Working with Sex Workers 101
Presented by Raquel Savage, M.S., MFT
Recorded on Friday, April 19, 2024
Access provided upon registration on “My Courses” page
In this lesson, we will explore the diversity of sex workers and gain a deeper understanding of the various individuals who engage in this profession. It is important to approach this topic with an open mind and without judgment, as we seek to educate ourselves and promote inclusivity and respect for all individuals involved in sex work (Weber, 2020).
Sex workers come from diverse backgrounds and have a wide range of experiences. They can be of any gender, age, race, or socioeconomic status. Some individuals may choose sex work as a means of financial stability, while others may be forced into it due to circumstances beyond their control. It is crucial to recognize that sex work is not limited to street-based prostitution but also includes individuals working in brothels, escort services, pornography, and online platforms. Each segment of the sex work industry has its own unique challenges and dynamics (Rayson & Alba, 2019).
Stigma and stereotypes surrounding sex work are prevalent in society and can have serious consequences for sex workers. It is important to gain a deeper understanding of these issues in order to challenge and dismantle harmful beliefs and attitudes (Tomko et al., 2020).
Stigma refers to the negative beliefs, attitudes, and judgments that society holds towards certain groups of people. Sex workers often face significant stigma due to the nature of their work. They are often seen as immoral, dirty, and deserving of mistreatment. These stereotypes not only perpetuate discrimination and violence against sex workers but also hinder their access to healthcare, legal protection, and social support. It is crucial to recognize that sex work is a legitimate occupation and that sex workers deserve respect and dignity (Meyer & Frost, 2013).
Access provided upon registration on “My Courses” page
This program, when attended in its entirety, offers 2.0 CEs for Psychologists, 2.0 IL CEUS for Counselors and Social Workers, 2.0 BBS California CEUs for LPCCs, LPSWs, and LMFTs, or 2.0 AASECT CEs for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.
In this lesson, we will explore the diversity of sex workers and gain a deeper understanding of the various individuals who engage in this profession. It is important to approach this topic with an open mind and without judgment, as we seek to educate ourselves and promote inclusivity and respect for all individuals involved in sex work (Weber, 2020).
Sex workers come from diverse backgrounds and have a wide range of experiences. They can be of any gender, age, race, or socioeconomic status. Some individuals may choose sex work as a means of financial stability, while others may be forced into it due to circumstances beyond their control. It is crucial to recognize that sex work is not limited to street-based prostitution but also includes individuals working in brothels, escort services, pornography, and online platforms. Each segment of the sex work industry has its own unique challenges and dynamics (Rayson & Alba, 2019).
Stigma and stereotypes surrounding sex work are prevalent in society and can have serious consequences for sex workers. It is important to gain a deeper understanding of these issues in order to challenge and dismantle harmful beliefs and attitudes (Tomko et al., 2020).
Stigma refers to the negative beliefs, attitudes, and judgments that society holds towards certain groups of people. Sex workers often face significant stigma due to the nature of their work. They are often seen as immoral, dirty, and deserving of mistreatment. These stereotypes not only perpetuate discrimination and violence against sex workers but also hinder their access to healthcare, legal protection, and social support. It is crucial to recognize that sex work is a legitimate occupation and that sex workers deserve respect and dignity (Meyer & Frost, 2013).
After attending this intermediate-level program, participants will be able to:
- Identify the diverse and complex nature of “sex worker” as an identity and clearly define “sex work” as an umbrella term.
- Recognize the socio-cultural factors impacting the lives of sex workers including systems of oppression and how using affirming language seeks to humanize those within the sex industry.
This program meets APA’s continuing education STANDARD 1.1: Program content focuses on application of psychological assessment and/or intervention methods that have overall consistent and credible empirical support in the contemporary peer reviewed scientific literature beyond those publications and other types of communications devoted primarily to the promotion of the approach.
This program meets APA’s continuing education GOAL 3: Program will allow psychologists to maintain, develop, and increase competencies in order to improve services to the public and enhance contributions to the profession.
