SATURDAY, MARCH 26th - SUNDAY MARCH 27TH, 2022
Sex, Cannabis and other Psychedelics
8AM-4PM PST | 9AM-5PM MT | 10AM - 6PM CST | 11AM-7PM EST
16 AASECT CES AVAILABLE FOR TWO DAYS!
This conference is 100% ONLINE.
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.
CONFERENCE INCLUDES
Ashley Manta Presentation: Expert Perspectives on Sex and Cannabis
Numerous studies show that cannabis can be helpful for an array of illnesses and symptoms. While there are not many options for pharmacologic intervention in sexual health, cannabis is increasingly understood to be effective across various age-groups, genders, and illnesses. We will discuss evidence for cannabis use for sexual health, how it is best employed for various conditions, as well as risks, best practices, and key considerations for outcomes on the individual psychological level and in partnered situations.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to identify common barriers to intimacy which may be lessened or alleviated if cannabis is appropriately incorporated.
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to explain why the use of terms like "indica" and "sativa" are misleading and why "marijuana" should not be used at all.
Jordan Tishler's Presentation: Cannabis for Sexuality: All The Sexy Details
Sexuality is a fundamental part of the lifecycle for most people, and difficulties can lead to loss of self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and interpersonal strife2,3. Despite its normality, half of men and nearly half of women are troubled by some form of difficulties with sexuality at some point in their life2,3. Difficulties go far beyond erectile dysfunction (ED) in men and low libido in women1,3, and arise in 4 phases: Interest, Arousal, Orgasm, and Satisfaction. Interestingly, few people ever address these issues with their care team, despite evidence that three quarters of their providers are willing and able to be helpful 7. Part of this stems from the assumption by both patients and providers that beyond the phosphodiesterase inhibitors, which work only for ED in men, there is little to be gained from therapeutics.
Cannabis therapy can provide a more effective, cross-gender solution to a broad range of these sexual difficulties. In a largely dose-dependent manner Cannabis has been shown to improve function in all 4 of the domains mentioned above4,5,8. We will discuss data, clinical scenarios, and practice of treating sexual dysfunction with cannabis. We will also briefly discuss how Cannabis can be used to improve sexual relations in people for whom dysfunction is not currently a problem.
Learning Objectives:
To understand the importance of dose, timing, and practice
To be able to have a meaningful discussion about the risks and benefits of cannabis for sex
Chelsea Cebara's Presentation: Safe & Effective Cannabis Topicals for Sex
An overview of cannabis topicals for sexual enhancement and healing, including their history, effects, mechanism of action, ingredients to look for/avoid, preservation & storage, barrier compatibility and sensory concerns.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the effects of topical cannabis on arousal response and
Name at least 5 ingredients to avoid in formulation.
Dr. Cat Meyer: Ketamine as a Therapeutic Tool for Improvement in Sexual Satisfaction
Ketamine is the latest psychedelic-like substance that has been legalized for off-label clinical use. Research has been overwhelmingly positive for it’s benefits surrounding treatment resistant depression, chronic pain, anxiety, and acute suicidality. At low doses it has also been observed to be a powerful empathogen for the use in couples therapy. In this presentation, participants will learn about how ketamine can be used in a therapeutic setting for the improvement of sexual and relational satisfaction. Participants will learn about specific skills that can be more readily accessed in these altered states; thereby, creating reference points for clients who might otherwise struggle in connecting with their bodies for a healthier, more satisfying, sexual experience.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will understand the therapeutic benefits of ketamine on mental health and the variety of administrations available to clients. They will also learn how low dose of ketamine treatment can improve on sexual + relational satisfaction.
Participants will also receive information + tips on preparing their clients for working with ketamine-assisted therapy (KAP) with the intention around sex + relationships, as well as, continued integration post-treatment.
They will also receive guidance on the harm reduction model to support client’s safety.
Presentation: A Pragmatic Approach to Altered Sex (Solo and Partnered)
The research and science are crucial parts of understanding how cannabis and psychedelics intersect with intimacy, but what about the practical considerations? If a client is planning to attempt this experience for the first time, how can you as a practitioner set them up for success? This presentation will cover the vital importance of mindset and setting--from environmental factors like temperature, music, lighting, scent (incense or candles) to what kinds of mental preparation are helpful prior to the journey, to anticipating food and beverage needs during the experience. There will also be suggestions for the journey pre-talk, structuring negotiations around boundaries, navigating abreactions, and aftercare and integration.
