Sexual Difficulties: a Schema Therapy Approach for Conceptualization and Treatment

by Eshkol Rafaeli & Offer Maurer

- Watch the "Sneak Peak" interview by clicking the pictures above -

Aims:  

The aim of this intensive workshop is to further participants' ability to conceptualize sexual difficulties within the Schema Therapy Model and to deeply explore specially-adapted therapeutic strategies for healing early sexually traumatogenic experiences. The workshop will demonstrate the use of case conceptualization, followed by adapted forms of the experiential, cognitive, behavioral, and relational strategies that make up the schema therapy approach. 

Summary: 

The workshop will detail a model premised on the concept of nascent sexual needs. After presenting the concept, it will explore three major ways through which sexual difficulties may arise: Following an inadequate response of the nurturing environment to broad emotional needs, following an inadequate response that is specific to the nascent sexual self needs, following sexual trauma. The workshop will demonstrate the use of case conceptualization, followed by adapted forms of the experiential, cognitive, behavioral, and relational strategies that make up the schema therapy approach. Among the difficulties which will be addresses will be: Problems in desire, Problems in arousal, Problems in orgasm, Body-image problems, Ego-dystonic papraphilias, Sexual addiction, relational effects of sexual problems, Sexual trauma and more. The workshop will explore these issues which are of relevance to heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer clients. Participants will further their ability to conceptualize sexual issues within the Schema Therapy (ST) Model as either Primary, Secondary or Abuse-Related and to apply appropriate therapeutic strategies. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. How to conceptualize sexual issues within the Schema Therapy (ST) Model as either Primary, Secondary or Abuse-Related

2. How to adapt and appropriately use therapeutic strategies for healing early sexually traumatogenic experiences using experiential, cognitive, behavioral, and relational strategies.  

The workshop is intended for: Beginners and Advanced