Learning About Consent Based on the Wisdom of Sex Workers

Presenter: Catherine de Sauvage, LMFT, SEP, CST

Date: June 2, 2026 | 2:00 PM MST

Format: Live, interactive synchronous webinar | 1 hour

Content Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: Clinical Mental Health Providers, Medical Providers, Health Providers, General Public

CE Credits: 1 continuing education credit

Course Description

Consent is not a checkbox — it is a mutual, evolving, and fluid process that lives in the body, shifts moment to moment, and often requires repair. This one-hour live training offers clinicians a concrete, active, and experiential exploration of consent, drawing on the hard-won wisdom of sex workers and integrating somatic, relational, and 4-D Wheel frameworks to deepen clinical practice.

Through large group discussion, role-play, experiential exercises, and facilitated dialogue, participants will move beyond conceptual understandings of consent into embodied, practice-based skill development. The course explores how to recognize false "no" responses, support clients in a re-mothering process of learning to track their own internal signals, introduce the concept of a "waiting room" for clients who need time and space to find their answer, and help clients identify the somatic sensation of a brake in their body — then play Goldilocks with that brake to find what fits. The 4-D Wheel framework is woven throughout, offering clinicians a way to hold the split between heart and mind that clients often experience, and to create space for processing the grief of past choices made outside of true consent.

The training also introduces nervous system education as a foundation for consent work — examining how threat responses, freeze states, and dysregulation can masquerade as agreement, and how clinicians can create conditions of genuine safety that support an ongoing, authentic consent process.

This training is grounded in the core social work values of dignity and worth, the importance of human relationships, and a commitment to social justice — affirming that centering the lived experiences of marginalized communities, including sex workers, is essential to developing truly inclusive and trauma-informed approaches to consent.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Explain that consent is a mutual, evolving, and fluid process that can be complex and may require repair, using the 4-D Wheel framework as a guide.

• Apply the 4-D Wheel approach to demonstrate consent as a moment-to-moment fluid expression, incorporating attunement and intentional slowing down within clinical practice.

• Identify nervous system responses that impact consent and implement techniques to create safety and space that support an ongoing consent process.

Limitations, Risks, & Benefits

This online training presents intermediate-level content that builds upon existing knowledge and practical experience, and is not intended to be comprehensive; clinicians are encouraged to seek out supplemental resources and peer-reviewed literature. The virtual format may not fully replicate the interactivity of in-person learning, and role-play and interactive discussions may feel vulnerable for some participants. Content reflects information available at the time of development; practitioners are encouraged to stay current with evolving research and regulatory standards. Benefits include foundational and practical clinical skills for working with consent in a somatic and relational framework, increased ability to support clients in tracking their own internal responses, and enhanced confidence and competence in delivering compassionate, trauma-informed, culturally responsive care.

About the Presenter

Catherine de Sauvage, LMFT, SEP, CST (she/her), is a bilingual (French/English) certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist originally from Belgium. She specializes in supporting sexual trauma survivors in releasing trauma through the body, restoring inner balance, and reclaiming intimacy and vitality. Catherine spent nine years leading groups for people recovering from incarceration, developing deep expertise in authentic connection and a profound respect for the experiences of sex workers and women in service navigating sexual trauma. She brings four years of experience with the Somatica Method and was personally trained by Dr. Gina Ogden to work with the 4-D Wheel — continuing Dr. Ogden's legacy through ongoing consultations and training.

Course Details

Delivery method: Live interactive webinar via the Institute learning platform

Course interactivity: Interactive — participants will engage in large group discussion, role-play, experiential exercises, and Q&A

Posttest/quiz: Because this is a live interactive course, a standard posttest is not required. Participation will be monitored throughout the session.

Certificate issuance: Certificates of credit will be issued immediately after course completion to participants who attend the full session and complete the course evaluation.

Contact for questions: institute@thehealinggroup.com

Accessibility accommodations: To request accessibility accommodations, please contact institute@thehealinggroup.com prior to the event. We are committed to making our trainings accessible to all participants.

ASWB ACE Statement:

The Healing Group Institute, provider number 2716, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/31/26 – 3/31/27. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.

AASECT CKA:

E. Intimacy skills (e.g., social, emotional, sexual), intimate relationships, interpersonal relationships, and family dynamics.

L. Substance use/abuse and sexuality.

M. Pleasure enhancement skills.

AASECT ST:

C. Theory and methods of approach to intervention in relationship systems experiencing sex and intimacy problems.

This presentation has been reviewed by Kristin Hodson, LCSW, CST, CSTS to ensure it meets AASECT standards.

Perinatal Consultation with Monica Ashton, LCSW, PMH-C, CST

🎬 Reel Reflections: A THGI Cinema Club Event

Now Showing: Kinsey (2004)

We're launching something new — and we want you there.

THGI's Cinema Club is officially lights, camera, action with our very first virtual screening of Kinsey, the critically acclaimed biographical drama starring Liam Neeson as Alfred Kinsey, the pioneering researcher whose groundbreaking work on human sexuality changed the way America understood itself.

This isn't just a movie night. It's a conversation. A community. A chance to watch, reflect, and connect — from the comfort of your own home.

Proceeds will be given directly to the Kinsey Institute in support of their ongoing research.

Natural Modes of Healing: The Psychobiology of Nature, Movement, Rhythm, and Connection

Presenter: Dr. Lisa Diamond

Date: May 26, 2026 | 2:00 PM MST

Format: Live, interactive synchronous webinar | 1 hour

Content Level: Beginner

Target Audience: Clinical Mental Health Providers

CE Credits: 1 continuing education credit

Course Description

What if some of the most powerful tools for healing are also the most accessible — a walk in nature, rhythmic movement, time with an animal, or shared play? This one-hour live webinar examines the psychobiological foundations of natural and accessible modes of healing, drawing on interdisciplinary research from psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, and developmental science to make the case that these experiences are not merely adjunctive or recreational, but constitute legitimate, evolutionarily grounded mechanisms of self-regulation and healing.

Through expert-led instruction, guided discussion, and experiential reflection, participants will explore how nature exposure, movement, rhythmic activity, animal-assisted experiences, play, and shared social connection regulate the nervous system, promote resilience, and support emotional wellbeing — particularly during periods of collective stress, loss, and limited access to formal healthcare services. The course reviews evidence demonstrating how practices such as walking, awe-based experiences, and human-animal interaction support nervous system regulation, and equips clinicians with practical strategies for integrating these approaches into therapeutic work and daily life.

Throughout, the training emphasizes flexibility and client-centered integration, recognizing individual differences in accessibility, preference, and neurodiversity — and encouraging clinicians to reflect on how race, gender, disability, socioeconomic status, and cultural norms shape both stress and healing practices.

This training is grounded in the core social work values of dignity and worth, the importance of human relationships, and a commitment to social justice — affirming that equitable access to non-clinical modes of care is both a clinical and a social justice imperative.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Describe the psychobiological mechanisms through which nature exposure, movement, rhythm, and human-animal interaction support nervous system regulation and emotional wellbeing.

