharing about what people want to know. It member of their could be questions about body image, sexuality community to talk to and relationships, contraception, identity, etc. The Mariotta Gary-Smith main takeaway from my time doing this work is about sexuality, from Based in Portland, Oregon, Mariotta has been an that people seek safe spaces to simply talk, share, AASECT member since 2009, the year she attend- and learn about themselves. And to do this without their perspective. I’m ed her first AASECT conference. Currently she judgment from a place of “power.” works for the Multnomah County Health Depart- honored that I’ve ment as the African American Sexual Health Eq- I’ve been asked to collaborate or provide sexuality been able to cross uity Program Health Educator. Focusing on work- education to many communities of color locally, as they don’t have a member of their community to ing within communities of color, primarily African those bridges and be American and African immigrant communities she talk to about sexuality, from their perspective. I’m finds intersections with Latino/Hispanic, Asian, In- honored that I’ve been able to cross those bridges a resource to them. dian, Hawaiian, and other communities. and be a resource to them. CS: What’s the biggest challenge you are struggling Contemporary Sexuality: When you meet someone with right now professionally? at a dinner party, how do you describe what you do? MGS: I work for a local health department and my Mariotta Gary-Smith: I tell people that I get paid ability to attend conferences, receive trainings and by the government to talk about sex. That sets a stay current on research trends is impacted by bud- particular tone right away. J I’m a sexuality or sex get shortfalls. Not being able to interact with other and sexual health educator. I also really like saying sexuality professionals can also be a bit challenging. that I’m a sexologist…makes me happy! CS: What are three things you love about your work? CS: The path to becoming a sexuality professional MGS: I get to talk about sex and get paid to do it. I is different for everyone. Tell us a bit about what am proud to create spaces for people to begin hav- educational, training, and life experience brought ing honest conversations about their sexuality - an you to this work? important part of their lives. It means a great deal MGS: I was raised in an environment that em- to me that I’m trusted by them to make them feel braced, supported, and encouraged advocacy. As a safe. And that I’m following in my family tradition young child, I was surrounded by powerful women of being an advocate. who talked about owning your body, owning your experiences, and not letting someone define you as they saw you. My sexuality was something that was defined for me at an early age, and it didn’t
13 Contemporary Sexuality www.aasect.org | February 2013 Vol. 47, No. 1 CS: You recently wrote a chapter on ethics for Member Profiles New Directions in Sex Therapy: Innovations and Alternatives. Aside from perhaps an obvious pro- fessional requirement, what is it about ethics that most interests you? DW: There has been little discussion of ethics and sex therapy in recent years. Most of the writings and workshops on ethics that sex therapists (and most mental health professionals receive) is really about “compliance,” which is a low bar for ethical discussion. Not that compliance, and avoiding being success- fully sued, are unimportant, but I think we need to aspire to a higher level of discussion in order to Daniel Watter There has been little When Daniel joined as a student member from practice ethically. the University of Alabama in 1976, AASECT was For example, there are many important CLINI- discussion of ethics still AASEC and his interest was in sex education. CAL discussions of the “medicalization” tak- and sex therapy in Thirty-six years later, he has been certified as both ing place in sex therapy, but little devoted to the a sex educator (1979) and sex therapist (1981) and ETHICAL implications of such practices. That is, recent years. Most now works in a group practice in Parsippany, New is this “good” for the patient, as opposed to is it Jersey mostly with individuals and couples in sex “effective?” How about the ethics of diagnosis of the writings and therapy, although a part of his work life is spent and its implications for practice and third-party workshops on ethics evaluating and treating sex offenders. billing? In other words, there is much discussion of how to “document your chart,” but little em- that sex therapists CS: When you meet someone at a dinner party, phasis on the moral and ethical implications of how do you describe what you do? our practice and decision-making. The chapter I (and most mental wrote is an effort to stimulate a deeper and more DW: I usually tell people I am a clinical and foren- health professionals sic psychologist who specializes in the treatment of thoughtful dialogue/reflection of our practice as sexual and relationship problems. As you might sex therapists. receive) is really imagine, people are always interested in learning CS: Do you do any volunteer work related to sex- about “compliance,” more about my work! uality? CS: The path to becoming a sexuality professional DW: I volunteer time each week working with the which is a low bar for is different for everyone. Tell us a bit about what staff of a local organization that serves adults with educational, training, and life experience brought developmental disabilities. The staff is often at a ethical discussion. you to this work? loss about how to deal with the sexual behaviors DW: I received my doctoral degree from New York of their clients and I provide pro bono consulta- University’s Human Sexuality Program in 1985. I tion. learned a tremendous amount there about sexual CS: What are three things you love about your diversity and sexual behavior from deryck calde- work? rwood and Ron Moglia. As my interests moved DW: I love the people I get to work with as pa- from sex education to sex therapy, I learned from tients. I am very happy with my professional net- Albert Ellis, who was very generous with his time work of colleagues and I am particularly pleased and expertise and taught me a great deal about sex that my work allows me to diversify into clinical therapy. While I retain much of my CBT/REBT practice, writing, and teaching. influences, I would say that my current approach to psychotherapy/sex therapy is primarily influ- enced by the work of Irvin Yalom whose methods of helping people change influenced my thinking about psychotherapy in a most profound manner.
