Out On The Couch

Presenter/Instructor: Esther Benoit, PhD, LPC (VA)

1 CE Available

Abstract: Times of stress and transition can amplify dynamics within relationships, particularly affecting complex relationship structures like polyamorous ones. This course will explore how clinicians can support their polyamorous clients through uncertain times, and how polyamorous partners can support each other to create connection in times of uncertainty. Polyamorous relationships take on many different forms and can range from parallel--a style that honors needs for privacy and space among partners--to kitchen table, a more interconnected pattern in which partners feel comfortable with each other’s partners and can sit around the kitchen table together. 

Various styles and relationship structures within polyamory, and their intersections with normative and non-normative life events including worldwide crises such as Covid-19, will be explored. This presentation explores a range of living arrangements, logistics, and life stressors that can impact relationship satisfaction. Strategies for working with polyamorous clients in times of transition and stress will be provided, and specific attention will be paid to the many ways in which the current global pandemic is shaping how and with whom we are able to connect relationally. 

Learning Objectives:

After completing this course, participants should be able to:

1. Identify two to three polyamorous relationship styles and relational patterns associated with those styles
2. List three therapeutic techniques and interventions that are useful for working with polyamorous clients who may be living apart from one or more partners
3. Assess relationship styles, living situations, resource availability, and relationship hierarchy with their polyamorous clients

Esther Benoit, PhD, LPC (VA) has been serving clients and students in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area since 2005. Her practice focuses on creative approaches to counseling, emphasizing the importance of relationships and relationship patterns. She works with people who struggle with anxiety, systemic/family patterns, complex relationship structures, LGBTQIA+, and multicultural issues.

$20

Buy Now

Licensed therapists who work in nonprofits price is $15 (Use coupon code: polypan15 at checkout)

Student/pre-licensed price is $10 (Use coupon code: polypan10 at checkout)

You can also get access to this course and all other courses – current and future – with the Lifetime Membership for a one-time fee.

The Affirmative Couch, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Affirmative Couch, LLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Presenter/Instructor: Samuel Donath, MS

3 CEs Available

Abstract: Older LGBTQIA+ individuals who survived the AIDS crisis face possible re-traumatization due to the current international COVID-19 health crisis. Helping these community members during this unique period in history presents specific clinical challenges. Special consideration and education is needed for mental health professionals to work competently with this population throughout the pandemic.

This course is designed to help providers understand how to support community members who may experience re-traumatization due to COVID-19. The lecture will focus on psychoeducation, information on the AIDS crisis and COVID-19, symptoms clients may demonstrate related to trauma or re-traumatization, potential diagnosis, a brief overview of current research on trauma, best practices and clinical considerations, development and promotion of specific coping skills, promoting resiliency, and preparing clients to manage symptoms outside of therapy.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss two ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic is similar to the AIDS crisis.
2. Identify three ways in which older LGBTQIA+ clients who lived through the AIDS crisis may be triggered by the current health crisis.
3. Demonstrate three trauma-related coping skills older LGBTQIA+ clients who survived the AIDS crisis can use to help them through this difficult time.

Samuel Donath, MS is an associate marriage family therapist who usually splits his time being at the clinic and occasionally helping teach at university. His main therapeutic focus in on sex therapy, LGBTQIA+, trauma, anxiety, and relationship issues.

$45

Buy Now

Licensed therapists who work in nonprofits price is $30 (Use coupon code: hivc19LT at checkout)

Student/pre-licensed price is $15 (Use coupon code: hivc19S at checkout)

You can also get access to this course and all other courses – current and future – with the Lifetime Membership for a one-time fee.

The Affirmative Couch, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Affirmative Couch, LLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Presenter/Instructor: Elyssa Helfer, MA, LMFT

2 CEs Available

Abstract: The world of kink exists right under our noses. From dungeons to muches, kinky folks are finding ways to express their identities within a system that encourages secrecy. To fully affirm our clients, it is imperative that we understand who they are, what they enjoy and how their desires play out in their lives. Due to the shame and stigmatization often associated with Kink identity and practice it is imperative that we, as clinicians, have the ability to work with issues related to kink, creating an open space, free from judgement and backed by knowledge.  In times of isolation or separation from partners, whether by choice (long distance relationship) or by circumstance (isolation due to pandemic), the suppression or limitation of both identity and practice can result in negative psychological consequences. In order to understand the negative consequences, we must understand the ways in which healthy expression of erotic orientation can present itself in our clients, why clients may be suppressing their identity, how therapists can contribute to this suppression, and how these issues may present in the therapy room. 

This course will cover the positive consequences that can result from expression of kink identity/practice, the negative consequences of suppression or limitation of said identity, reasons one may feel compelled to suppress or limit their desires and ways this may present in our clinical work. In addition, we will address strategies that can be implemented in therapy to assist clients in managing the negative consequences. 

Learning Objectives

After participants complete this course, they should be able to:

1. Articulate 3 major sources that may result in limitation or suppression of kink identity/practice
2. Compare positive and negative consequences from limitation or suppression of kink identity/practice
3. Utilize 4 strategies to address the negative consequences with clients

Elyssa Helfer, MA, LMFT is a sex-positive Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist currently working in private practice in Los Angeles, CA. She specializes in working with the kink population and folks in alternative relationship structures. Her mission is to create spaces for people where they can feel loved and appreciated, without judgment or pressure to be anything but their true selves.  

$30

Buy Now

Licensed therapists who work in nonprofits price is $20 (Use coupon code: KinkNP at checkout)

Student/pre-licensed price is $10 (Use coupon code: KinkPL at checkout)

You can also get access to this course and all other courses – current and future – with the Lifetime Membership for a one-time fee.

The Affirmative Couch, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Affirmative Couch, LLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.