Learning Objectives:
Explain the importance of mindset and setting.
List 5 factors that can lead to a more enjoyable altered experience.
Consent Breakout: Consent in Practice
Join sex educators Chelsea Cebara and Ashley Manta as they lead participants through a series of exercises and discussions in breakout groups of 5-7 (depending how many attendees, number could go up or down). They will cover both consent between client and professional in having conversations about sex and substances; as well as best practices for therapists to suggest to their clients when navigating the consent implications of exploring partnered play in altered states.
Learning Objectives:
After this presentation attendees will be able to name 3 talking points to include while having a conversation with a client about the consent implications of partnered play under the influence of cannabis or psychedelics.
Drug Policy Reform and Psychedelics for Communities of Color - Panel Discussion:
During this panel discussion, Reba and Ifetayo will cover a broad overview of drug policy reform movements around the country. The panel will focus on how the war on drugs impacted communities of color and how these communities can get involved and benefit from drug legalization and decriminalization movements. This panel will cover the following questions; What is the difference between decriminalization and legalization, and why does it matter? How can equity be infused into policy? What do therapists need to understand about the impacts of the war on drugs? Why is having an intersectional lens important for therapists? Panelists Reba and Ifetayo will share their healing journeys and their experiences of leadership in their respective fields.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session, participants will understand the importance of drug policy reform movements and their impact on communities of color.
Participants will be able to identify ways to support legalization and decriminalization policies from a lens of intersectionality, inclusion and equity.
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.
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 this conference at student rate.
*Please note, this discount does not include CEs.
WANT TO BECOME 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 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.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:
Ashley Manta
Ashley Manta is an award-winning sex educator and coach and has become a sought-after authority on mindfully combining sex and cannabis as part of her CannaSexual® brand. She is the author of The CBD Solution: Sex, published in 2020 in conjunction with Merry Jane and Chronicle Books. She created an online sexual empowerment intensive for women called Activating Your Cosmic Pussy which she offers multiple times per year. She writes for Playboy as a Playboy Advisor. She completed her certification as a Bodysex® Facilitator after studying with legendary pleasure pioneer Betty Dodson. She facilitates retreats and workshops at resorts and festivals around the world. She is a brand ambassador for Sybian.
She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy with a minor in Women’s Studies and has completed graduate coursework for a Master of Arts in Philosophy. Ashley is also a certified and attuned Reiki II Practitioner, a certified consulting hypnotist, and a trauma-trained victim advocate.
Nicoletta von Heidegger, LMFT
Nicoletta von Heidegger is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#110256) practicing in Los Angeles. Nicoletta received her BA in Psychology from Stanford University, her MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, and her MEd in Human Sexuality from Widener University. Nicoletta is currently pursuing her PhD in Human Sexuality from Widener. In addition to seeing clients in private practice, Nicoletta also works as an EAGALA certified equine assisted therapist at Stand in Balance. Nicoletta believes in embodied practice and is also certified in levels I and II of The Trauma Resiliency Model. When not working with clients, Nicoletta creates and hosts the growing hit podcast Sluts & Scholars and teaches educational seminars and classes to help others learn about sexual and mental health.
Robin Wilson-Beattie (she, her)
is a speaker, writer, and advocate for disability and sexuality as well as one of the first people to talk about disability, sexuality, and marketing to adult product retailers and manufacturers. She combines years of personal experience with medically sound research to provide a unique perspective on how life and identity impacts one's sexual expression. Her speaking engagements include multiple keynotes and panels, including three consecutive years speaking at the Adult Video News convention in Las Vegas.
Her work has not only helped tens of thousands of disabled people, but also inspired many others to become advocates for sexuality and disability education, an incredibly underserved area.
Robin is a member of the Association of American Sexual Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT), the Women of Color Sexual Health Network (WOCSHN), and a graduate and member of the San Francisco Sexuality Information Training (SFSI). Committed to writing her memoir in 2021, she looks forward to sharing her wild journey of Blackness, acquiring a disability via rare illness while pregnant, motherhood, sexuality, and her experiences searching for answers. Robin is a deep-fried Southern woman, mid-century buff, and proud Mama of one son.