This program meets AASECT Core Knowledge Area for:
C. Socio-cultural factors (e.g. ethnicity, culture, religion, spirituality, socio-economic status, family values) in relation to sexual values and behaviors.
F. Diversities in sexual expression and lifestyles, i.e. polyamory, swinging, BDSM, tantra.
ACSSW Members: $10.00
General Admission: $50.00
The Chicago School Staff/Faculty/Students: $25.00
The Chicago School Alumni: $25.00
Community Partners/Site Supervisors: $25.00
Non-The Chicago School Students: $25.00
(Please email [email protected] for coupon code)
Refund Policy: 100% of tuition is refundable up to 48 hours before the program. Within 48 hours of the program, and at any point in Homestudy format, tuition is nonrefundable.
Raquel Savage, M.S., MFT, Therapist, Co-Founder of the Equitable Care Certification
Raquel Savage (she/he) is a Black, queer, therapist, educator, sex worker, and co-founder of the Equitable Care Certification. She’s worked with clients informally, as a life coach since 2016; formally, as a therapist, since 2018. She’s a certified EMDR and TIR practitioner, as well as a Board Certified Sex Therapist Intern. She works primarily with Black & Brown, queer & trans, survivors, and sex working clients with anxiety disorders, depression and cPTSD.
Meyer, I. H., & Frost, D. M. (2013). Minority stress and the health of sexual minorities. In C. J. Patterson & A. R. D’Augelli (Eds.), Handbook of psychology and sexual orientation (pp. 252–266). Oxford University Press eBooks. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199765218.001.0001
Rayson, J., & Alba, B. (2019). Experiences of stigma and discrimination as predictors of mental health help-seeking among sex workers. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 34(3), 277–289. https://doi.org/10.1080/14681994.2019.1628488
Tomko, C., Nestadt, D. F., Rouhani, S., Silberzahn, B. E., Haney, K., Park, J. N., Galai, N., Logie, C. H., & Sherman, S. G. (2020). Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Construct Validity of the Internalized Sex Work Stigma Scale among a Cohort of Cisgender Female Sex Workers in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. Journal of Sex Research, 58(6), 713–723. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2020.1755821
Weber, A. (2020). Choice, circumstance, or coercion: Prostitution’s stigmas effects on mental health professionals’ perceptions of sex workers and sex work. In Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering: Vol. 81 (Issue 11–B).
Target Audience: Mental health professionals seeking to provide more equitable care to their clients with marginalized identities.
Psychologists. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.0 continuing education credits. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in its continuing education activities. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is also committed to conducting all activities in conformity with the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles for Psychologists. Participants are asked to be aware of the need for privacy and confidentiality throughout the program. If program content becomes stressful, participants are encouraged to process these feelings during discussion periods.
Counselors/Clinical Counselors. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.0 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for counselors and clinical counselors. License Number: 197.000159
Social Workers. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.0 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for social workers. License Number: 159.001036
MFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs. Course meets the qualifications for 2.0 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. If you are licensed outside of California please check with your local licensing agency to to determine if they will accept these CEUs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to offer continuing education programming for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is an accredited or approved postsecondary institution that meets the requirements set forth in Sections 4980.54(f)(1), 4989.34, 4996.22(d)(1), or 4999.76(d) of the Code.
Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. This program meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 2.0 CE credits. The Office of Continuing Education at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has been approved as an AASECT Provider of continuing education credits! Provider number 23-519-CW. 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 [email protected].
Non-Psychologists. Most licensing boards accept Continuing Education Credits sponsored by the American Psychological Association but non-psychologists are recommended to consult with their specific state-licensing board to ensure that APA-sponsored CE is acceptable.
*Participants must attend 100% of the program in order to obtain a Certificate of Attendance.
If participants have special needs, we will attempt to accommodate them. Please address questions, concerns and any complaints to [email protected]. There is no commercial support for this program nor are there any relationships between the CE Sponsor, presenting organization, presenter, program content, research, grants, or other funding that could reasonably be construed as conflicts of interest.