CC23 Workshop 02 - An integrative stance toward recognizing the courage of relationships that exist beyond heteronormativity: What BDSM/Kink & consensual non-monogamy can teach about relationships that work - Joseph Winn, MSW, LICSW, CST-S

This workshop will provide participants with an integrated framework, e.g., sociological, systemic, and models of sex therapy, from which to consider the strengths and skills that non-heteronormative relational systems can teach relational therapists working with monogamous couples interested in deepening both emotional attunement and interpersonal differentiation. Specific topics will include exploring clinician bias, challenge heteronormative constructs of
relational, sexual, and erotic practices, and the necessity of integrating various relational models of intervention tailored specifically to the relational systems we work with.

Learning Objectives:

1. Assess their Person of the Therapist, and Sexological World View, growth edges to determine their willingness to learn from and work effectively with relationships that have moved beyond the limitations of heteronormativity.
2. Identify common practices & research data support the efficacy of communication styles in BDSM/Kink & CNM relational structures.
3. Apply foundational principals of relational, sexual, and erotic negotiation to expand the delivery of clinical services and interventions to all relational systems.