• Explain how evolutionarily grounded healing practices such as walking, rhythmic movement, play, and experiences of awe function as accessible, non-clinical modes of healing across diverse populations.

• Identify and apply practical strategies for integrating natural modes of healing into therapeutic work and daily life, with attention to individual differences, accessibility needs, and neurodivergent experiences.

Limitations, Risks, & Benefits

This online training presents foundational information intended to introduce participants to psychobiological mechanisms of natural healing; those seeking advanced specialization are encouraged to pursue additional training. The virtual format may limit certain aspects of in-person interactivity. No significant risks are anticipated, though participants may experience mild discomfort as they reflect on assumptions, worldview, or emotionally resonant material related to stress, loss, and healing. Benefits include increased understanding of the subject matter, enhanced ability to translate research into clinical and personal practice, greater confidence in integrating accessible healing strategies, and improved capacity to provide compassionate, inclusive, and grounded care.

About the Presenter

Dr. Lisa Diamond is a professor of Psychology and Gender Studies at the University of Utah, where she has worked since 1999. Her research focuses on mental health among LGBTQ+ populations, sexual and gender identity across the life course, sexual and gender fluidity, and childhood and adolescent trauma exposure — including religious trauma — among LGBTQ+ individuals. Dr. Diamond collaborates frequently with clinicians and brings a research-informed perspective that emphasizes the critical role of social safety and unconditional belonging on the health of marginalized populations.

Course Details

Delivery method: Live interactive webinar via the Institute learning platform

Course interactivity: Interactive — participants will engage in guided discussion, experiential reflection, and Q&A

Posttest/quiz: Because this is a live interactive course, a standard posttest is not required. Participation will be monitored throughout the session.

Certificate issuance: Certificates of credit will be issued immediately after course completion to participants who attend the full session and complete the course evaluation.

Contact for questions: institute@thehealinggroup.com

Accessibility accommodations: To request accessibility accommodations, please contact institute@thehealinggroup.com prior to the event. We are committed to making our trainings accessible to all participants.

ASWB ACE Statement:

The Healing Group Institute, provider number 2716, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/31/26 – 3/31/27. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.

AASECT CKA:

B. Developmental sexuality from a bio-psycho-social perspective across the life course.

C. Socio-cultural, familial factors (e.g., ethnicity, culture, religion, spirituality, socioeconomic status, family values) in relation to sexual values and behaviors.

H. Health/medical factors that may influence sexuality, including illness, disability, drugs, mental health, conception, pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy termination, contraception, fertility, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infection, other infections, sexual trauma, injury, and safer sex practices.

O. Professional communication and personal reflection skills.

AASECT ST:

A. Theory and methods of sex-related psychotherapy, including several different models.

This presentation has been reviewed by Kristin Hodson, LCSW, CST, CSTS to ensure it meets AASECT standards.

IMPORTANT: THIS EVENT IS TAKING PLACE IN THE LGBTQ THERAPIST'S GUILD AND IS NOT HOSTED BY THE HEALING GROUP INSTITUTE.

Kristin Hodson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Sex Therapist Supervisor, Founder and Executive Director of The Healing Group and co-author of “Real Intimacy: A Couples Guide for Genuine, Healthy Sexuality.” (Cedar Fort, 2011). The purpose of this training is to expand our knowledge and understanding of sexuality and aging—with a focus on the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ older adults—while also challenging both our personal and professional biases and assumptions. Together, we’ll explore how ageism and heteronormativity intersect in healthcare settings, how a lack of provider training in sexual health contributes to the “pleasure gap,” and how persistent myths—such as the belief that older adults are asexual or uninterested in sex—fuel loneliness, invisibility, and mental health challenges in aging populations. Special attention will be given to how these dynamics are further complicated for LGBTQ+ individuals, who often face a lifetime of stigma, inadequate care, and isolation as they age.

In order to participate, please sign up for The LGBTQ Therapist’s Guild here: https://www.lgbtqtherapists.com/

Sexual Health Series 2: Integrating Sexual Health Principles into Clinical Work with Clients Engaging in Sex/Drug-Linked Behaviors

Presenter: Doug Braun-Harvey, LMFT, CGP, CST-S, CST

Date: May 19, 2026 2:00-3:00 PM MST

Format: Live, interactive synchronous webinar | 1 hour

Content Level: Beginner

Target Audience: Clinical Mental Health Providers

CE Credits: 1 general continuing education credit

Course Description

This live webinar is the second in a three-part training series focused on sex- and drug-linked behaviors, offering healthcare professionals a dynamic, real-time experience in sexual health conversations by actively engaging in them. Drawing from a curriculum successfully implemented and evaluated at Stepping Stone, a substance use treatment program in San Diego, this training supports therapists in developing a foundational understanding of the relationship between substance use and sexual behavior.

Through expert-led instruction, facilitated discussion, guided reflection, and interactive exercises with facilitator and peer feedback, participants will learn to integrate core sexual health principles into clinical assessment and treatment planning. The course also addresses how to recognize when referral to specialized addiction treatment may be clinically appropriate. Participants will build practical skills for initiating and leading sexual health conversations with curiosity, empathy, and confidence — creating inclusive, client-centered spaces for meaningful dialogue.

This training is grounded in the core values of social work and affirms sexuality as a universal aspect of the human experience, shaped by social, cultural, and systemic influences. Participants are encouraged to reflect on unconscious bias and explore the intersections of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and cultural norms as they relate to sexual health and substance use.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Explain the relationship between substance use and sexual behavior.

• Integrate sexual health principles into assessment and treatment planning with clients engaging in sex- and drug-linked behaviors.

• Recognize when referral to specialized addiction treatment is appropriate to support recovery and sexual well-being.

Limitations, Risks, & Benefits

This online training provides an introductory overview of the subject matter and is not intended to be comprehensive; clinicians seeking more advanced or specialized instruction are encouraged to pursue additional training. The virtual format may limit the level of interactivity typically available in in-person settings. While no significant risks are anticipated, participants may experience mild discomfort when engaging with sensitive topics, reflecting on personal assumptions, or participating in interactive discussions or role-play activities — experiences considered a normal part of professional learning and growth. Benefits include increased understanding of the material, enhanced ability to apply concepts to clinical practice, and the development of foundational knowledge and practical skills that support greater confidence and competence in clinical settings.

About the Presenter

Doug Braun-Harvey, LMFT, CGP, CST-S, CST, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, certified group psychotherapist, and certified sex therapy supervisor with extensive expertise in sexual health and substance use. He brings a dynamic, interactive approach to professional training, grounded in the six principles of sexual health and informed by years of clinical experience and curriculum development. Doug is recognized for his ability to engage clinicians in substantive, skills-based learning that translates directly into practice.

Course Details

Delivery method: Live interactive webinar via the Institute learning platform

Course interactivity: Interactive — participants will engage in facilitated discussion, guided reflection, interactive exercises, and Q&A

Posttest/quiz: Because this is a live interactive course, a standard posttest is not required. Participation will be monitored throughout the session.