14 Contemporary Sexuality www.aasect.org | February 2013 Vol. 47, No. 1 Call for Award Nominations
ach year leaders in the sexuality field are individuals who have made long standing contri- honored at our annual conference. You butions, outstanding achievements, or otherwise E are invited to nominate someone in one had a major impact in one or more areas of sexual- or all of the following six categories: ity education. These areas of impact may include, but are not limited to, teaching in the community, Professional Standard of teaching in higher education, raising public aware- Excellence Award (Service to field ness of sexual issues, or public advocacy / lobbying of sexuality by a professional) policy-makers. The nominee should have 2 letters This award is presented to a member or non- of support from someone familiar with their work. member of AASECT who has worked extensively to represent or advance the field of human sexual- AASECT Book Award ity through activities including, but not limited to, This award is presented to the author(s) of a book clinical programs or other original clinical contri- that makes a significant contribution to AASECTs butions; the development and implementation of vision of sexual health and to the clinical and ed- sexuality education curriculum; scientific research; ucational standards of the field. The nominated and art, print, radio, television or internet media book can be written for a professional audience or contributions. The recipient of this Award will be for a general audience and must have been pub- an individual who is recognized by his/her peers as lished in English in 2012. To remind yourself of a competent and accomplished colleague, an ex- books on sexuality that have been published this pert in his/her field, and an exemplary bearer of the year, you may want to do a search on Amazon. standards of professional and personal ethics as com or other online resources. You must include well as the standard of excellence in achievement. the contact information for the author(s) and pub- lisher and a brief description of why the book is Distinguished Service to AASECT worthy of the award. It is necessary for us to re- Award (Service to the organization) ceive a Review Copy for each member (5) of the This award is presented to an AASECT member committee. in good standing who is certified in at least one area and has worked to promote the mission of AASECT Audiovisual Award AASECT, advocating for sexual health through This award is for the producer(s) of a film, vid- the development and advancement of sexuality eo, or DVD that makes a significant contribution education, counseling or therapy. This individual to AASECT’s vision of sexual health and to the will have served the organization through activities clinical and educational standards of the field. The including, but not limited to, recruitment of new nominated audiovisual can be developed for a pro- members; presentation of a paper or workshop at fessional audience or for a general audience, and AASECT meetings; serving on the Board of Direc- must have been produced in 2012. To nominate tors, a committee or task force; developing publi- an audiovisual, send contact information for a re- cations for or about the organization; assistance in view copy to be sent to the committee members (5) the development of AASECT policy; and represen- along with contact information for the producer tation of AASECT in the public sector. and distributor. Include a brief description of why the audiovisual is worthy of the award. Humanitarian Award (Service to field of sexuality by private citizen) Submissions must be emailed in keeping with the This award is presented to an individual or group AASECT commitment to “go green.” who has contributed to the field of human sexu- • Deadline is March 1, 2013. ality through some private endeavor, charitable • Send nominations to [email protected]. event(s), public awareness campaign, sex-positive There are so many deserving candidates for educational offering, or political platform and who these awards. Please take the time to recognize has received national and/or international recogni- them with a nomination. (Please note – not every tion for the contribution. award will be presented each year.) The Nomination Form is available at the fol- Sexuality Educator Award lowing link: http://www.aasect.org/Docs/2013_ This award is presented to a current AASECT cer- Nomination_Form.doc. tified sexuality educator. This award recognizes
15 Contemporary Sexuality www.aasect.org | February 2013 Vol. 47, No. 1 Continuing Education Opportunities
