Sexuality is one of the key aspects of the functioning of every human being and affects our lives from birth (or even earlier) until death. Our sexuality influences our identity, the relationships we form, and how we communicate with the world. Flexible sexuality can be a source of pleasure and have a positive impact on mental and somatic health. Unfortunately, due to the taboo surrounding the topic of sexuality, it is not always given appropriate attention, which may lead to difficulties in understanding and experiencing it.
The ACT approach provides many tools that can be helpful in working with sexuality. The aim of the workshop is to familiarize participants with the topic of sexuality from the perspective of ACT, with a particular emphasis on value-related processes. During the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to view sexuality as a value in itself and as a domain in which various values can be realized. The presented content will be embedded in sexological models.
Objectives:
1. Understanding Sexuality from an ACT Perspective: Participants will explore the significance of sexuality in human functioning and how it influences identity, relationships, and communication, using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) tools.
2. Integrating Values with Sexuality: Attendees will learn to view sexuality both as a value in itself and as a domain in which various values can be realized, enhancing their ability to address sexuality in therapeutic contexts.
3. Applying Sexological Models in Therapy: Clinicians will develop skills to integrate sexological models with ACT, promoting flexible and value-driven approaches to sexuality in their practice.
Competencies Acquired:
1. Comprehensive Understanding of Sexuality: Proficiency in understanding the role of sexuality throughout the human lifespan and its impact on mental and somatic health.
2. Values Integration in Sexuality: Ability to integrate value-related processes with sexuality, helping clients realize and express their values through their sexual lives.
3. Therapeutic Application of Sexological Models: Enhanced skills in applying sexological models within the ACT framework to address sexuality-related issues in therapy effectively.
Bibliographic Titles:
1. Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2016). *Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Process and Practice of Mindful Change* (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
2. Levine, S. B. (2002). *Reexploring Sexual Desire and the Erotic*. American Psychiatric Press.
3. Kleinplatz, P. J. (2012). *New Directions in Sex Therapy: Innovations and Alternatives* (2nd ed.). Routledge.
4. Weeks, G. R., Gambescia, N., & Hertlein, K. M. (2016). *A Clinician’s Guide to Systemic Sex Therapy* (2nd ed.). Routledge.
5. Buehler, S. (2016). *What Every Mental Health Professional Needs to Know About Sex* (2nd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.