Annual Sexological Conference
Join SHA at our Annual Sexological Conference!
OCTOBER 1st - 6TH, 2024 IN DENVER, COLORADO
JOIN US FOR THE MOST GROUNDBREAKING EVENT IN THE FIELD OF SEXOLOGY! JOIN us AT OUR 2nd ANNUAL SEXOLOGICAL CONFERENCE, TAKING PLACE FROM OCTOBER 1st TO 6TH, 2024, IN THE BREATHTAKING STATE OF COLORADO.
COME BE INSPIRED, EDUCATED, AND EMPOWERED WITH 25+ PRESENTERS PLUS SEVERAL KEYNOTE SPEAKERS FROM THE SUPERSTARS OF OUR FieLD!
Want to be a Sponsor? Secure your spot below.
Full Schedule:
In person SAR:
Tuesday Evening, October 1st - In Person SAR
Wednesday, October 2nd - All day In Person SAR
COnference Begins:
THursday, October 3rd - Dr. Chris Donaghue
Friday, October 4th - Break out Sessions from hand chosen PRESENTERS!
Friday, October 4th - Late afternoon Special Keynote
Saturday, October 5th - Break out Sessions COntinued
Saturday, October 5th - Evening Special Keynote
Sunday, October 6th - Half day (tentative) Break out Sessions CONTINUED
Accommodations:
Join us for an unforgettable Annual Conference experience at the beautiful Westin Hotel and Resort. Situated at 10600 Westminster Blvd, Westminster, CO 80020, The Westin is a short ride from the airport. This venue offers a drool worthy location nestled between the bustling cities of Denver and Boulder. Traveling to the hotel is a breeze, with convenient rideshare options available from Denver International Airport. For those driving, on-site parking facilities are readily accessible.
We are happy to share the exclusive hotel rates for our upcoming SHA Annual Conference at the link below.
Last Day to Book: Wednesday, September 1, 2024 (If we don’t sell out sooner!)
Hotel offering special group rate of $179/night:
Submit a proposal to speak at SHA’s Annual Sexological Conference!
IF YOU’VE ONLY EXPERIENCED SHA ONLINE, THEN YOU’VE BEEN MISSING OUT! SINCE 2015, SHA HAS HOSTED 45+ LIVE, IN PERSON EVENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. COME MEET YOUR PEERS, NETWORK WITH LEADING PROFESSIONALS, AND MAKE NEW MEMORIES!
Keynote from the RENOWNED Dr. Chris DOnaghue will include THE following KEY AREAS:
Reconnecting Sex with Pleasure & the Body: Learn to liberate yourself from societal constraints and embrace a holistic approach to sexuality that celebrates pleasure and embodiment.
Sexological Mindfulness: Discover how the practice of mindfulness can revolutionize your understanding and experience of sexuality, both personally and in therapeutic settings.
Somatics and Attachment Theory: Explore the profound influence of somatics and attachment theory on our sexual psychology and relationships, gaining valuable insights for clinical practice.
True Sexual Identity: Examine the concept of sexual identity, unpacking the ways in which labels and identities can both empower and limit our understanding of our authentic sexual selves.
Myth of Sexual Dysfunctions: Challenge the prevailing narrative around sexual dysfunctions, and explore how diagnoses can inadvertently shame and traumatize individuals.
Impacts of Porn: Investigate the effects of pornography on individuals and relationships, examining its therapeutic potential while minimizing its negative impact.
Resolving Intimacy Issues: Acquire practical strategies for resolving intimacy issues and fostering deep emotional connections within relationships.
Body Esteem: Address body shame and cultivate a positive body image, promoting self-acceptance and sexual well-being.
Healing Sexual Trauma: Gain insights into the healing process for individuals who have experienced sexual trauma, with a focus on empowerment and reclaiming agency.
Reducing Negative Impacts of Porn: Learn therapeutic techniques to mitigate the potential negative effects of pornography and promote a healthy relationship with sexual media.
Arousal Template Exploration: Explore the individual nuances of arousal and desire, embracing the uniqueness of each person's sexual experiences.
Working with the "Erotic Umbrella": Uncover the various shades and expressions of human sexuality, promoting inclusivity and understanding in therapeutic settings.
Since 2015, SHA has hosted in-person sexuality conferences that challenge and inspire. Join us at our Annual Sexological Conference and get ready for a life changing weekend of professional growth and collaborative learning. This sexological conference will inspire a new era of compassionate and holistic approaches to intimacy and human sexuality.