Certificate issuance: Certificates of credit will be issued immediately after course completion to participants who attend the full session and complete the course evaluation.

Contact for questions: institute@thehealinggroup.com

Accessibility accommodations: To request accessibility accommodations, please contact institute@thehealinggroup.com prior to the event. We are committed to making our trainings accessible to all participants.

ASWB ACE Statement:

The Healing Group Institute, provider number 2716, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/31/26 – 3/31/27. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credits.

AASECT CKA:

H. Health/medical factors that may influence sexuality, including illness, disability, drugs, mental health, conception, pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy termination, contraception, fertility, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infection, other infections, sexual trauma, injury, and safer sex practices.

J. Sexual exploitation including sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and sexual assault.

L. Substance use/abuse and sexuality.

AASECT ST:

A. Theory and methods of sex-related psychotherapy, including several different models.

General Consultation with Janet Vivian, LCSW

This is a two-part training series - Participants may choose to purchase either one or both parts.

Make It Hurt So Good: Safety & Health Considerations in BDSM & Kink

Presenter: Daniel Johnson, PT, DPT, PRPC

Date: May 12, 2026 | 2:00 PM MST

Format: Live, interactive synchronous webinar | 1 hour

Content Level: Beginner

Target Audience: Clinical Mental Health Providers, Medical Providers, Health Providers

CE Credits: 1 continuing education credit

Course Description

This one-hour live webinar provides clinical and medical health providers with foundational knowledge on BDSM and kink through the lens of physical health and safety. Through expert-led instruction, facilitated discussion, and guided reflection, participants will explore common practices, associated physical risks, and evidence-based harm-reduction strategies — all within a framework of culturally sensitive, client-centered care.

The course equips providers to engage confidently and compassionately with clients around sensitive sexual health topics, drawing from current research to inform clinical decision-making. Participants will learn to identify physical risks associated with BDSM and kink activities, apply a harm-reduction framework in clinical settings, and recognize warning signs of injury requiring appropriate healthcare responses. Throughout, the training emphasizes the importance of examining personal assumptions and biases, fostering the curiosity and cultural humility necessary to create safe, inclusive spaces where clients feel respected and empowered.

This training is grounded in the core principles of dignity, human worth, and social justice, and affirms sexuality as an integral component of overall well-being. Participants are encouraged to engage with diverse sexual expressions and identities through an affirming, non-judgmental lens.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Identify potential physical health risks associated with common BDSM and kink practices.

• Apply a physical harm-reduction framework to BDSM and kink activities by evaluating motivation, potential risks, and strategies to reduce injury without dismissing participant goals.

• Recognize warning signs of unsafe practices or injury that may arise from BDSM and kink activities and understand appropriate healthcare responses.

Limitations, Risks, & Benefits

This online training provides an introductory overview of BDSM and kink through a physical health and safety framework and is not intended to serve as a comprehensive or exhaustive resource on the subject. The virtual format may not fully replicate the interactivity of an in-person learning environment; clinicians seeking more advanced knowledge are encouraged to pursue additional specialized training. Some participants may experience mild discomfort or have existing assumptions challenged when engaging with sensitive material related to sexual health and diverse sexual expressions; however, no physical risks to participants are anticipated. Benefits include foundational knowledge and practical clinical skills related to BDSM and kink, with a focus on physical health, safety, and harm reduction — supporting increased provider confidence, competence, and the ability to deliver inclusive, affirming, client-centered care.

About the Presenter

Daniel Johnson, PT, DPT, PRPC, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Pelvic Rehabilitation Specialist currently working toward certification as a Sex Counselor through AASECT. He is the co-owner of Keystone Physical Therapy, a specialty pelvic floor clinic offering entirely one-on-one, individualized care. Dan's areas of specialty include the resolution of persistent pain patterns and sexual health, and he is passionate about making the highest quality care in sexual health and complex pain accessible to people of all genders.

Course Details

Delivery method: Live interactive webinar via the Institute learning platform

Course interactivity: Interactive — participants will engage in facilitated discussion, guided reflection, and Q&A

Posttest/quiz: Because this is a live interactive course, a standard posttest is not required. Participation will be monitored throughout the session.

Certificate issuance: Certificates of credit will be issued immediately after course completion to participants who attend the full session and complete the course evaluation.

Contact for questions: institute@thehealinggroup.com

Accessibility accommodations: To request accessibility accommodations, please contact institute@thehealinggroup.com prior to the event. We are committed to making our trainings accessible to all participants.

ASWB ACE Statement:

The Healing Group Institute, provider number 2716, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/31/26 – 3/31/27. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.

AASECT CKA:

B. Developmental sexuality from a bio-psycho-social perspective across the life course.

F. Diversities in sexual expression and lifestyles including, but not limited to, polyamory, swinging, BDSM, and tantra.

G. Sexual and reproductive anatomy/physiology.

AASECT ST:

C. Theory and methods of approach to intervention in relationship systems experiencing sex and intimacy problems.

E. Principles of consultation, collaboration, and referral.

This presentation has been reviewed by Kristin Hodson, LCSW, CST, CSTS to ensure it meets AASECT standards.

Getting to the Bottom of It: Safety & Health Considerations in Anal Play

Presenter: Daniel Johnson, PT, DPT, PRPC

Date: May 12, 2026 | 3:00 PM MST

Format: Live, interactive synchronous webinar | 1 hour

Content Level: Beginner

Target Audience: Clinical Mental Health Providers, Medical Providers, Health Providers

CE Credits: 1 continuing education credit

Course Description

This one-hour live webinar provides clinical and medical health providers with foundational knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, safety considerations, and strategies related to anal sexuality. Through expert-led instruction, facilitated discussion, and guided reflection, participants will explore the relevant structures of the anal canal, rectum, pelvic floor, and surrounding neurovascular systems — with a focus on understanding how these structures relate to sexual function, comfort, and safety.

Anal sexuality is a topic encountered across diverse client populations yet remains largely underaddressed in clinical training, leaving many providers underprepared to respond with competence and without judgment. This course equips providers to engage confidently and compassionately with clients around this commonly encountered aspect of sexual health, drawing from current research to inform clinical conversations and referrals. Participants will also explore the role of pelvic floor function and dysfunction in the context of receptive anal activity.

Grounded in the principles of dignity, human worth, and social justice, this training centers a client-centered, affirming approach to sexual health — supporting inclusive, empathetic care across diverse cultural, gender, and sexual identities.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Describe the relevant anatomy and physiology of the anal canal, rectum, sphincters, pelvic floor, and surrounding neurovascular structures as they relate to anal play.

• Recognize potential medical risks and injuries associated with anal play.

• Discuss the role of the pelvic floor muscles and anal sphincters in receptive anal activity and how pelvic floor dysfunction — including hypertonicity, dyssynergia, and weakness — may influence safety and comfort.

