Clients with sexual abuse histories often come to therapy with questions about their sexual expression and the obstacles they encounter in intimate relationships. They may find themselves engaging in trauma reenactment rather than safe, consensual sex and need a nonjudgmental space to explore what sexual recovery means for them. Even well-trained trauma therapists often lack the personal comfort, language, and skillset necessary to assist their clients through this process. This workshop will provide concrete strategies to help trauma survivors live more sexually fulfilling lives. You’ll explore: 

• How different types of sexual abuse and trauma manifest in sexual behaviors, and how to help clients experience healthy sexual gratification 
• How to help clients differentiate between unhealthy trauma reenactment and healthy play 
• Five tools to help clients manage out-of-control sexual behaviors 
• The countertransference issues that often arise for therapists around clients’ erotic interests, sexual expression, and behaviors in order to avoid negative judgment and inadvertent shaming 

Joe Kort, PhD, is a sex therapist and Imago therapist with a specialty in LGBTQ issues. His books include 10 Smart Things Gay Men Can Do to Improve Their Lives, LGBTQ Clients in Therapy, and Is My Husband Gay, Straight, or Bi? 

Note: This workshop is available as self-study credit.