Sex Therapy Training Women’s Sexual Stories—Healing the All approved programs are Date: Ongoing Wounds, Celebrating the Joys required to email the Program Location: Miami, FL Date: February 3-8, 2013 Event Form to [email protected] Presenter: Dr. Carol L. Clark Location: Big Sur, CA in order to have your program Sponsor: Sex Therapy Training Institute Presenter: Gina Ogden listed on the AASECT website More info: (305) 891-1896, DrClark@ More info: (831) 667-3005, and in the Contemporary SexTherapyTrainingInstitute.com www. www.esalen.org Sexuality by the 5th of every SexTherapyTrainingInstitute.com AASECT approved for 26 CE credits month. AASECT approved for 5 CE credits Getting the Sex You Want (Teleseminar) Sex Therapy Postgraduate Date: February 5 & 12, 2012 In the event that regularly Training: A One-Year Program Location: Telephone scheduled posting day falls Date: Present-June 2013 Presenter: Tammy Nelson, PhD on a weekend or holiday, all Location: Philadelphia, PA More info: (203) 438-3007, http:// programs must be received by Presenter: Nancy Gambescia www.drtammynelson.com/live_ the office the day before. More info: (610) 525-1978, teleclasses/ [email protected] AASECT approved for 2 CE credits www.councilforrelationships.org Beyond The Puritanical: A Cross AASECT approved for 150 CE credits Evaluation and Diagnosis of Sexual Cultural Perspective for Public Sexual Problems Health Education Comprehensive Program in Human Date: February 8, 2013 Date: Ongoing, Online Course Sexuality & Sex Therapy Location: New York, NY Presenter: Mark Schoen Dates: Present - June 2013 Presenter: Sylvia Rosenfeld LCSW More info: (626) 660-5823, Location: New York, NY More info: (212) 799-7800, Sylvia@ [email protected], Presenter: Virginia Sadock eintelligence.com www.sexsmartfilms.com/articles/new- More info: (212) 535-3271, Program. AASECT approved for 3 CE credits online-course-beyond-the-puritanical- [email protected] a-cross-cultural-perspective-for-public- www.Human-sexuality.med.nyu.edu Ignite Sex, Passion, and Sacred Love: sexual-health-education AASECT approved for 32 CE credits A Valentine’s Tantra Workshop for AASECT approved for 2 CE credits Couples Florida Postgraduate Sex Date: February 16-17, 2013 Holistic Sex Educator Therapy Training Institute: Location: Boca Raton, FL Certificate Program A One Year Program, Presenter: Sally Valentine Date: Ongoing Meets One Day a Month More info: (561) 391-3305, Location: Hartford, CT Date: January 19, 2013 – December 16, [email protected] Presenter: Roz Dischiavo 2013 www.drsallyvalentine.com More info: (860) 319-0966 x107, Location: Palm Beach, FL AASECT approved for 12 CE credits [email protected] Presenter: Ricky Siegel, Susan Lee www.instituteforsexuality.com More info: (561) 833-0066, A New Approach to Treating Male AASECT approved for 185 CE credits [email protected], www. Sexual Disorders floridasextherapyinstitute.org Date: February 21, 2013 Holistic Sex Therapy Education AASECT approved for 120 CE credits Location: Philadelphia PA Certificate Program Presenter: Stephen Betchen, PhD Date: Ongoing Expanding the Practice of Sex Therapy: Sponsor: Council for Relationships Location: Hartford, CT An Integrative Model for Exploring More info: (610) 525-1978, Presenter: Roz Dischiavo Desire and Intimacy (A Training for [email protected] More info: (860) 319-0966 x107, Health Professionals) AASECT approved for2 CE credits [email protected] Date: February 1-3, 2013 www.instituteforsexuality.com Location: Big Sur, CA AASECT approved for 234 CE credits Presenter: Gina Ogden More info: (831) 667-3005, www.esalen.org AASECT approved for 11 CE credits
Continued on page 16
16 Contemporary Sexuality www.aasect.org | February 2013 Vol. 47, No. 1 When Sex Gets Complicated: Cancer & Sexuality Continuing Education Opportunities Affairs, Pornography, Low Desire, Date: May 13, 2013 Dysfunctions, Dissatisfaction, and Location: Philadelphia PA Everything Else Presenter: Sabitha Pillai-Friedman Sexual Healing and Celebration: An Date: April 12-13, 2013 More info: 610-525-1978, “ISIS Network” Retreat for Health Location: Calgary, Canada [email protected] Professionals and Their Partners Presenters: Marty Klein, PhD AASECT approved for 5.5 CE credits Date: February 23-March 2, 2013 Sponsor: Alberta Association of Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Marriage & Family Therapists Treating the Sexually Unusual Presenter: Gina Ogden (AAMFT) Date: May 16, 2013 More info: (413) 625-8382, Gina@ More info: (403) 519-2198, Location: Philadelphia, PA GinaOgden.com, [email protected] http://alturl.com/rw53e Presenter Stephen Betchen, PhD AASECT approved for 18 CE credits AASECT CE credits pending for More info: (610) 525-1978, approval [email protected] Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) AASECT