Limitations, Risks, & Benefits

This online training provides an introductory overview of anal anatomy, physiology, and sexual health safety and is not intended to serve as a comprehensive or exhaustive resource on the subject. The virtual format may not fully replicate the interactivity of an in-person learning environment; clinicians seeking more advanced knowledge are encouraged to pursue additional specialized training. Some participants may experience mild discomfort or have existing assumptions challenged when engaging with sensitive material related to sexual health and anatomy; however, no physical risks to participants are anticipated. Benefits include foundational knowledge and practical clinical skills related to anal anatomy, physiology, and sexual health safety — supporting increased provider confidence, competence, and the ability to deliver inclusive, affirming, client-centered care across diverse populations.

About the Presenter

Daniel Johnson, PT, DPT, PRPC, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Pelvic Rehabilitation Specialist currently working toward certification as a Sex Counselor through AASECT. He is the co-owner of Keystone Physical Therapy, a specialty pelvic floor clinic offering entirely one-on-one, individualized care. Dan's areas of specialty include the resolution of persistent pain patterns and sexual health, and he is passionate about making the highest quality care in sexual health and complex pain accessible to people of all genders.

Course Details

Delivery method: Live interactive webinar via the Institute learning platform

Course interactivity: Interactive — participants will engage in facilitated discussion, guided reflection, and Q&A

Posttest/quiz: Because this is a live interactive course, a standard posttest is not required. Participation will be monitored throughout the session.

Certificate issuance: Certificates of credit will be issued immediately after course completion to participants who attend the full session and complete the course evaluation.

Contact for questions: institute@thehealinggroup.com

Accessibility accommodations: To request accessibility accommodations, please contact institute@thehealinggroup.com prior to the event. We are committed to making our trainings accessible to all participants.

ASWB ACE Statement:

The Healing Group Institute, provider number 2716, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/31/26 – 3/31/27. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.

AASECT CKA:

B. Developmental sexuality from a bio-psycho-social perspective across the life course.

F. Diversities in sexual expression and lifestyles including, but not limited to, polyamory, swinging, BDSM, and tantra.

G. Sexual and reproductive anatomy/physiology.

AASECT ST:

C. Theory and methods of approach to intervention in relationship systems experiencing sex and intimacy problems.

This presentation has been reviewed by Kristin Hodson, LCSW, CST, CSTS to ensure it meets AASECT standards.

About the presenter:
Dan Johnson is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Certified Pelvic Rehab Specialist (PRPC), and is currently working towards certification as a Sex Counselor through AASECT. He and his wife McKenzie are proud parents of 3 beautiful children and owners of Keystone Physical Therapy, a specialty pelvic floor clinic offering entirely one-on-one and specialized Pelvic Floor care. His areas of specialty include the resolution of persistent pain patterns and sexual health. He is passionate about making the highest quality care in sexual health and complex pain accessible to people of all genders.

4-D Consultation with Catherine de Sauvage

Four Blinks/Predictive Processing Flash: An Approach to Trauma Reprocessing

Presenter: Reva Cook, LCSW, PMH-C, EMDRIA Consultant

Date: May 7, 2026 | 7:00 PM MST

Format: Live, interactive synchronous webinar | 2 hours

Content Level: Beginner

Target Audience: Clinical Mental Health Providers

CE Credits: 2 continuing education credits

Course Description

Traumatic memories can significantly impede client progress in therapy — and finding effective, accessible tools for memory reconsolidation is one of the most meaningful contributions a clinician can make to a client's healing journey. This two-hour live training introduces Four Blinks/Predictive Processing Flash, a memory reconsolidation tool developed by Thomas Zimmerman, Ms.Ed., LPCC, designed to help clients rapidly reduce the distress associated with traumatic memories in a trauma-informed, client-centered manner.

Through lecture, case examples, and small group practicum, participants will learn how Four Blinks works, which clients and memories are appropriate candidates for this approach, and how to guide clients through the process skillfully and safely. The training also equips clinicians with clear, accessible language for explaining Four Blinks to clients — helping them understand what the tool is and how it can support their healing.

The training uses inclusive and diverse language, photos, and stories representing a range of races, sexes, genders, socioeconomic backgrounds, and abilities. It also identifies potential provider biases and offers strategies for preventing these from negatively influencing the therapeutic process.

This training is grounded in the core social work values of dignity and worth, the importance of human relationships, and a commitment to social justice — affirming that reducing trauma-related distress and supporting memory reconsolidation can meaningfully shorten the path to healing and improve quality of life for clients.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Identify which memories and which clients are appropriate candidates for Four Blinks/Predictive Processing Flash.

• Guide clients through Four Blinks/Predictive Processing Flash to reduce the distress of traumatic memories.

• Explain to clients what Four Blinks/Predictive Processing Flash is and how it can help them.

Limitations, Risks, & Benefits

This training is limited to provisional and fully licensed clinicians. Participants will be taught which clients are good candidates for this process and how to use the tool in a trauma-informed way. Risks are minimal — the primary risk being that a client's distress does not reduce but remains the same. Benefits include the ability to help clients reconsolidate traumatic memories, reduce distress, and potentially shorten the overall course of treatment, supporting more efficient and effective trauma-informed care.

About the Presenter

Reva Cook, LCSW, PMH-C, EMDRIA Consultant, is a licensed clinical social worker, EMDR-certified therapist, and EMDRIA Consultant who specializes in trauma recovery and helping individuals reconnect with safety, joy, and a strong sense of self. Her background as an ER crisis worker shaped her deep understanding of both human suffering and resilience. Reva's clinical work focuses on supporting women through trauma related to pregnancy, childbirth, parenting, family of origin dynamics, religion, and sexual abuse. As the Clinical Director of The Healing Group, she is dedicated to mentoring therapists and fostering high-quality, trauma-informed care. She also serves as a trainer, EMDRIA Consultant, and media contributor. At the foundation of her work is a core belief: healing is always possible, and people can build lives they truly enjoy.

Course Details

Delivery method: Live interactive webinar via the Institute learning platform

Course interactivity: Interactive — participants will engage in lecture, case examples, and small group practicum

Posttest/quiz: Because this is a live interactive course, a standard posttest is not required. Participation will be monitored throughout the session.

Certificate issuance: Certificates of credit will be issued immediately after course completion to participants who attend the full session and complete the course evaluation.

Contact for questions: institute@thehealinggroup.com

Accessibility accommodations: To request accessibility accommodations, please contact institute@thehealinggroup.com prior to the event. We are committed to making our trainings accessible to all participants.

ASWB ACE Statement:

The Healing Group Institute, provider number 2716, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/31/26 – 3/31/27. Social workers completing this course receive 2 continuing education credits.

AASECT CKA:

A. Ethics and ethical behavior.

C. Socio-cultural, familial factors (e.g., ethnicity, culture, religion, spirituality, socioeconomic status, family values) in relation to sexual values and behaviors.

