This presentation will provide a consideration of ways that typical therapist training and practice avoids sexuality and can at times lead to omission of the sexual self, and inadvertent collusion in silence and shame around client sexuality. The aim of this presentation is to expand knowledge of common sexual concerns and a feeling of comfort in not needing to be an expert to help clients in areas of sexuality. I hope to help clinicians develop their ability to normalize most if not all sexual concerns for clients, and to consider the impact of living in a culture that omits sexuality from the normal human experience. This talk aims to invite dialogue and interaction around sexual topics in order to offer a place to practice discussing the information presented and to normalize therapist discomfort, to encourage therapists to seek support in working with specific situations through consultation with a sex therapist, to consider when to refer out, or more generally to expand knowledge with trainings, readings, and podcasts. This presentation also aims to make it ok to not know about any aspect of sexuality and to say it out loud.
Speaker
Rebecca Sokoll is a sex and relationship therapist who works with couples, individuals and families in New York City. Ms. Sokoll is a supervisor and instructor in the Sex Therapy Program at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy, where she has also worked in the gender, sexuality, family, and couples divisions. Ms. Sokoll has extensive experience working with people of varied demographics in terms of gender, sexuality, race, and culture. In addition to teaching aspiring sex therapists, she also provides consultation, supervision, and workshops for non-sex therapists looking to develop fluency in discussions of sex with their clients. Ms. Sokoll has written articles for Psychology Today, she has been quoted in multiple articles for CNN’s Sexual Health, and she is featured on the Sexual Health and Well-being show with Virginia Hadock. A lifelong dancer and mover, Ms. Sokoll helps clients to incorporate the body in their journey toward improved sex and relationships.