approved for 2 CE credits Date: March 8-10, 2013 A New Approach to Treating Location: Windsor Locks, CT Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder Writing Sex for Success Presenter: Rosalyn Dischiavo, Joleen Date: April 18, 2013 Date: June 5, 2013 Nevers, Liam Snowdon Location: Philadelphia PA Location: Miami, FL More info: 860-319-0966 X107, Presenter: Stephen Betchen, PhD Presenter: Patti Britton, Gina Ogden [email protected] Sponsor: Council for Relationships Contact: Patti Britton www.instituteforsexuality.com More info: (610) 525-1978, More info: (323) 791-7801, AASECT approved for 18 CE credits [email protected] [email protected], www. AASECT approved for 2 CE credits drpattibritton.com Institute for Sexuality Education & AASECT approved for 9 CE credits Enlightenment Institute for Sexuality Education & Date: March 8-15, 2013 Enlightenment University of Michigan Sexual Health Location: Windsor Locks, CT Date: April 26 – May 5, 2013 Certificate Program Presenter: Multiple Presenters Location: Windsor Locks, CT Date: July 2013-October 2014 More info: (860) 319-0966 x107, Presenter: Multiple Presenters Location: Ann Arbor, MI [email protected] More info: (860) 319-0966 x107, Presenter: 8 AASECT Certified Sex www.instituteforsexuality.com [email protected] Therapists & Sexuality Educators AASECT approved for 60 CE credits www.instituteforsexuality.com Sponsor: University of Michigan AASECT approved for 60 CE credits More info: (734) 764-4074, smfoley@ A New Approach to Treating Female umich.edu, www.ssw.umich.edu/ Sexual Disorders Erotic Recovery after Infidelity– programs/ce/UMSHC/ Date: March 21, 2013 Creating a New Monogamy AASECT approved for 195 CE credits Location: Philadelphia, PA Date: May 4, 2013 Presenter: Stephen Betchen, PhD Location: Rockville, MD Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) Sponsor: Council for Relationships Presenter: Tammy Nelson, PhD Date: July 12-14, 2013 More info: (610) 525-1978, More info: [email protected] Location: Windsor Locks, CT [email protected] AASECT approved for 3 CE credits Presenter: Rosalyn Dischiavo, Joleen AASECT approved for 2 CE credits Nevers, Liam Snowdon Sexual Intelligence: Cybersex, Kinky More info: 860-319-0966 X107, Sex Therapy Postgraduate Training Sex, Pornography and Sex Addiction [email protected] Institute of New York: 2013-2014 Date: May 10, 2013 www.instituteforsexuality.com Date: March 22, 2013-October 19, Location: New York, NY AASECT approved for 18 CE credits 2014 Presenter: Marty Klein, PhD Location: New York, NY Sponsor: Ackerman Institute Presenters: Susan Lee, Ricky Siegel More info: (650) 856-6533, http:// More info: (561) 833-0066, alturl.com/gomwa [email protected] AASECT CE credits pending for www.nypostgradsextherapy.com approval AASECT approved for 120 CE credits
17 Contemporary Sexuality www.aasect.org | February 2013 Vol. 47, No. 1 Institute for Sexuality Education & Continuing Education Opportunities Enlightenment Date: September 13-20, 2013 Location: Windsor Locks, CT Institute for Sexuality Education & Presenter: Multiple Presenters Enlightenment More info: (860) 319-0966 x107, Date: July 12-19, 2013 [email protected] Location: Windsor Locks, CT www.instituteforsexuality.com Presenter: Multiple Presenters AASECT approved for 60 CE credits More info: 860-319-0966 X107, [email protected] Clinical Sexology Weeklong Intensive www.instituteforsexuality.com Date: October 7-11, 2013 AASECT approved for 60 CE credits Location: Culver City, CA Presenter: Patti Britton Clinical Sexology Weeklong Intensive Sponsor: www.theissr.com Date: July 22-26, 2013 More info: (323) 791-7801, Location: Culver City, CA [email protected], Presenter: Patti Britton www.drpattibritton.com Sponsor: www.theissr.com AASECT approved for 40 CE credits More info: (323) 791-7801, [email protected], Amazing SAR Experience www.drpattibritton.com Date: October 11-13, 2013 AASECT approved for 40 CE credits Location: Culver City, CA Presenter: Patti Britton Amazing SAR Experience Sponsor: www.theissr.com Date: July 26-28, 2013 More info: (323) 791-7801, Location: Culver City, CA [email protected], Presenter: Patti Britton www.drpattibritton.com Sponsor: www.theissr.com AASECT approved for 15 CE credits More info: (323) 791-7801, [email protected], www.drpattibritton.com AASECT approved for 15 CE credits
Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) Date: September 13-15, 2013 Location: Windsor Locks, CT Presenter: Rosalyn Dischiavo, Joleen Nevers, Liam Snowdon More info: (860) 319-0966 x107, [email protected] www.instituteforsexuality.com AASECT approved for 18 CE credits
18 Contemporary Sexuality www.aasect.org | February 2013 Vol. 47, No. 1