SHA's 2nd Annual WYLD Weekend!
1 WYLD Weekend, 10+ Expert Presenters!
All are welcome to attend
We’re bringing you 10+ expert, progressive speakers at our second annual WYLD Weekend!
Bondage, consent, ethics, inclusion, desire, kink and the big O!?
All these Sexceptional topics and more at WYLD!
Many of our speakers were invited to teach at other organizations after speaking at WYLD. We set the bar for the most respected and progressive community found in our field.
Join us online or grab the recording to watch later! This weekend will be 100% ONLINE!
Tentative Schedule
Saturday 17 September
Affirmative Consent: What to do when you don't know what to do? - Ewa Lichnowska
Broadening Borders for Inclusion - Black Women's Hesitance Towards Sex Therapy - Angel Brathwaite
Rope Bondage As A Form Of Emotional Catharsis - Margaux Underwood
Lunch & Learn
Painful Games: BDSM and the Aesthetics of Gameplay - Ley David Elliette Cray
The Icks & The Oooo’s: Bias, ethics + objectivity in sex therapy, coaching & consulting. - Renée LaVail
Sunday 18 September
Healing in a Cutting Culture: Understanding Circumcision Grief, Sexual Functioning, & Treatment for Survivors of Forced Genital Cutting - Caitlyn Rhorer
Ways to increase erotic pleasure: A practical approach - Vielca McBride
Rekindling Desire with Couples using Gottman Techniques - Dr. Chris Scott
Lunch & Learn
Understanding Cultural Identity Development for CNM and kinky folx -Casandra Rines
Becoming: Examining the Personal and Professional Journey of Sexuality Professionals - Erin Musick
The Big "O": Teaching Vagina-owning clients how to advocate for better orgasms - Leighanna Nordstrom
Topics:
Ley David Elliette Cray, PhD: Painful Games: BDSM and the Aesthetics of Gameplay:
In this talk, Ley applies the analysis of gameplay originally introduced in Bernard Suit's classic The Grasshopper: Games, Life, and Utopia and later developed further in Thi Nguyen's Games: Agency as Art in an attempt to (re)contextualize and (re)interpret some potential motivations for, and potential benefits of, a BDSM practice.
Erin Musick: Becoming: Examining the Personal and Professional Journey of Sexuality Professionals:
In this presentation, Erin will discuss the information gleaned from her SHA final project that investigated the impact of becoming or being already a sexuality professional in terms of the impact on their intimate partner relationships. Additionally, she will highlight other aspects of professional growth within the field, ethical and practice considerations, and highlights of her own journey in becoming a sex therapist.
Dr. Christopher Scott: Rekindling Desire with Couples using Gottman Techniques
In this presentation, Dr. Scott will discuss the relevant theoretical components of Gottman Method including the Sound Relationship House Theory. Strengths and weaknesses of current Gottman offerings in this area (Gott Sex series) will be evaluated and clinical interventions using the Dreams Within Conflict Intervention. Finally, there will be a review of integrating sex therapy techniques such as non-demand pleasuring.
Renee Lavail: ICKS & OOOO’S: Bias, Ethics + Objectivity in Sex Therapy, Coaching & Consulting
Overly embracing the yummy “Ooos” while being adverse to all of your client's sticky “Icks” isn’t objective practice. Understand how cultivating objectivity can help you show up for your clients on a deeper level.
Dr. Angel Brathwaite, LCSW-C, LICSW: Broadening Borders for Inclusion - Black Women's Hesitance Towards Sex Therapy
This presentation will focus on the history of the governing and control over black women’s bodies and sexuality. It will explore trauma and colorism and how the two affect sexuality and experimentation. The presentation will also address the lack of knowledge and inclusion that Black women feel by non Black therapist and how to open your practice to be inclusive.
Margaux Underwood : Rope Bondage as a Form Of Emotional Catharsis
Without culturally appropriating the practice of Shibari/Kinbaku, this presentation will speak on the topic of rope bondage and why people under the BDSM umbrella seek it out for emotional catharsis. Margaux will showcase the different types of emotional responses that could potentially arise and offer resources for beginning your journey into rope bondage. Additionally, they will touch on their own philosophy about the elements that they use to foster a container for emotional safety including consultation, consecration, the elements of a rope journey, closing the container, and integration.
