May 2, 2026 - Sexuality & Trauma: Healing Through Embodiment (Streaming Live)

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM ET, Break: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM ET

Class description:

When we experience sexual trauma, the imprint of fear gets layered around our healthy sexuality. We remain on high alert and respond in sexual and nonsexual situations as if the violation is still happening, effectively under a ‘spell’ that we are sometimes unaware
of. The treatment is both cognitive and somatic. This class will explore what is involved in trauma and how calming our body’s physiology can break the ‘trauma spell.’ Discussed will be the short and long term effects of trauma, best practices to treat sexual trauma, ways people can manage flashbacks and triggers, and selfcare tools for therapists, educators, and those we work with.

Learning Objectives

You will be able to

• Identify at least two ways trauma can impact learning and participation in sexuality education.
• Discuss the "Sexuality Education Wheel of Context" (developed by Dr Nasserzadeh) to assess the influence of trauma within educational settings.
• Describe at least one way to implement trauma-informed/responsive practices for building safety, trust, and emotional regulation in sexuality education environments.
• Practice at least one strategy to address student or participant trauma responses or traumatic incidents that occur during educational events/classes
• Differentiate between fight, flight, and freeze/immobilize.
  - Name multiple characteristics of the release response.
  - Discuss consequences of the suppression of the release response.
• Describe internal and external safety and how to go about establishing both with the client.
• Describe how to help clients come back from dissociation.
• Describe three benefits of self-touch as it relates to healing from sexually traumatic experiences.
• Conceptualize the many ways that compassion for the inner child can be beneficial to the adult client.
• Recite your version of the experiential exercise designed to help the client “make contact” with the inner child.
• Understand the parallel between the 5 stages of emotion and orgasm.

Instructors: Paula Leech, Scotney Young

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AASECT
This program meets the requirements for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 6 CE credits. These CE credits may be applied toward the AASECT Certification and renewal of certification. Institute for Sexuality Education & Enlightenment, Provider #11-113-C. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT Certification. For further information please contact ce@aasect.org.

CORE KNOWLEDGE AREA: Sexual Functioning (I)
SEX THERAPY TRAINING AREA: Theory and Methods of Sex Related Psychotherapy (A); Sex Related Assessment (B)