H. Health/medical factors that may influence sexuality, including illness, disability, drugs, mental health, conception, pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy termination, contraception, fertility, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infection, other infections, sexual trauma, injury, and safer sex practices.

J. Sexual exploitation including sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and sexual assault.

AASECT ST:

F. Ethical decision-making and best practice.

This presentation has been reviewed by Kristin Hodson, LCSW, CST, CSTS to ensure it meets AASECT standards.

Embodied Spirit Collective: Psychedelics and the 4-D Wheel, Part 2

Presenter: Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers, PhD, LMFT, CSTS, PAT

Date: May 5, 2026 | 2:00 PM MST

Format: Live, interactive synchronous webinar | 1 hour

Content Level: Beginner

Target Audience: Clinical Mental Health Providers, Health Providers, Medical Providers

CE Credits: 1 continuing education credit

Course Description

This one-hour live webinar is the second in a two-part series exploring how psychedelic-assisted therapy and the 4-D Wheel — an indigenous, integrative model developed by Dr. Gina Ogden — can inform trauma-responsive preparation and integration practices. While diagnostic classification, symptom reduction, and cognitive-behavioral models remain essential to contemporary mental health care, emerging research suggests that healing processes involving trauma, grief, and existential distress often engage somatic, emotional, relational, and meaning-based dimensions that extend beyond conventional frameworks.

Through didactic instruction, guided reflection, interactive Q&A, and experiential exercises, participants will explore current neuroscience and psychedelic research alongside indigenous wisdom traditions. The training examines the neurobiological mechanisms of action associated with ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA-assisted therapy, and presents the 4-D Wheel as a culturally respectful framework for supporting integration across body, heart, mind, and spirit. Throughout, emphasis is placed on clinical rigor, humility, ethical grounding, and clear scope of practice.

This training affirms the value of indigenous epistemologies as complementary to scientific frameworks and encourages clinicians to attend to the cultural, spiritual, and ancestral dimensions of meaning-making in client experiences — adapting preparation and integration approaches to align with clients' cultural identities, belief systems, and lived experiences.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Describe current scientific findings related to neuroplasticity, brain network connectivity, and emotional learning that help explain therapeutic effects observed in psychedelic-assisted therapies.

• Identify how the 4-D Wheel framework can support trauma-informed preparation and integration by organizing somatic, emotional, cognitive, and meaning-based experiences.

• Apply culturally responsive and ethically grounded strategies that honor indigenous knowledge systems while remaining within professional scope of practice.

Limitations, Risks, & Benefits

This training acknowledges important limitations, including the emerging nature of psychedelic research, variability in study design, limited long-term outcome data, and the fact that findings cannot be generalized across all populations or substances. Participation does not qualify clinicians to administer psychedelic medicines. Potential risks include misapplication of altered-state frameworks without appropriate training or supervision, cultural appropriation if indigenous models are used without humility and respect, and overinterpretation of neuroimaging findings beyond current scientific evidence. Benefits include a deeper understanding of preparation and integration processes, increased clinical confidence when working with non-ordinary experiences, and expanded conceptual frameworks for addressing trauma, grief, and existential distress.

About the Presenter

Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers, PhD, LMFT, CSTS, PAT, is a therapist, educator, and author with nearly three decades of experience as a professor of marriage and family therapy, medical family therapy, and human sexuality. She is the founder of the Northwest Institute on Intimacy — offering postgraduate clinician training in sex therapy and relational health — and the founder and executive director of Inanna Rising, a clinician membership collective dedicated to equitable, just, and patient-centered psychedelic-assisted therapy training and support. From Blackberry Retreat Center in Sandy, Oregon, Dr. Tina offers retreats and trainings for clinicians on the 4-D Wheel for Expansive Integration and psychedelic-assisted therapy. She is the author of two influential books — Sex, God & the Conservative Church and Shameless Parenting — both recognized for their impact on healing religious sexual shame, trauma, and authoritarian parenting. Dr. Tina remains committed to social justice, integrity, and weaving cutting-edge cultural, spiritual, and sexual healing into compassionate clinical practice.

Course Details

Delivery method: Live interactive webinar via the Institute learning platform

Course interactivity: Interactive — participants will engage in guided reflection, experiential exercises, facilitated discussion, and Q&A

Posttest/quiz: Because this is a live interactive course, a standard posttest is not required. Participation will be monitored throughout the session.

Certificate issuance: Certificates of credit will be issued immediately after course completion to participants who attend the full session and complete the course evaluation.

Contact for questions: institute@thehealinggroup.com

Accessibility accommodations: To request accessibility accommodations, please contact institute@thehealinggroup.com prior to the event. We are committed to making our trainings accessible to all participants.

ASWB ACE Statement:

The Healing Group Institute, provider number 2716, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/31/26 – 3/31/27. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.

AASECT CKA:

A. Ethics and ethical behavior.

N. Learning theory and its application.

O. Professional communication and personal reflection skills.

AASECT ST:

A. Theory and methods of sex-related psychotherapy, including several different models.

C. Theory and methods of approach to intervention in relationship systems experiencing sex and intimacy problems.

This presentation has been reviewed by Kristin Hodson, LCSW, CST, CSTS to ensure it meets AASECT standards.

Trauma Consultation with Reva Cook, LCSW, PMH-C, EMDRIA-CIT

The Biological Embedding of Childhood Adversity: Neurodevelopment, Adaptation, and Clinical Reframing

Presenter: Dr. Lisa Diamond

Date: April 28, 2026 | 2:00 PM MST

Format: Live, interactive synchronous webinar | 1 hour

Content Level: Beginner

Target Audience: Clinical Mental Health Providers

CE Credits: 1 continuing education credit

Course Description

This one-hour live webinar examines contemporary research on the biological embedding of childhood adversity, with a focus on how early experiences shape brain development, nervous system functioning, and long-term patterns of stress responsivity. Through expert-led instruction, guided discussion, and structured reflection, participants will explore how different forms of adversity — including threat, deprivation, and unpredictability — produce distinct neurobiological adaptations across developmental periods.

A central focus of this course is reframing childhood adversity away from a deficit-based model and toward an adaptation-focused framework — one that recognizes trauma-related changes as survival-oriented responses rather than pathology. Participants will examine developmental timing, the relative stability versus malleability of adaptations, and the clinical implications for therapeutic intervention, resilience, and trauma-related growth.

This training encourages clinicians to reflect on unconscious biases and consider how sociocultural contexts — including structural inequities, chronic stressors, poverty, discrimination, and community violence — shape exposure to adversity and influence neurodevelopmental outcomes. The course supports practitioners in contextualizing client experiences within broader social, cultural, and systemic realities, promoting inclusive, compassionate, and trauma-informed care.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Explain the concept of biological embedding and describe how childhood adversity is associated with enduring changes in brain development and nervous system functioning.

• Differentiate the neurodevelopmental effects of major classes of childhood adversity — threat, deprivation, and unpredictability — and explain how timing of exposure influences the stability or malleability of resulting adaptations.

