INTRODUCTION: 

Sensate Focus touch was invented by Masters and Johnson and forms the centerpiece for diagnosing and remediating sexual difficulties. The graduated touching technique for individuals and couples helps participants turn off the thinking brain and mindfully tune into the body and somatic experience. Despite its status as the go to evidence -based intervention, many clinicians report difficulties with clients carrying out the suggestions as well as additional challenges such as ticklishness, boredom and partner pressure to go beyond the suggestions. 

DESCRIPTION: 

In this full day webinar, participants will be offered an overview of the updated use of Sensate Focus including its theoretical underpinnings, construction of the touching hierarchy, modifications for specific dysfunctions and diversities, and a deep dive into suggestions for handling the eleven commonly encountered problems will be presented.

Each of the common problems will be examined in detail, including how and when they are most likely to surface, and how to manage each of them with the use of supportive therapy, explanations of the concepts underlying each of the difficulties, paradoxical injunctions, and modifications of the Sensate Focus suggestions. Distinction is made between the anticipated encountering of one or several of these problems during the usual course of Sensate Focus, particularly at the beginning of sex therapy, and the persistence of these concerns beyond the initial sets of instructions.   

This highly practical program includes case illustration as well as video demonstrations of both Sensate Focus instructions and the handling of common problems. 

Learning Objectives:

After attending this virtual presentation participants will be able to:

1.     Describe the updated conceptualizations of Sensate Focus and its relationship to mindfulness and somatic therapy

2.     Identify the considerations involved in creating a general as well as an individualized touching hierarchy

3.     Explain how the presentation of Sensate Focus concepts by the practitioner can influence client/patient outcome

4.     Identify the common problems that arise during the use of Sensate Focus

5.     Apply techniques for managing these common problems

6.     Distinguish between common problems responsive to intervention in the usual course of Sensate Focus, and persistent problems suggesting the addition of alternative therapeutic approaches.

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About the Presenter:

Linda is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Diplomate in Clinical Social Work, a Certified Diplomate in Sexology (American Board of Sexology), and is certified by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists as a Sex Therapist, Supervisor and CE provider.  Linda is also an author and most recently published Sensate Focus in Sex Therapy: The Illustrated Manual with co-author Dr. Constance Avery-Clark.  Prior to beginning a private practice, Linda was a Clinical & Research Associate at Masters & Johnson Institute in St. Louis.  She also served for many years as an Assistant Professor at Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis. Linda has been providing sex and relationship therapy and training for the past 32 years. Her current interests are mindfulness and somatic processes in sex therapy and in helping allied health professionals become comfortable and proficient in addressing the sexuality concerns of their patients.

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Earn CEs:

This program meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) for 6 CE credits for synchronous learning.  These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification. A post-test is required for credit. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. No other CE credit is offered at this time. For further information, please contact ce@assect.org.

Cost:

$300 for professionals

$250 for students

$200 for groups of five or more

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