Porn is everywhere. Over the past decade, access to pornography has increased, along with a stunning increase in the diversity of sexually explicit material now widely and freely available. More than ever before, issues related to pornography are entering the therapy office, related to marital conflicts, work-related problems, as well as issues involving sexual expression, libido, identity and gender conflicts. All occur within a complex social environment where attitudes towards sexual values are changing rapidly. Our media is filled with a confusing, polarized dialogue about the dangers of porn, at the same time that sexually-explicit images are used in advertising and entertainment. Across the country, people feel fear and shame about porn use, and most therapists have little training to support or conceptualize these issues.
In this workshop, Dr. Ley brings his years of clinical and research expertise to bear, helping clinicians to understand how to effectively assess and treat porn-related issues, in a rich, sophisticated and evidence-informed manner.
OBJECTIVES
Assess the function and role of porn in people’s lives;
Conceptualize the individualized diversity and changing nature of pornography;
Use issues related to porn to gain a deeper understanding of a patient’s coping skills, sexual needs, communication and negotiation issues within relationships;
Understand the complex relationship between porn and sexual crimes;
Use porn therapeutically within relationships;
Respond therapeutically and effectively to concerns about porn addiction;
Support and encourage responsible, mindful and aware use of porn.
This workshop contains explicit imagery, language and media, used in a thoughtful, non-salacious manner to illustrate and broaden the dialogue.
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. David J. Ley is an internationally-recognized expert on issues related to sexuality, pornography and mental health. He has appeared on television with Anderson Cooper, Katie Couric, Dr. Phil and others. He has been interviewed in publications ranging from the LA Times and the London Telegraph, to Playboy and Hustler magazines. Dr. Ley has published extensively in both the academic and “pop” realms of literature. His two books, The Myth of Sex Addiction (2012) and Insatiable Wives (2009) were revolutionary explorations of sexual issues which blended a powerful client-centered narrative with a rich understanding of psychology, biology and sociology. At the same time, he is Executive Director of a large behavioral health and substance abuse outpatient program, and consults across the country on both mental health and sexuality-related issues. As a result, Dr. Ley is able to bring a broad, practical approach to help mental health clinicians effectively address sexuality-related issues.
SPONSORS
Light lunch graciously provided by: Inamorata, LLC.
The Buehler Institute - Premier Sponsor
Inamorata, LLC - Silver Sponsor