Caitlyn Rhorer, MSW, LSW: Healing in a Cutting Culture: Understanding Circumcision Grief, Sexual Functioning, & Treatment for Survivors of Forced Genital Cutting
Gain a deeper understanding of the anatomy of the male foreskin and the role it plays in protective, pleasurable, and sexual functioning. Recognize that many individuals may be dealing with circumcision grief and trauma and look to sexuality professionals to help them with these issues. Understand the difficulty faced by those looking for help and healing in a culture where forced genital cutting is normalized and continued. Gain insight into treatment options for these individuals including therapeutic techniques, community involvement, foreskin restoration, and more.
Leighanna Nordstrom MA, MFT-C: The Big "O": Teaching Vagina-owning clients how to advocate for better orgasms
This presentation will cover vaginal/vulvar anatomy, facts/myths about the sexual desires and abilities of vagina-owners (VOs), communicating new needs and desires to sexual partners, and using sex toys/furniture to create more comprehensive sexual pleasure.
Casandra Rines: Understanding Cultural Identity Development for CNM and Kinky Folx
While not all those practicing CNM/kink embrace their lifestyle as an identity or orientation, many do. For those clients, clinicians/educators need to understand the basics phases of cultural identity development within the realms of kink/CNM. In this 1hr workshop Casandra Rines will guide us through applying a classic cultural sexual identity development model applied to kinky and CNM identities, and offer examples from her own life in a self-as-client case study.
Vielca McBride
Experiencing long states of pleasure can dramatically heighten your sexual life. People really wish to have passionate, exciting, and pleasurable times in the bedroom. But oftentimes, it is described as monotonous and boring, creating disappointment and not really knowing how to improve it. In this workshop, you will explore how to create more sensitivity in your body using some simple and effective pleasure-boosting techniques. On completion of this training you will learn:
To use sound to enhance pleasure
Learn to relax into pleasure to expand your orgasms
To be in your body and not in your head.
Have a guided self-pleasure practice to increase sensitivity.
Ewa Lichnowska MS, LMHC: Affirmative Consent, What to do when you don't know what to do?
The old rules of flirting and sexual engagement don't apply anymore, which leaves all genders confused and anxious about how to communicate romantic and sexual interest in another person. There is no rule book that works with most potential partners anymore so it requires us to learn to communicate. This talk will cover some basics of how to communicate effectively, minimize guessing games anxiety and develop rule books unique to each partner.
ATTENDEE & REGISTRATION INFORMATION
*Cant attend live? No problem! This event will be recorded and made available within 7-10 business days. Make sure to purchase a ticket prior to the workshop as it will not be available to purchase after the workshop ends. Please note: If you purchased CEs, you will receive asynchronous credit.
16 LPC, LMFT, LCSW and AASECT* CEs for the Entire Weekend
Please note: CEs for AASECT, Texas and Colorado licenses are included in the CE ticket(s) price options. For all other states and licenses, check with your board if they will accept SHA CEs or AASECT CEs.
BECOME AASECT Certified and SHA CERTIFIED
Want to stop paying for conferences one by one and gain hours towards AASECT Certification too? This program can also be registered for and included as part of SHA’s full Sexuality Educator/Counselor/Sex Therapy Certification & Sexuality Coach and Consultant Program. Apply HERE to become SHA Certified and to gain all the CEs you need to apply towards AASECT Certification. Take your sexuality education even further and become sexceptional.
STUDENT DISCOUNTS
Are you a current college or graduate student? Email shacertifications@gmail.com with a copy of your student ID and current or next term’s course schedule to get your student rate!
NEED A SCHOLARSHIP FOR THIS WEEKEND CONFERENCE?
In collaboration with the BIPOC Collective, SHA donates two full weekend scholarship spots to every conference for BIPOC-identifying individuals.
*The BIPOC Collective's mission is to support the diverse community of BIPOC adult performers and sex-workers within the adult industry through mutual aid and advocacy with dignity and respect.
