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.

Clinicians are expected to facilitate healthy sexuality for women with trauma histories without always the benefit of sorting out their own journey and how their values, attitudes, and behaviors may impact the clinical process. This workshop will provide a safe avenue for the professional to look at what healthy sexuality is and how their sexuality is defined through personal experiences and the influences of others.

Significant events that have shaped the participant's sexual life will be explored through an exercise, Sexual Journey Through Time. Implications for working with women with substance abuse and trauma histories will be examined.

In addition, attendees will learn about the neurobiological underpinnings that interfere with survivors' ability to experience pleasure and healthy sexuality. Through a series of exercises and with the provision of tools and resources, participants will gain an appreciation for duality – a capacity for women to experience and embrace present moments in spite of calamitous and tugging feelings from their past. The effects of trauma on sexual intimacy and strategies to support women and healthy sexuality will be explored.

Educational Objectives

By the end of this workshop attendees will be able to:

1. Define trauma and delineate at least three neurological realities facing survivors;
2. Identify at least three effects trauma has on women's sexual intimacy;
3. Recognize three vital areas for learning and sexuality;
4. Know at least one exercise to enhance sensory awareness;
5. Chronicle at least two significant events that have shaped their sexual values, attitudes, beliefs, and the resulting application to their clinical practice;
6. Acknowledge the importance of grounding in managing sexual intimacy.

Expected Outcomes for Training

At the end of this workshop attendees will:

1. Have a theoretical overview of the neurobiological underpinnings that impact traumatized women's capacity for sexual intimacy;
2. Be grounded in knowledge, tools, and resources for self-care and intimacy;
3. Appreciate the embodiment of self as central to healthy sexuality;
4. Know the importance of understanding their sexual journey in shaping values, attitudes, and beliefs;
5. Advance their comfort in working with women in the area of sexuality.