• Apply an adaptation-focused clinical framework that reframes trauma-related responses as functional survival adaptations, supporting client resilience, self-regulation, and trauma-related growth rather than deficit-based pathology.

Limitations, Risks, & Benefits

This online training provides a focused, introductory exploration of the neurodevelopmental impacts of childhood adversity; clinicians seeking more advanced or specialized content are encouraged to pursue additional training. Participants may experience some discomfort as they engage with sensitive material or examine previously held assumptions related to trauma and development. No significant risks are anticipated. Benefits include an enhanced understanding of how adversity shapes neurodevelopment, increased ability to translate research findings into clinical practice, and foundational knowledge that supports greater clinical confidence and competence. Participants are encouraged to attend to self-care as needed throughout the session.

About the Presenter

Dr. Lisa Diamond is a professor of Psychology and Gender Studies at the University of Utah, where she has worked since 1999. Her research focuses on mental health among LGBTQ+ populations, sexual and gender identity across the life course, sexual and gender fluidity, and childhood and adolescent trauma exposure — including religious trauma — among LGBTQ+ individuals. Dr. Diamond collaborates frequently with clinicians and brings a research-informed perspective that emphasizes the critical role of social safety and unconditional belonging on the health of marginalized populations.

Course Details

Delivery method: Live interactive webinar via the Institute learning platform

Course interactivity: Interactive — participants will engage in guided discussion, structured reflection, and Q&A

Posttest/quiz: Because this is a live interactive course, a standard posttest is not required. Participation will be monitored throughout the session.

Certificate issuance: Certificates of credit will be issued immediately after course completion to participants who attend the full session and complete the course evaluation.

Contact for questions: institute@thehealinggroup.com

Accessibility accommodations: To request accessibility accommodations, please contact institute@thehealinggroup.com prior to the event. We are committed to making our trainings accessible to all participants.

ASWB ACE Statement:

The Healing Group Institute, provider number 2716, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/31/26 – 3/31/27. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.

AASECT CKA:

B. Developmental sexuality (bio-psycho-social, lifespan).

H. Health/medical factors that may influence sexuality, including sexual trauma.

J. Sexual exploitation including sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and sexual assault.

AASECT ST:

A. Theory and methods of sex-related psychotherapy (models).

This presentation has been reviewed by Kristin Hodson, LCSW, CST, CSTS to ensure it meets AASECT standards.

PMAD Attitude Reassessment (PAR)

Presenters: Kristin Hodson, LCSW, CST | Monica Ashton, LCSW, CST, PMH-C

Date: 4/21/26 | 2:00 PM MST

Format: Live, interactive synchronous webinar | 1 hour

Content Level: Beginner

Target Audience: Mental Health Professionals — all backgrounds and professional levels welcome; specialists and non-specialists alike will benefit

CE Credits: 1 continuing education credit

Course Description

This one-hour live webinar invites mental health providers to examine the unconscious biases, judgments, and assumptions they may hold toward pregnant and postpartum parents and their mental health challenges. Modeled after the Sexuality Attitude Reassessment (SAR) — a well-established process used in sex therapy training — this first-of-its-kind PMAD Attitude Reassessment (PAR) applies that same framework to the perinatal mental health realm.

Through self-reflection and self-inquiry, didactic and Socratic teaching methods, and both small and large group discussion, participants will explore messages they have internalized from macro and mezzo communities about the mental health needs of perinatal people — and examine the meaning they have made of those messages. The training also addresses the specific challenges faced by the BIPOC community in perinatal mental health, grounding the content in a commitment to equity and culturally responsive care.

This training is rooted in the belief that working competently and in a client-centered way with perinatal clients is a social justice issue. Regardless of specialization, providers across all settings and communities benefit from developing greater openness, skill, and awareness when working with this population.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Analyze the impact of non-judgmental and respectful attitudes toward pregnant and postpartum parents.

• Recognize the diverse needs and presentations of mental health challenges in perinatal clients, and identify their own attitudes, values, feelings, and beliefs around these challenges and behaviors.

• Discuss strategies for increasing comfort and competency when working with perinatal clients.

Limitations, Risks, & Benefits

This training represents the first-ever PMAD Attitude Reassessment and draws on the established SAR framework, adapted for the perinatal mental health context. Given the one-hour format, time is a limiting factor and the content is not intended to be exhaustive. Participants may experience moments of discomfort as they engage in self-reflection and examine long-held assumptions or beliefs; however, no significant risks are anticipated. The primary benefit of participation is increased awareness of personal biases, judgments, and assumptions toward perinatal clients — supporting more conscious, competent, and compassionate clinical practice.

About the Presenters

Kristin Hodson, LCSW, CST, and Monica Ashton, LCSW, CST, PMH-C, are both certified sex therapists with a combined 30+ years of experience in perinatal mental health. Recognized as experts in their respective fields, both Kristin and Monica have completed a Sexuality Attitude Reassessment (SAR), the foundational model upon which this training is built. Their depth of experience across perinatal mental health and sex therapy uniquely positions them to facilitate this pioneering training with expertise, nuance, and care.

Course Details

Delivery method: Live interactive webinar via Zoom

Course interactivity: Interactive — participants will engage in self-reflection, small group discussion, large group discussion, and Q&A

Posttest/quiz: Because this is a live interactive course, a standard posttest is not required. Participation will be monitored throughout the session.

Certificate issuance: Certificates of credit will be issued immediately after course completion to participants who attend the full session and complete the course evaluation.

Contact for questions: institute@thehealinggroup.com

Accessibility accommodations: To request accessibility accommodations, please contact institute@thehealinggroup.com prior to the event. We are committed to making our trainings accessible to all participants.

ASWB ACE Statement:

The Healing Group Institute, provider number 2716, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/31/26 – 3/31/27. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.

AASECT CKA:

A. Ethics and ethical behavior.

O. Professional communication and personal reflection skills.

IMPORTANT: THIS EVENT IS TAKING PLACE IN THE LGBTQ THERAPIST'S GUILD AND IS NOT HOSTED BY THE HEALING GROUP INSTITUTE.

Dr. Rullo is ABPP Certified, a Board-Certified Clinical Health Psychologist, a AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Supervisor, and a Certified Gottman Therapist.  In this in-service, Dr, Rullo will discuss Sensate Focus Therapy.  Sensate Focus isn’t just for sex therapists! It is a mindfulness and exposure-based intervention that any therapist can use. It is an essential intervention for couples who struggle with desire discrepancy and sexual avoidance. In this session, learn everything you need to know to start Sensate Focus today!