MEET YOUR PRESENTERS
DR. CHRISTOPHER SCOTT (HE/HIM)
Dr. Christopher Scott is a counseling psychologist in private practice in the Houston area. His practice focuses primarily on helping people improve their relationships and works with a diverse clientele. Dr. Scott became a Certified Gottman Therapist in 2019 and certified in sex therapy through the Sexual Health Alliance. Dr. Scott was licensed as a psychologist in North Carolina in 2007 (license retired) and in Texas since 2009.
LEY DAVID ELLIETTE CRAY, PHD
Ley David Elliette Cray, PhD (she/they) is a SHA Certified Sexuality Counselor, mindfulness coach, philosophical consultant, therapeutic game master, and trauma-informed yoga instructor offering integrative services through her private practice, Transentience Coaching. In addition to maintaining an internationally recognized scholarly profile, she also facilitates Trans Yoga, Queer Mindfulness, Mindfulness for Sexual Health, and other specialized classes. Ley is currently based in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where she watches a lot of horror movies with her cats.
DR. ANGEL BRATHWAITE, LCSW-C, LICSW
Dr. Angel Brathwaite, LCSW-C, LICSW, has over 18 years of clinical experience. She is licensed to practice therapy and serves as a supervisor for social workers and counselors in Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia and the state of Georgia. She is also a broad approved substance abuse supervisor in Maryland. She specializes in Trauma (TF-CBT, TST), CBI (community-based interventions), MST (Multi-Systemic Therapy), and Sex Therapy. She received her bachelor’s degree in African American Studies from the University of Maryland - College Park. Her Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland Baltimore - School of Social Work and her Doctor of Social Work from the University of Southern California. Dr. Brathwaite practices Person Centered Care, with emphasis in Crisis Intervention, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Behavioral Therapy and Narrative Therapy. She works with adolescents, families, and adults. Dr. Brathwaite has spent the majority of her career working with foster care, juvenile services, social services, both Maryland and D. C’s school systems and court systems. She has been called as an expert witness in trauma for over 7 years. Dr. Brathwaite currently has her own Private Practice (A to X Clinical Consulting, LLC) where she conducts therapy, supervision, and training. She also serves as a clinical manager for Core agency mental health clinic in Washington, DC. She believes in inclusion and erasing the stigma of mental health and therapy in Black and Brown communities. Dr. Brathwaite knows that representation matters and understands that there is an underrepresentation of Black and Brown therapists, and spreads the need of therapy by therapist in these communities through her Nonprofit – SkinFolk Therapy.
ERIN MUSICK (SHE/HER)
Erin Musick (she/her) is a Registered Psychologist, Sex Therapist and a Yoga Teacher (200RYT). Erin has been working in the counselling field since 2006 and hold a Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) degree in Psychology and a Master of Counselling degree (Counselling Psychology). Erin also has a certificate in Nutritional Psychology from JFK University and completed her Sex Therapist certification training with the Sexual Health Alliance. Erin is also a Certified EMDR therapist and an EMDR Consultant in Training.
Erin enjoys supervision and supervises Master’s Level students during their practicum experiences as well as provisional psychologists during their hours. She loves to support people in their learning and personal and professional development.
Erin co-owns a busy private practice clinic in downtown Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada and works with individuals and couples. She also owns her own little yoga studio Rise Yoga Lethbridge and teach a variety of different types of classes in studio and through zoom.
Margaux Underwood (they/them)
Margaux Underwood (they/them) is a Surrender & Intimacy Coach, a sexuality and BDSM educator, an embodiment and mindfulness coach, and a former s-x worker. In addition to Embodied Sex Coaching sessions, they offer deeply intimate journeys that are informed by various wisdom traditions under their new business Coalescent Coaching LLC. Some of their passions are leading holistic rope bondage education and providing [potentially] cathartic journeys through rope with clients and members of their community. They have been in the Dallas Polyam, BDSM, and Mindfulness communities of Dallas for over 3 years. Additionally, they lead two regular events, the Queer Temple Gathering and FUSE (Fostering United Sexual Energy), in person, for individuals who have the desire to build intentional community around authenticity and alternative means of processing emotion in the body.
