CONFERENCES AT THE SEXUAL HEALTH ALLIANCE
Community is essential to the Sexual Health Alliance and we pride ourselves on putting on at least eight conferences that bring experts, students, and fans together to grow and learn. SHA’s conferences are usually two days long and over the weekend, allowing ample time to dive deeply into these topics. At the moment, all of our conferences take place over Zoom and are recorded for those who cannot attend, though we hope to have in-person conferences soon!
Our conferences have covered an extensive range of topics such as:
Sexuality theory in current sex therapy and sex education; sex therapy and education in certain communities
Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological ways to treat sexual issues such as erectile dysfunction, low libido, as well as psychological sexual issues like “sex addiction”
Importance and use of fantasies, desire, and arousal as well as sex work and kink
Exploration of sex, gender, and orientation in relation to transgendered individuals
Relationship and couples diversity, as well as sex-positive parenting
Additionally, SHA is fortunate to have a long list of sexuality professionals who have spoken at our conferences. We are grateful to all past and future presenters for working hard to improve our sex education and therapy standards!
Previous CONFERENCES
Since we strive to be at the forefront of today’s sexual world, our conferences only get bigger and better. Our conferences include:
APRIL 30-MAY 1:
Cuckolds, Hotwives, Swingers, Gangbangs, and Orgies: The Psychology of Group Sex and Non-Monogamy with Dr. David Ley, Katherine Frank, Venus, Kevin from Orgy Stories, and more!
This 14-hour conference will work to identify the history of group sex and nonmonogamy in cultures worldwide, learn to implement personality therapy to peoples’ sexual fantasies and behaviors and work to frame the modern rise of non-monogamy with feminism and female empowerment.
Learn more and purchase tickets to this conference here.
MAY 21-22:
Beyond the Dyad: Understanding Sex, Love, and Stigma in Consensually Non-Monogamous Relationships with Dr. Rhonda Balzirini
This 14-hour conference will work to provide a broad introduction to consensual non-monogamous relationships, how to navigate relationships with multiple partners as well as ways to overcome jealousy, foster compassion, and cope with stigma.
Learn more and purchase tickets to this conference here.
Is there a topic in the sexuality field you find important and could see a weekend devoted to learning more about it? Let us know–we want to meet every sexual professional where it’s important for them.
Other RECENT CONFERENCES
Our most recent conferences include:
Sex, Cannabis, and Psychedelics with Nicoletta Von Heidegger, LMFT, and Ashley Manta along with Robin Wilson-Beattie, Dr. Jordan Tishler, MD, Reba Corinne Thomas, Dr. Cat Meyer, Chelsea Cebara, Ifetayo Harvey
This groundbreaking conference proved that thoughtful and pragmatic conversations about drug use and sexuality are critical. Over the weekend, the conference worked to identify common barriers to intimacy and the effect cannabis can have, the importance of dosage, timing, and practice, as well as emphasizing having meaningful conversations about the risks and benefits of incorporating cannabis into your sex life. While cannabis was a common thread throughout the weekend, our presenters broached the use of other drugs such as the therapeutic benefits of ketamine on mental health and any potential consent implications of partnered play while under the influence of any psychedelic.
Keeping the Spark Alive with Dr. Rhonda Balzirini and our largest group of presenters yet, with 14 other speakers! Huge thank you to Kiersten Dobson, Stephanie Raposo, Amy Muise, David Rodrigues, Nathan Leonhardt, Jessica Maxwell, Ph.D., Chantelle Ivanski, Alex West, Joe Sample, Shelby Scott, Ph.D., Lex Pulice-Farrow, Amanda Gesselman, Karen Blair, and Samantha Dawson, Ph.D.
Subjects at SHA’s first summit covered the range of changes your relationships may face over time. From simple and practical tips to beating sexual boredom and working towards sexual quality to beliefs that may shape sexual well-being, holistic wellness during Covid-19, and how to bolster sexual well-being during pregnancy and postpartum. Other presenters discussed motives for sexual health, intercultural relationships, hacking sexual scripts, and aging’s effect on sexuality.