Jordan Tishler, MD
Dr. Tishler is a Cannabis Specialist. Through his training in Internal Medicine and years of practice as an Emergency Physician, Dr. Tishler brings his knowledge, reason, and caring to patients at inhaleMD, and through his advocacy work at the local and national levels.
Dr. Tishler graduated from both Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, trained at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and is faculty at both the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. He has spent many years working with the underserved, particularly providing care for Veterans.
Having treated countless patients harmed by alcohol and drugs, his observation that he had never seen a cannabis overdose lead Dr. Tishler to delve deeply into the science of cannabis safety and treatment.
Dr. Tishler is also a parallel entrepreneur working for patients’ wellbeing in the corporate space, helping to elevate dosing and safety profiles of medication, and helping to establish best practice for bringing new Cannabis products to market.
Dr. Tishler is a frequent speaker and author on a variety of topics related to the medical applications of cannabis. He is the President of the Association of Cannabis Specialists which aims to educate clinicians, lawmakers, and the industry about best practices and needed tools for proper patient care.
Reba Corinne Thomas
Known by many as “RebaTheDiva,” Reba specializes in sexual health education, content creation, resource development and marketing/communications, Reba is CEO and Founder of Sexpert Consultants LLC, a company geared toward bridging the sexual health education gap among adults in the U.S.
Reba began her career as a cannabis activist supporting the DC Cannabis Campaign as lead Fundraiser and Community Outreach Coordinator for Initiative 71, which legalized recreational grows in the District of Columbia in 2015.
Reba is a certified sex educator and also holds a certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University. She is a member of the Women of Sex Tech and serves as an ambassador for the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) and Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington (PPMW).
Reba attended Howard University and received sexual health education training through Indiana University's Center for Sexual Health Promotion. Reba has also earned a certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University and regularly contributes her expertise through public speaking engagements at various colleges/universities and has appeared in Bustle, AskMen, Women’s Health Magazine and Healthline.
Dr. Cat Meyer
PsyD, LMFT is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in sex, trauma, and ketamine-assisted therapy (KAP), author, yoga teacher, and international speaker dedicated to evolving the relationship we have surrounding sexuality and our bodies. Dr Cat is the founder of SexLoveYoga.com, an online platform integrating various schools of thought including science, tantra, yoga, psychedelic therapy, and psychology designed to help people create a deeply fulfilling, prosperous relational and sexual life. As an expert and published researcher on the topic of sexual health, Dr. Cat sees clients in her private practice office in Beverly Hills and leads workshops, lectures, and retreats internationally. Dr. Cat is the host of the podcasts Eat.Play.Sex and Erotically Wasted, co-founder of Un.done women’s sensual yoga experience.
Chelsea Cebara
Chelsea Cebara is a professional sex educator and an absolutely massive weed nerd. She has been helping humans effectively and mindfully combine sex and cannabis since 2010 as a medically-certified cannabis consultant and product developer.
She is the co-founder and formulator of the world's first water-based cannabis lubricant, Velvet Swing, and the Cannabis Sciences Expert at SōRSE Technologies.
Ms. Cebara lives in Seattle and speaks nationally on the intersection of cannabis with sex, kink, and consent culture. Follow her on Twitter @ChelseaCebara.
Ifetayo Harvey
is the founder and board president at the People of Color Psychedelic Collective. Ifetayo’s experience of growing up with her father in prison brought her to drug policy reform work at the Drug Policy Alliance. In 2013, Ifetayo was the opening plenary speaker at the International Drug Policy Reform Conference in Denver, Colorado. Ifetayo briefly worked at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies in 2015 where she was inspired by Kai Wingo’s Women and Entheogens Conference in Cleveland, Ohio. Ifetayo worked at the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) for five years because of her passion for ending the war on drugs. While at DPA, Ifetayo penned the piece Why the Psychedelic Community Is So White in 2016 and began organizing other folks of color and allies in psychedelic circles. Ifetayo comes from a family of seven children raised by her mother in Charleston, South Carolina. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Smith College in history and African studies.
AASECT CREDITS
*This program meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 16 AASECT CE credits. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. For further information please contact ce@aasect.org