Description
Taught by: Brian Gibney, Surrogate Partner
Designed for: Therapists, counselors, mental health practitioners (Intermediate)
Course includes: A two-part recorded webinar
3.5 AASECT CEs available in these Core Knowledge Areas (CKAs):
AASECT Core Knowledge Areas Sex Ed: A, E, I, P
AASECT Core Knowledge Areas Sex Therapy: C, E, F
ISTI Certified Sex and Couples Therapist knowledge categories: 1b, 1c, 1d, 3c, 3d
Brian Gibney examines the use of surrogate partner therapy (SPT) as a supplemental treatment for patients experiencing severe challenges to physical and/or emotional intimacy. He covers a brief history of SPT, discussing underlying theory, identifying typical presenting issues that SPT may be used to overcome, and discussing the practice of the work. He also discusses best practices, ethics, and legality of the use of surrogate partners. Case studies examine how theory is applied in working with real-life clients with disparate needs.
Learning Objectives:
In this training, participants will:
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- Identify the basic steps and content of the process of surrogate partner therapy;
- Identify types of clients who may benefit from surrogate partner therapy;
- Identify characteristics of respectable practitioners within the professional community;
- Experience common communication and touch-based exercises and be able to identify their importance to SPT;
- Identify the basic professional and ethical considerations in working with surrogate partners as well as identify potential legal and professional ramifications of the work.
Brian has worn many hats in his life: scientific researcher, educator, professional artist, and circus performer. His diverse life experiences have exposed him to a wide variety of people and lifestyles and helped him appreciate the common threads that bind us all together. As a surrogate partner and intimacy coach, Brian seeks to use his knowledge to help people overcome obstacles to physical and emotional intimacy. Applying techniques pioneered by Masters and Johnson, he uses a holistic approach to help others find balance in their intellectual, emotional, and physical selves. With the help of a therapist, Brian guides clients through the resolution of a variety of issues, including histories of trauma or abuse, social anxiety, poor body image, sensual awareness, orgasmic blocks, genital pain, disability, rediscovery of their bodies during/after transition, and late-life virginity in a safe, non-judgmental environment. His practice is rooted in patience, authenticity, vulnerability, touch…and sometimes a little bit of humor.
**This course meets the educational requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 3.5 CE credits. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. For further information please contact info@assect.org or go to www.AASECT.org. Please contact your local certifying organization for detailed information.
The Integrative Sex Therapy Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Integrative Sex Therapy Institute maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
There is no known commercial support for this program.