sExploration
Sexual issues can be as difficult for clinician to address as they are for clients to share. While it is easy to leave these issues unexplored, they are ever present. sExploration is a yearly event that offers students and faculty an opportunity to explore the intersection of human sexuality with culture, identities and clinical practice. sExploration is produced by PASD as a catalyst for discussions (in and out of classrooms) on integrating sexuality issues into all elements of our work as mental health professionals: assessment, consultation, research, practice, education and development. Scroll down to see the events for this year's sExploration, as well as events from previous sExplorations.
sExploration 2022
What is Sex? Deconstructing social assumptions, challenging cultural beliefs, and expanding personal perceptions
sExploration 2022 pauses to contemplate the question, “What do we actually consider ‘sex’?” In the wake of a global pandemic, society has faced a series of redefinitions. Social interactions of all kinds, from workplace discourse to first dates and, yes, even sex, shifted in not only their modality, but their larger understanding by society. Time at home allowed people to explore their identities and personal narratives regarding sexual orientation, gender, and relationships. Space was created for sexual experimentation, an awareness of our fluctuating sexual drives and desires, and reflection on the purpose of sex altogether. Just as we were forced to create a new normal for ourselves living in a remote world, we also unconsciously adapted our definitions of sex.
sExplortation 2022 is thrilled to welcome friends of our program and nationally known figures in the study of human sexuality. Dr. Maria Hanzlik is a graduate of the Clinical PsyD program and past President of the Indiana Psychological Association. Dr. Hanzlik began pursuing her interests in sex therapy as a grad student and now plays multiple roles in the development and training of sex therapists nationally. MARCH 9th. Dr. Laurie Mintz is a Professor at the University of Florida where she teaches Human Sexuality to hundreds of undergraduates yearly. She has published over 55 academic works and is the author of two popular books on women’s sexual pleasure. MARCH 25th. Dr. Justin Lehmiller is a social psychologist and Research Fellow at The Kinsey Institute. He is also a prolific researcher who has published more than 50 academic works, including a textbook titled The Psychology of Human Sexuality. APRIL 6th.
You can download the program for sExploration 2022 here.