Workshops Currently Offered by Germayne Tizzano, Ph.D.:

Facilitating Recovery for Women

Sexuality for many incarcerated women has often been a treacherous journey of early childhood abuse, partner violence, and subsequent trauma related physical and mental health disorders. Unresolved sexual violence often results in self-destructive patterns of substance abuse, eating disorders, and self-mutilation. These desperate attempts to cope and survive can lead women into homelessness, sexual exploitation, and consequential risk of imprisonment.

Without addressing the role of sexuality in rehabilitation and clinical treatment, repeat offending and high risk behaviors are likely to continue and can threaten the lives of women served.

This workshop will advance the professional’s ability to work with survivors of sexual trauma.

Facilitating Healthy Sexuality and Positive Outcomes for Survivors of Sexual Violence

This program offers the clinician specific strategies, knowledge, and resources to advance professional capacity to work with survivors of sexual abuse – often the underpinnings of chaotic living. Through informed and uplifting didactic exercises and lectures, participants learn to facilitate improved body-image and self-care, assist in managing sensitive trauma- and drug linked triggers associated with sexual intimacy, and aid in supporting the survivor’s capacity to be his or her own agent in sexuality and health. Using a case example, participants will have the opportunity to apply clinical knowledge to a person who has been traumatized and is experiencing intimate partner violence. Applications for renewal and sexual discovery and health will be explored.

Sexual Abuse and Teens

Childhood sexual abuse is epidemic. Before age 18, one out of 4 girls and one out of six boys are estimated to be survivors of sexual assault in the United States. Teens who have been victimized often suffer from academic challenges, substance abuse, delinquency, crime and risks associated with teen pregnancy. This workshop will examine the vulnerabilities, risks and steps towards prevention of teen sexual violence.

Sexuality. . . A Common Trigger for Women's Relapse: A Sexual Health Approach to Working with Women with Histories of Trauma

Sexual health for women in recovery is crucial to the prevention of relapse and a sustained quality of living. Of all substance-abusing women, 75% have a history of childhood sexual and/or physical abuse. Women with histories of abuse are far more likely to engage in unsafe sex practices, have multiple sex partners, exchange sex for money or drugs, and be addicted to alcohol and drugs.

This workshop examines the importance of addressing women's sexuality while they are in treatment. The why's and how's behind risky sexual behavior, red flag indicators of trauma, what we know about women, sexuality, addiction, and recovery, as well as barriers that get in the way of healthy sexual choices will be presented.

Sexual Health Recovery for Women with Trauma Histories: A Psycho-educational and Holistic Approach

Women with unresolved sexual trauma comprise a large percentage of the women in substance abuse programs. This workshop will advance the professional's ability to work with survivors of sexual trauma. Through a psycho-educational approach, participants will learn strategies to assess and create a sex positive approach to serving women impacted by abuse.

My Body, Myself . . . for the Clinician Examining a Framework for Self-Care in Women's Sexuality

Women's sexuality is integral to the clinical process. Substance abuse, intimate partner violence, compulsive eating, and other self-destructive patterns of living often have sexuality as a key component.

How Can Sexual Violence Be Stopped – Mothers and Children Caught in the Trap

The life-threatening perils associated with domestic and sexual violence for women charged with the care of their children are dire. Of women in abusive relationships, 40 – 45% will be sexually violated during the time of their relationship and are known to be at much higher risk for homicide. Depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and self-destructive patterns of livings such as substance abuse, eating disorders, and cutting are known risk factors associated with sexual violence and trauma.

Women, Spirituality, and the Art of Recovery

This workshop will examine the unique challenges facing women in recovery from alcoholism. With the trajectory to alcoholism shorter than with men and the medical consequences potentially more severe, it is important to understand fully the impact of alcohol addiction on women.

Helping Clients Reclaim Their Bodies and Themselves

This workshop will examine the impact of media, personal experiences, and messages received by others as factors influencing body image – perceptions of external selves. Distortions of the body's shape, size and overall looks can result in emotional distress, lowered self-esteem, rebound dieting, and eating disorders. Mental health care professionals can provide support and affirmation to clients impacted by the negative impact of society's messages and unrealistic expectations. Through this session, participants will be provided educational strategies and knowledge for working with clients to improve body image and awareness.

Distinctive Approaches to Communications

Through a learning climate of trust and high energy, participants of this workshop will explore personal strengths and aptitudes essential to effective communications with clients. Understanding and application of the elements of resistance, change, and conflict resolution will be explored through a series of exercises.

We All Work and Play in the Same Sandbox:

Tools for Understanding and Managing Stress

The rules of work are similar to the rules of the sandbox — show respect, be kind, and share with others. Yet, in the world of work, following these guidelines does not always guarantee joy and harmony. This workshop will examine the work culture and how unmet expectations and reality clash to create undue stress and turmoil.

The Wellness Workshop

(Please Don't Tell Me To Drink Carrot Juice): A Health Awareness Program for True Skeptics

The key to understanding one's personal journey to health lies in discovering the internal compass that guides all of us towards playfulness and rejuvenation. We ALL have the power to live life to the fullest, NOT to be defined by cultural standards, but rather by OUR OWN STANDARDS.

This workshop gives you the opportunity to stretch the contours of your thinking and release (within safe limits) inhibitions, which block change. Come and sample a potpourri of media: music, art, play, and relaxation and in doing so, define your own standards and practices for healthful living. You then can make the CHOICE to LIVE BY THEM.

Rejuvenation of Self: Stress Management Workshop

This workshop will examine personal lifestyle patterns that enhance or diminish personal capacity to manage life stressors. Strategies, i.e., relaxation, laughter, and play, aimed at enhancing one's quality of life will be defined. A personal plan of action will be developed.

Awareness of Female Sexuality as Important to Clinical Practice

Sexuality, a vital part of women's identities, is often overlooked in the clinical process. In treating all women, regardless of the "presenting issue," clinician awareness and understanding of the core sense of the female self as a sexual being, is essential to the holistic healing process for all women.

A Mind Body Approach to Your Sexuality

Learn the truths about sexuality for women – what key factors can interfere with intimacy, feelings of powerlessness, and disconnection of one's body from pleasure and joy. Through this workshop, you will have the chance to clarify your destiny for healthy, joyous, and fulfilling sexuality. You will explore and gain an appreciation of your experiences, values, and attitudes that have shaped you as a sexual person. Come to this workshop and celebrate a vision of new and positive ways to embrace your sensual self.

A Woman's Retreat

A Chance to Recharge and Connect Your Passions, Strengths, and Power