In order to participate, please sign up for The LGBTQ Therapist’s Guild here: https://www.lgbtqtherapists.com/

Building Bridges: Embracing Diversity Through Inclusive Cultural Humility

Presenter: Amanda Jae Gonzalez, MSW, LCSW

Date: April 14, 2026 | 2:00 PM MST

Format: Live, interactive synchronous webinar | 2 hours

Content Level: Beginner

Target Audience: Clinical Mental Health Providers, Health Providers

CE Credits: 2 cultural competency continuing education credits

Course Description

This two-hour live webinar equips therapists and health providers with practical, clinically grounded tools for delivering culturally responsive, inclusive care. Through expert-led instruction, facilitated discussion, and guided reflection, participants will examine how bias, power dynamics, and social stress show up in therapeutic relationships — even among well-intentioned practitioners — and explore why neutrality can function as avoidance when cultural or systemic issues are present.

Participants will learn a direct, usable repair protocol for moments of identity-linked harm, misattunement, and rupture, along with concrete language for consent-based pacing, shame reduction, and inclusive communication that does not place the burden of education on clients. The course closes with a practical, creativity-based lens for clinician self-care — supporting nervous system regulation and professional sustainability during periods of heightened social or political stress.

This training is grounded in NASW core principles, including the dignity and worth of every person, the importance of human relationships, a commitment to social justice, and professional competence. Participants are encouraged to engage in self-reflection, examine unconscious biases, and explore how intersecting factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, and cultural norms shape the therapeutic relationship and client experience.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Identify and describe at least one key clinical consideration for ethically responding to client concerns, and choose an appropriate clinical response using a brief case example.

• Apply at least two client-centered frameworks to conceptualize presenting concerns within identity, cultural, and systemic contexts, including one equity-informed lens to reduce harm and strengthen collaboration.

• Begin to develop a brief, individualized professional sustainability plan that includes one boundary strategy, one regulation strategy, and one creativity-based practice to support resilience during heightened social or political stress.

Limitations, Risks, & Benefits

This online training offers a foundational overview of the subject matter and is not intended to be exhaustive; clinicians seeking greater depth are encouraged to pursue additional training. While the virtual format provides accessible participation, it may not fully replicate the interactivity of in-person learning. Participants may experience mild discomfort as sensitive topics are explored and existing assumptions or worldviews are examined; however, no significant risks are anticipated. Overall, the training is designed to increase participants' understanding of the material, build practical and clinically relevant skills, and enhance confidence and competence in applying these concepts to professional practice.

About the Presenter

Amanda Jae Gonzalez, MSW, LCSW, is a growing expert in trauma, mindfulness, and body-mind bridging across the lifespan. Her approach is light-hearted, relational, and evidence-informed, integrating somatics, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical approaches, and psychodynamic insight into an education-based style that supports clients in understanding their nervous system, patterns, and needs. Amanda frequently works with clients navigating anxiety, survivorship, post-traumatic stress, chronic pain, and perinatal and postpartum concerns. Her clinical background includes training in psychodynamic theory, child development, and attachment-based work that fosters emotional safety and connection over time.

Course Details

Delivery method: Live interactive webinar via the Institute learning platform

Course interactivity: Interactive — participants will engage in facilitated discussion, guided reflection, and Q&A

Posttest/quiz: Because this is a live interactive course, a standard posttest is not required. Participation will be monitored throughout the session.

Certificate issuance: Certificates of credit will be issued immediately after course completion to participants who attend the full session and complete the course evaluation.

Contact for questions: institute@thehealinggroup.com

Accessibility accommodations: To request accessibility accommodations, please contact institute@thehealinggroup.com prior to the event. We are committed to making our trainings accessible to all participants.

ASWB ACE Statement:

The Healing Group Institute, provider number 2716, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/31/26 – 3/31/27. Social workers completing this course receive 2 continuing education credits.

AASECT CKA:

A. Ethics and ethical behavior.

C. Socio-cultural, familial factors (e.g., ethnicity, culture, religion, spirituality, socioeconomic status, family values) in relation to sexual values and behaviors.

O. Professional communication and personal reflection skills.

AASECT ST:

F. Ethical decision-making and best practice.

The purpose of this training is to enhance understanding of the Indigenous origins of the 4-D Wheel model in sex therapy and the requirements for decolonial clinical practice. Through original archival research from the Kinsey Institute's Gina Ogden Collection, this presentation reveals how the widely-used 4-D Wheel emerged from Dr. Ogden's apprenticeship with don Óscar Miro-Quesada in the Pachakuti Mesa Tradition (PMT) during the early 1990s. Participants will learn about epistemic violence, the systematic erasure of Indigenous knowledge in Western therapeutic practice, and gain a concrete framework for decolonial potentiality that includes explicit attribution, ceremonial engagement, and ongoing accountability. This training provides practical pathways for ethical, decolonial practice. Participants will leave with action steps for examining their own work and advocating for institutional transformation in sex therapy education.

Learning Objectives:

Identify the Indigenous origins of the 4-D Wheel model, including its direct connection to Pachakuti Mesa Tradition (PMT) and the structural parallels between the four-directional mesa and the Wheel's dimensions.

Define epistemic violence in sex therapy practice and recognize how Western institutions systematically erase, extract, and appropriate Indigenous knowledge systems.

Apply the five requirements for decolonial potentiality to their own clinical practice or learning, including explicit attribution, ceremonial engagement, guiding rather than directing, honoring ayni, and ongoing personal accountability.

AASECT CKA: 

A. Ethics and ethical behavior.

C. Socio-cultural, familial factors (e.g., ethnicity, culture, religion, spirituality, socioeconomic status, family values) in relation to sexual values and behaviors.

O. Professional communication and personal reflection skills.

AASECT ST: 

F. Ethical decision-making and best practice.

Ethical Practice in the Perinatal and Maternal Mental Health Space
A 2-hour Ethics Training

Designed for clinical mental health providers, this engaging training equips clinicians with the knowledge and confidence to navigate ethical considerations in perinatal care with skill and cultural responsiveness. Through an in-depth examination of perinatal health in the United States, participants explore how historical, systemic, and sociocultural forces—including racism and patriarchy—shape client experiences and clinical decision-making. Expert-led instruction, interactive discussion, and guided reflection support the practical application of cultural humility, ethical evaluation, and inclusive care strategies. Participants also gain tools to recognize and address compassion fatigue, strengthening both clinical effectiveness and professional sustainability when working with perinatal populations.

Learning Objectives:

Demonstrate increased knowledge of the history of perinatal health in the United States, including intersections with racism and patriarchy.

Critically examine their own privilege and utilize a framework of cultural humility when working with clients.

Recognize signs of compassion fatigue and utilize strategies for support and self-care.

AASECT CKA: 

A. Ethics and ethical behavior.

C. Socio-cultural, familial factors (e.g., ethnicity, culture, religion, spirituality, socioeconomic status, family values) in relation to sexual values and behaviors.

H. Health/medical factors that may influence sexuality including, but not limited to, illness, disability, drugs, mental health, conception, pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy termination, contraception, fertility, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infection, other infections, sexual trauma, injury and safer sex practices.

AASECT ST: 

F. Ethical decision-making and best practice.

This presentation will cover the potential impact of birth trauma on the individual and how it can impact their relationship.  We will be covering the mental, emotional, relational and sexual impacts that can occur after birth trauma.  