Bodysex with Carlin Ross
This two-day conference with Carlin Ross used Betty Dodson’s method for sexual well-being, BodySex, which works to educate its students about orgasm. Looking at the female model of sexual response in conjunction with the male model of sexual response, we can see distinct differences in how both sexes arrive at orgasm. Carlin also walked us through certain Betty Dodson-approved orgasm techniques as well as the major obstacles to orgasm one might face such as shame, pain, or trauma. This conference
SOME PAST CONFERENCES
Since the conception of the Sexual Health Alliance in 2015, we have hosted over 3000 participants at countless weekend-long conferences in-person around the country and online for thousands of students, professionals, therapists, coaches, consultants, and more. Because we strive to be sexceptional at all times, the topics at our conferences are at the forefront of the sexuality field and may cover subjects you might not see at a traditional conference. Previous conference themes have included:
Rethinking Sex Addiction: Out of Control Sexual Behavior Assessment and Treatment with Dr. Michael Vigorito
During this conference, attendees will be guided through the history and theory of out of control sexual behavior (OCSB), along with its assessment and common treatments. Using his book, “Treating Out of Control Sexual Behavior: Rethinking Sex Addiction,” Dr. Vigorito discussed the practical tools necessary for conducting a comprehensive assessment and providing individual and group psychotherapy to clients seeking to improve their sexual health.
WYLD Conference with Dr. David Ley, Midori, Carlin Ross, and 18 student presenters
For the first time, the Sexual Health Alliance hosted a student-organized and led conference that featured past presenters, alumni, and, of course, SHA students, from around the world in one of the most diverse learning events ever hosted. This conference pushed the boundaries of what we know about sex, love, and relationships through the lens of SHA’s students and alumni.
Getting Our Own Kink On with Midori
This conference called participants to explore their own identity and transference issues, and to look at their sexual selves through the lens of alternative sexualities. Helping professionals, whether therapists, educators, medical providers, or coaches, often have a difficult journey of combining their own identity, experimentations, or uncertainties with their professional selves. As an international educator on the topic, Midori curated this special conference for providers who are curious about transference and countertransference with sexual health science.
Diverse Sex-Positive Parenting with N. Jasmine Johnson, MSW, MA, LCSW, and special guests
Facilitated by Jet Setting Jasmine, this conference explored the importance of sex positivity when working with parents, young adults, and families of all different backgrounds and relationship styles. Attendees discussed topics regarding co-parenting, age-appropriate sex communication, and how to safeguard families from external factors that threaten health attitudes and behaviors surrounding intimacy and sex.
Kink for the Professional with Midori
This conference presented the unique realities and challenges of BDSM as practiced by people today. It explored the existing tools, language, identity framework, and strategies commonly used within the community while working to unpack personal assumptions, unspoken expectations, general cultural stereotyping, and kink subcultures’ own mythologizing narratives. Participants learned of Midori’s “BDSM Appetite Grid” as an effective model of sex and BDSM negotiation where mutuality and collaboration are emphasized.
Addressing Modern Sexuality in Therapy and Education with Dr. David Ley
Clients are disclosing new relationship and life issues in therapy that weren’t on the radar five years ago–most of which, many therapists lack the proper training, resources, or guidance on how to conceptualize or treat these new issues. This conference delved into how tech, media, and social changes affect modern sexuality, relationships, and mental health and how sex therapists and educators can support their clients in developing sexual integrity through self-understanding and acceptance.
Diversity & Couples Issues with Nicoletta Heidegger, LMFT, Dr. Zhana Vrangalova, PhD, and Dr. Melody Brown
This conference worked to spotlight sex therapy with couples. Attendees had ample opportunity to reflect on some of their own sexual and relational biases, working to recognize their and their culture’s attitudes towards casual sex, slut shaming, sex positivity, and more. Conference participants not only gained creative approaches to sex therapy but also studied the sociosexual orientation spectrum and recognized therapist privilege in clinical practice with POC individuals and couples.
ADDITIONAL SHA EVENTS
Frequently Asked Questions
DO I NEED TO BE A SHA STUDENT TO ATTEND?
No! You do not have to be a SHA Certification student to have access to our conferences–all professionals, students, and interested parties are welcome to purchase tickets.
As a SHA certification student, you do receive three (3) conferences as part of your tuition and then a heavily discounted rate for those after, along with many other perks! To learn more about becoming a SHA certification student, check out our Get Certified page.
WHAT IF I CAN NOT ATTEND THE CONFERENCE LIVE?
Whether it’s a timezone difference or something came up, we want to accommodate you which is why you do not have to attend our conferences live. With the purchase of a ticket, you will receive the entire conference recordings for you to watch at your leisure 7-10 business days after the conference.
Please know that if you purchased AASECT CEs with a conference, you must attend live or you will receive asynchronous credit.
IS THERE A STUDENT DISCOUNT?
If you are a current college or graduate student please email shacertifications@gmail.com with a copy of your student ID and a current or next term’s course schedule to get this conference at a student rate.
* Please note, this discount does not include CEs.