Dr. Chris DOnaghue
Dr. Chris Donaghue, an internationally recognized lecturer, therapist, and educator, will be our esteemed host for this sexceptional conference. With his wealth of expertise, he will guide us through a profound journey of understanding and transformation. Dr. Donaghue is the Director of Clinical Education for The Sexual Health Alliance (SHA), the host of the LoveLine podcast, a regular expert on "The Amber Rose Show" and "The Doctors" TV show. He has previously hosted shows like WE tv's "Sex Box" and Logo TV's "Bad Sex," solidifying his reputation as a leading authority in the field of sexology. Throughout the conference, Dr. Donaghue will delve into a range of captivating topics, offering fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to enhance our understanding of sexuality and its intersections with psychology and clinical practice.
MILE HIGH SAR IN-PERSON IN DENVER (PRE-CONFERENCE)
THIS IS A DYNAMIC, EXPERIENTIAL EVENT THAT PROVIDES A REAL LIFE OPPORTUNITY FOR EDUCATORS, COUNSELORS AND THERAPISTS TO GET BACK IN TOUCH WITH THEIR BELIEFS AND ATTITUDES TOWARD VARIOUS ASPECTS OF HUMAN SEXUALITY. PARTICIPANTS WILL BE EXPOSED TO MATERIAL IN DIFFERENT FORMATS (MEDIA, EXPERIENTIAL EXERCISES, GROUP DISCUSSIONS, ROLE-PLAYS, ETC.) AND WILL BE GIVEN A SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT TO DISCUSS THEIR REFLECTIONS. THERE WILL BE SELF REFLECTION TIME AS WELL AS GUIDED SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS.
A SAR, if provided in an authentic, skillful and holistic way, is not just another training that you attend, it will be a life changing experience. Many of the SAR participants will remain friends and supportive colleagues for life through this shared journey.
A SAR is a structured group experience consisting of a process-oriented exploration of the applicant's own feelings, attitudes, values, and beliefs regarding human sexuality and sexual behavior [e.g., a Sexuality Attitude Reassessment (SAR)].
A SAR is a tremendous experience of learning and growth for therapists, educators, medical professionals or anyone interested in expanding and challenging their sexual self awareness.
The American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) requires the completion of an attitude/values training experience as one of the requirements for certification as a sexuality educator, counselor or therapist. Certification is an important part of practicing in the field of sexuality, and candidates most often satisfy this requirement by participation in a Sexual Attitude Reassessment Seminar (SAR). Requirements for certification can be found on the AASECT website at www.aasect.org under the tab For Professionals.
MILE HIGH SAR DETAILED SCHEDULE:
At Home Study assignment 2 weeks before event
Tuesday, 4pm - Introductions, Meet & Greet, Orientation and Tentative Field Trip
Wednesday, 9:30am to 6:30pm SAR
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
Understand and articulate their values, attitudes and beliefs about a wide range of sexual expression and behaviors. A;O
Describe aspects of human sexual behavior and/or sexual expression that represent areas for further professional exploration. A;O
Distinguish between one’s own values, attitudes and beliefs and those of others (including cultural and religious values). A;O
Utilize effectively the exposure to new or different aspects of human sexual expression in their clinical and/or sexuality educational work. A;O
Describe elements of sexual expression or sexual behavior that are appealing for personal exploration. A;O
Define specific sexual behaviors or sexual expression that are not within their comfort zone or cultural norms. A;O
Discuss variants of sexual behaviors, tendencies and preferences (including but not limited to heterosexual, homosexual and bisexual). A;C;F;M;O
Evaluate and discuss the life experiences and presentations from a spectrum of trans persons, and the impact it has on the participant’s attitudes and values. A;C;D;O
Discuss factors within the area of sexuality and chronic conditions including issues related to differently abled individuals, and the impact it has on the participant’s attitudes and values. A;C;H;O
Discuss and describe the importance of linguistics in addressing psychosexual issues and its impact on therapeutic outcome. C;F;O
Articulate and analyze their responses to the media showing a wide range of BDSM/kink/fetish behaviors, and the impact it has on the participant’s attitudes and values. A;C;F;O
Define and discuss elements within the media showing extreme body modification and genital practices, and the impact it has on the participant’s attitudes and values. A;C;F;O
Define and discuss aspects of sexuality and spirituality, especially through a self-awareness activity, and the impact it has on the participant’s attitudes and values. A;C;D;O
Mile High SAR LEADERS:
Dr. David Ley, CST-S
David Ley is a clinical psychologist in practice in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Philosophy from Ole Miss, and his Master's and Doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from the University of New Mexico. Dr. Ley is licensed in New Mexico and North Carolina, and has provided clinical and consultative services in numerous other states. He is the Executive Director of New Mexico Solutions, a large outpatient mental health and substance abuse program in Albuquerque, NM. Dr. Ley also serves on the advisory board for the Sexual Health Alliance.
