People identifying with Gender Dysphoria (DSM 5 302.85) or Gender Identity Disorder (ICD 10 F64.1) are often faced with challenges for which they seek help from therapists and counselors. This workshop describes the basic, common challenges with which clients present and provides informational interventions.

This one-hour workshop consists of a video of Dr. Carol Clark giving a lecture based on her 30 years of clinical experience with Transgender and Gender non-conforming people. A resource list and pdf of the presentation slides is attached.

Students will gain knowledge about the history of human trafficking through present day issues that continue to overlap 25 typologies. In-Class discussions will include identifying Supply Chains world-wide and companies that have signed pledges taking a stance against labor trafficking. Discussions about the different models of organized crime that range from gang operations to mob, pimp, and familial. The student will gain knowledge about the different indicators used to identify a human trafficked victim, ACE Scores that include vulnerable populations, minorities, and those who are undocumented and commonly present with a range of health, dental, and mental health problems. Health care professionals are usually in the front line ranging from EMS to ER and are best able to be in a position to identify the critical indicators for identifying human trafficking victims. The student will gain knowledge about the prevalence of human trafficking and the different forms of trafficking that is believed to eventually surpass the drug cartel industry with these two interfacing and overlapping world-wide. Recognizing code language, tattoo art and jewelry are some of the indicators for identifying victims held in sex trafficking. Students will gain knowledge on how to use screening tools, using a trauma-informed approach when interviewing, treating and working with victims. The student will will gain knowledge about SART’s and how health care and law enforcement can collaborate and utilize referral services. Students will gain knowledge on identifying reportable events ranging from domestic servitude, bondage, labor and sex trafficking and how to report these events.

Differential diagnoses of gender dysphoria, paraphilias, and addiction

These three diagnoses have very different criteria, but sometimes one presentation looks like another. An individual may dress in their identified gender as part of their expression, therapists may assume that a client who is cross-dressing is gender dysphoric when that might not be the accurate diagnosis. Addictive, or sexually compulsive, behavior may actually be symptomatic of a paraphilia. Clinicians need to be able to accurately identify the diagnosis for treatment to be effective.

This two-hour workshop consists of a video of Dr. Carol Clark giving a lecture based on her 30 years of clinical experience as a sex therapist and educator. A resource list and pdf of the presentation slides is attached.

Chemsex, the use of methamphetamine, GHB/GBL and other drugs in combination with sexual behaviors, is a significant global problem, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). It is one of the most significant factors affecting new HIV infections and poor antiretroviral medication adherence. Chemsex instills confidence and a sense of interpersonal connection, along with heightened sexual desire. It also is an effective way of numbing uncomfortable emotions such as shame, internalized homophobia or loneliness. The combined intensity of stimulants, sex, and porn hijack the brain’s reward circuitry, effectively resetting the baseline level needed for both sexual arousal and performance. When used to enhance sexual behavior, these drugs create a lasting fusion between the intoxicated state and sexual behaviors. Once fused, tolerance quickly develops resulting in escalating drug use, the need for more intense sexual encounters, and sexual dysfunction. If such fusion has occurred, abstinence from the drugs often results in a loss of sexual desire. This presentation illuminates the biological, cultural, and psychological impact of chemsex and provides interventions and approaches that help clinicians support the client in reclaiming healthy, drug-free sex and intimacy.