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify at least three mental, emotional, relational, and sexual effects associated with birth trauma.

2. Explain how birth trauma can impact attachment, intimacy, and partner relationships in the postpartum period.

3. Demonstrate the application of trauma-informed and attachment-based interventions when supporting individuals and couples affected by birth trauma.

AASECT CKA:

H. Health/medical factors that may influence sexuality including, but not limited to, illness, disability, drugs, mental health, conception, pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy termination, contraception, fertility, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infection, other infections, sexual trauma, injury and safer sex practices.

I. Range of sexual functioning and behavior, from optimal to problematic including, but not limited to, common issues such as: desire discrepancy, lack of desire, difficulty achieving or maintaining arousal, sexual pain, penetration problems and difficulty with orgasm.

AASECT ST:

C. Theory and methods of approach to intervention in relationship systems experiencing sex and intimacy problems

This training examines the evolving science of gender identity development with a focus on the nonlinear, variable, and context-dependent trajectories commonly observed among trans and nonbinary individuals across the life course. Drawing from emerging research and developmental theory, participants will explore how gender identity may unfold through periods of stability, reorganization, exploration, and change without indicating pathology or dysfunction. The course clarifies common misconceptions surrounding ongoing gender development, differentiating normative complexity from detransition or clinical concern. Emphasis is placed on identifying practitioner bias toward fixity and “arrival,” and on cultivating affirming, developmentally informed clinical approaches that prioritize safety, adaptability, and resilience for clients and their relational systems.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the range of developmental trajectories observed in trans and nonbinary individuals over time, including nonlinear change, temporary stability, and ongoing identity evolution across the life course.

2. Differentiate detransition from normative developmental complexity, clarifying common misconceptions about multiple transitions and ongoing gender change, particularly among nonbinary individuals.

3. Apply developmentally informed, affirming clinical perspectives that prioritize comfort, safety, and resilience within ongoing complexity, while identifying and addressing practitioner bias toward fixity, predictability, and “arrival” as therapeutic goals.

AASECT CKA: 

B. Developmental sexuality from a bio-psycho-social perspective across the life course

D. Issues related to gender identity and expression

O. Professional communication and personal reflection skills

AASECT ST: 

F. Ethical decision-making and best practice

The purpose of this training is to enhance perinatal mental health and sexual health practitioners’ understanding of childbirth physiology, contemporary birth practices in the United States, and the psychosocial context in which pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period unfold. Birthsmarter PRO introduces clinicians to the Birthsmarter Framework—a trauma-informed, non-binary, critical-thinking approach to childbirth education—designed to support realistic expectation-setting, nuanced communication, and patient-centered advocacy within clinical scope of practice.

As maternal mortality, pelvic health complications, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders continue to rise, mental health professionals occupy a uniquely trusted role in preparing clients for birth and postpartum recovery. However, well-intentioned practitioners may unintentionally reinforce fear-based narratives, outdated assumptions, or overly idealized portrayals of birth. This training offers a reframing of birth education that moves beyond fearmongering and toxic positivity, equipping clinicians with language, context, and conceptual tools to help clients navigate uncertainty, complexity, and individual circumstance with greater confidence and emotional safety.

Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of birth physiology, the historical and systemic forces shaping perinatal care, and practical strategies for integrating childbirth education concepts into therapeutic work—enhancing their ability to support informed decision-making, emotional regulation, and embodied agency throughout the perinatal period.

Learning Objectives:

1. Communicate more effectively with perinatal clients by applying the Three Actions of Physiological Birth and using precise, non-alarmist, non-idealized language that supports emotional safety and informed consent.

2. Think critically about birth culture and clinical narratives, including the history of obstetrics in the U.S., systemic inequities in maternal health, and the impact of practitioner bias on client expectations and experiences.

3. Provide empathetic, individualized support through intentional language choices and strategies that meet clients where they are emotionally, relationally, and culturally.

4. Identify and utilize curated perinatal resources to enhance clinical care for pregnant and postpartum clients and strengthen referral networks.

AASECT CKA: 

C. Socio-cultural, familial factors (e.g., ethnicity, culture, religion, spirituality, socioeconomic status, family values) in relation to sexual values and behaviors.

G. Sexual and reproductive anatomy/physiology.

H. Health/medical factors that may influence sexuality including, but not limited to, illness, disability, drugs, mental health, conception, pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy termination, contraception, fertility, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infection, other infections, sexual trauma, injury and safer sex practices.

AASECT ST: 

F. Ethical decision-making and best practice.

IMPORTANT: THIS EVENT IS TAKING PLACE IN THE LGBTQ THERAPIST'S GUILD AND IS NOT HOSTED BY THE HEALING GROUP INSTITUTE.

Chris Wharton has represented clients in more name and sex/gender-marker cases than any other attorney in Utah. Chris also won the Utah Supreme Court case that set statewide standards for name and name and sex/gender-marker changes.  This presentation will cover the legal processes and applicable statutes for name and sex/gender-marker changes. We will also discuss the medical and psychological evidence courts typically consider in these proceedings. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions about these processes and how medical health providers can help set their patients up for success in court.

In order to participate, please sign up for The LGBTQ Therapist’s Guild here: https://www.lgbtqtherapists.com/

Navigating Stages of Change in Sexual Health, part 3

This three-part series explores the stages of change as they relate to sexual health and out-of-control sexual behavior. Therapists will gain practical strategies to assess where clients are in their journey and apply evidence-based interventions tailored to each stage.

Through engaging lectures, guided reflection, interactive exercises, and expert feedback, participants will build confidence and clinical skill in supporting clients’ growth and transformation. Presented in collaboration with Kristin B. Hodson, LCSW, CST, CST-S.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and describe the stages of change as they relate to sexual health and out-of-control sexual behavior

• Differentiate client presentations across stages

• Apply developmentally and clinically appropriate interventions that promote movement toward sexual health and self-regulation.

AASECT Core Knowledge Areas
A. Ethics and ethical behavior.
B. Developmental sexuality from a bio-psycho-social perspective across the life course.
C. Socio-cultural, familial factors (e.g., ethnicity, culture, religion, spirituality, socioeconomic status, family values) in relation to sexual values and behaviors.
D. Issues related to sexual orientation and/or gender identity: heterosexuality; issues and themes impacting lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual people; gender identity and expression.
E. Intimacy skills (e.g., social, emotional, sexual), intimate relationships, interpersonal relationships and family dynamics.
F. Diversities in sexual expression and lifestyles including, but not limited to, polyamory, swinging, BDSM and tantra.
H. Health/medical factors that may influence sexuality including, but not limited to, illness, disability, drugs, mental health, conception, pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy termination, contraception, fertility, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infection, other infections, sexual trauma, injury and safer sex practices.
J. Sexual exploitation including sexual abuse, sexual harassment and sexual assault.
L. Substance use/abuse and sexuality.

AASECT Sex Therapy Skills Training
A. Theory and methods of sex-related psychotherapy, including several different models.