Dr. Ley has been treating sexuality issues throughout his career. He first began treating perpetrators and victims of sexual abuse, but expanded his approach to include the fostering and promotion of healthy sexuality, and awareness of the wide range of normative sexual behaviors. Insatiable Wives is his first book and won a Silver Medal in the Foreword Magazine Book of the Year contest for 2009. Dr. Ley wrote Insatiable Wives following two years of interviews with couples around the country. His controversial second book, The Myth of Sex Addiction was released in March 2012, challenging the concept of sexual addiction and exploring a different model of male sexuality. The Myth of Sex Addiction triggered a firestorm of debate, allowing people to finally challenge the media hype of this pseudo-disorder. His new book Ethical Porn for Dicks, A Man's Guide to Responsible Viewing Pleasureis due out in Summer/Fall 2016. Dr. Ley may be contacted via email through the Psychology Today website.
KELVIN PACE, MS, LPC-S, CST-S
Kelvin graduated with a master’s in clinical psychology from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2009. He has been a LPC supervisor for two years and he has been an AASECT certified therapist for 3 years.
Kelvin is the owner of KpaceCounseling, LLC where he serves clients in private practice. He does contract work with Full Spectrum Health as a behavioral health clinician where he works with an integrated care team delivering evidenced based care to persons of the LGBTQ+ community. Kelvin has worked for a local non-profit delivering mental health services to children and young adults that have suffered from complex trauma. With a firm foundation in trauma, he delivers trauma informed sex positive therapy to his clients. Kelvin provides services to couples and individuals dealing with sexual or relationship issues that include low desire, anxiety surrounding sex, and infidelity. His current focus is on mindfulness based interventions to manage sexual concerns and he works with persons that are either in or looking to explore non-traditional relationship orientations that fall under the umbrella of consensual/ethical non-monogamy.
JEN MEYER, LPC, LMFT, CST-S
Jen Meyer is the owner and founder of Jen Meyer Therapy, LLC, a private therapy practice in the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver, Colorado. As a highly sought-after sex therapist who works with a wide variety of concerns related to sex, intimacy and relationships, Jen strives to provide every client with effective therapy treatment in an affirming and compassionate environment that gives them the greatest opportunity to travel the path towards their best self.. As a highly-motivated professional dedicated to perfecting her craft, Jen travels frequently to obtain training on the latest therapy tools and trends from the best and most well-known minds in the sex therapy world. She is also active within and has been asked to present to various profession organizations both locally and nationally that help maintain her integrated network of healthcare professionals for her clients benefit, including the following: Sexual Health Alliance (SHA), American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT), American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT), Denver Sexual Medical Alliance (DSMA) and Colorado Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (COAMFT). Jen has also pursued a number of professional certifications along the way, including her CST, LMFT and LPC. She obtained a Masters of Art (MA) in Counseling from Oakland University, a fully accredited program by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), and has completed a one-year program Sexual Health Certificate Program. Jen takes pride in being surrounded by some of the best sexologists and healthcare professionals in her field, many of whom continue to be dear friends, along with many others who continue to inspire her and make her a better person and therapist.
Heather McPherson, LPC-S, LMFT-S, CST-S, CSC, PSB, KIC, CNM
Heather McPherson is the CEO and Founder of the Sexual Health Alliance, a premier education and certification provider for sexuality professionals. Heather also founded ReSpark Group, a national brand that encompasses a group therapy practice, Respark Foundation Nonprofit, and ReSpark Retreats. Respark Therapy & Associates (respark.co) is a group practice that serves Colorado, Washington and Texas specializing in sexuality and relationships. She is published in Playboy Magazine as well as Playboy Online, and has been featured on CNN, HuffPost, Rolling Stones, SheKnows, Quartz, Bravo, the Body, the Sun, Sex and Psychology with Dr. Justin Lehmiller, Psychology Today with Dr. David Ley, Parent Harald, and more. Heather McPherson has lectured at prestigious universities including University of Texas at Austin, Texas State University, University of Utah, University of Colorado Denver and Governors State University in Chicago. She is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Supervisor, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Supervisor (LMFT-S) and a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S). She also is the Texas Section Leader for AASECT (American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors & Therapists). She has appeared on several podcasts including Loveline with Dr. Chris Donaghue as well as Sex with Dr. Jess. Heather helps clients gain confidence, rebuild trust, increase playfulness, and find passion and meaning in their erotic lives. Heather graduated with honors from Texas State University with a MA in Marriage, Couple and Family Therapy; a CACREP Accredited Program.
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