2025 Pre-Conference Schedule

Advanced Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) & Pre-Conference Workshops

These offerings are optional add-ons to the general conference program and require an additional registration fee.

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Thursday, June 5, 2025

Displayed in Pacific Time.

9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Advanced Sexuality Attitude Reassessment (SAR) – Human-Technology Relationships: Digisexuality, Digital Attachment, and Digital Health
This is an Advance SAR and can not be used to fulfill the SAR requirement for AASECT Certification
Presenters

Markie L. C. Twist, PhD, MA, MEd, LMFT, LMHC, CSE, CSE-S, RegCOSRT 

Alex Iantaffi, PhD, MS, SEP, CST, CST-S, LMFT 

Coltan J. Schoenike, MS, LMFT (WI), LAMFT (MN), CST

Kei Skeide, MS, LMFT (MN, WI), C-DBT

Intended Audience

All Audiences

CE Credits

Coming Soon

Session Description

Growing visibility of organic-synthetic relationships (relationships and/or sexual engagement between humans and technologies) has led many to seek more knowledge to become more culturally attuned in working with said dynamics. This Advanced SAR is for those who seek to reflect on their attitudes around relational intersectionalities with sexuality and technology (digisexualities, digiattachment, digihealth). We will explore structures and systems in dominant westernized cultures that have informed our narratives around organic-synthetic relationships including: technophobia, ‘addiction,’ transhumanism, erotocentrism, artificial intimacy, etc. We hope to foster and facilitate imagination and autonomy as individuals and as a collective as we explore difficult questions: What is our definition of sexualities, attachment, and health in the context of technologies? What can organic-synthetic relationships be, rather than what we are afraid of? Does technology offer us new possibilities of who we are and how we relate as humans? Join us to learn, feel, reflect, and connect. 

Registration

In-Person: The Advanced Sexuality Attitude Reassessment (SAR) is an optional add-on to the general conference program, requiring an additional registration fee. Registration is limited to 50 participants.
NOTE: This Advanced SAR (Human-Technology Relationships: Digisexuaity, Digital Attachment, and Digital Health) can not be used to fulfill the SAR requirement for AASECT Certification

1:00 pm  – 5:00 pm

Pre-Conference Workshops
Sex on Drugs: The Impact of Chemicals on Sexual Expression
Presenters

Brittany Millard-Hasting, MD, MPH, CSC, FECSM

Intended Audience

Counselor

CE Credits

Coming Soon

Session Description

The brain is an interconnected system of neurons and chemical messengers that shape our experience of the world. The intentional adjustment of that internal environment with chemicals has repercussions for sexual expression. In this course we will explore endoge-nous/exogenous chemicals and human physiology to discuss how drugs may change an individuals experience of love and sex. This course will review fundamentals of neurophys-iology and cover select prescribed medications, nutraceuticals and recreational sub-stances with an egalitarian, harm-reduction focus.

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Bridging Curiosity and Differentiation: A Pathway to Deeper Intimacy and Relationship Resilience
Presenters

Fiona E. O’Farrell, Ph.D., LMFT, CST-S

Nancy Owen, MA, LMHC, LPC, CST-S

Intended Audience

Therapy, Clinical Applications

CE Credits

Coming Soon

Session Description

This experiential workshop will explore the interplay between curiosity and differentiation in couples sex therapy, integrating the artistry of open-ended inquiry with the science of fostering individual growth within a relationship. Using the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, we will explore how curiosity—both in the therapist and the couple—can serve as a bridge for enhancing differentiation and how a differentiated sense of self enriches emotional and sexual intimacy. The workshop is designed to empower therapists to balance the art of curiosity with the structured processes that support couples in developing more resilient, intimate, and connected relationships.

Registration

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The Politics & Ethics of Pleasure: Sex Work, Censorship, and Ethical Pornography
Presenters

Jet Setting Jasmine

King Noire

Intended Audience

Education, JEDI

CE Credits

Coming Soon

Session Description

In a world where digital censorship and societal stigma shape perceptions of sex work and adult content, this presentation explores the intersection of sex work, censorship, and ethical pornography. We will examine how restrictive policies impact the visibility and autonomy of sex workers and ethical adult content creators, while also addressing the crucial role of ethically produced porn in shaping healthy sexual expression. Through a decolonized lens, this session will unpack myths, discuss harm reduction strategies, and offer actionable insights for supporting sex workers, consumers, and advocates in the fight for pleasure-positive representation. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how censorship affects sexual wellness and how ethical production practices contribute to a more liberated and informed approach to sexuality.

Registration

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The Art & Science of Supervision: Integrating Theory, Practice, and Ethical Considerations
Presenters

Chris Fariello, PhD, MA, LMFT CST, CSE, CST-S 

Intended Audience

Supervision

CE Credits

Coming Soon

Session Description

Supervision is a cornerstone of professional development within the field of sexuality. This workshop will explore both the art and science behind effective supervision. Over the course of four hours, participants will engage in an enlightening session designed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application. The workshop will cover key concepts of supervision, ethical considerations, and the role of the supervisor in fostering a safe, inclusive, and growth-oriented environment for supervisees. Attendees will explore strategies for providing constructive feedback, supporting diverse learning styles, and navigating challenges such as countertransference, cultural competence, and boundary-setting. By combining evidence-based strategies with the intuitive, relational aspects of supervision, this workshop will provide supervisors with the tools to enhance their practice, support supervisees’ development, and foster a thriving, ethical therapeutic environment. 

Registration

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