CAITLYN RHORER, MSW, LSW (They/Them/She/Her).
Caitlyn is a licensed social worker who works in a community healthcare setting with diverse client populations using a holistic and integrated approach. Caitlyn graduated from SNHU with an undergrad degree in psychology and from IUPUI with a master's degree in Social Work. They have experience working in a variety of settings including healthcare, in-patient psychiatric care, addictions, and child services. Caitlyn is also a current SHA student on the Sex Therapy track and has a passion for helping others explore their sexuality and rediscover pleasure! They currently live in Indiana with their spouse, 2 kids, and roughly 50 rescue animals. In their spare time they run Belladonna Rescue & Sanctuary and enjoy outdoor adventures with their family.
Vielca McBride
Vielca McBride is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Respark Therapy & Associates working mainly with clients who are seeking help in improving the quality and frequency of their sexual experiences. Vielca earned her degree as a counselor from the University of Texas in San Antonio and has a degree in psychology from the University of Costa Rica. Her studies in sexuality started in 2001 and her focus has been on using mindfulness and embodied practices to access higher levels of sexual satisfaction. Vielca is also in the Sexual Health Alliance Sex Therapy Certification Program.
Vielca’s curiosity to explore “what sex has to offer” lead her to train in Tantra and Sexual Tao, accessing practical techniques to support her clients. Her clinical toolbox is full of pleasure-enhancing techniques that benefit those with lower desire and challenges accessing orgasms. Her work inspires others to bring more joy, aliveness, and vibrancy into their lives.
RENÉE LAVAIL (SHE/HER)
Christina Renée LaVail’s pronouns are she/her, and while she is aware of how vanilla she appears on the outside, Renée has been self-referred to as more of a spicier Vanilla Bean—which is also her safe word. Renée is a Gemini licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST), an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), and graduate and alumni of the Sexual Health Alliance Sex Therapy Certification Program.
Renée has been a therapist since 2008, a clinical supervisor since 2011, which is also where her career in sex (therapy) began by working with families of adolescents who had sexually victimized other youth. Since that time, Renée has used her twin personalities to focus on promoting sexual health simultaneously with behavioral health leadership. Renée spent the majority of her clinical career working in community mental health. She left her role as the clinical director of a busy behavioral health agency to build her own agency, The Clinical Assessment Group, and its psychotherapy leg Albuquerque Sex Therapy. Because Renée wasn't busy enough, she is also a doctoral candidate working toward a Psy.D in Behavioral Health Leadership. Renée is convinced one of her Gemini's is a sadist, which makes her perfect for this job.
Casandra Rines
Casandra Rines is a health scientist, mental health/sexual health/ consent educator and student counselor located in San Antonio, Texas in the United States. She is dedicated to bringing bold, compassionate changes to all communities and levels of society, but particularly loves working with Gender, Sexually and Relationally Diverse populations (aka the kinky/Queer/Polyam folx). She has worked in public health programming, completed her mental health counseling degree and is completing further studies in Sex Therapy, so she can open her private practice catering to the kinky and/or the consensually non-monogamous throughout Texas soon, while also continuing her education and public health work in various communities.
Leighanna Nordstrom MA, MFT-C
Leighanna is a marriage and family therapist candidate, currently in the Sexual Health Alliance Certification Training Program. She is passionate about debunking sex myths, celebrating diverse sexuality, and teaching people how to communicate about sex in a healthy way.
Ewa Lichnowska MS, LMHC
Ewa Lichnowska, MS, LMHC, is a psychotherapist in private practice in Seattle. She specializes in sexuality and gender issues. Her passion is helping her clients discover their own unique relational and sexual selves so they can enjoy holistic, expansive and immersive sexuality. She is also passionate about helping men and women overcome restrictive masculinity and femininity myths that infringe upon their freedom to be their authentic selves. Ewa works to promote holistic attitudes about relationships and sexuality among modern youth. She earned her Master's degree in her native Poland and moved to Seattle in 2005, where she lives with her husband and their 10 year old daughter. In her free time she enjoys gardening, Sci-fi, knitting and playing board games with her family and friends.