Reclaiming Desire: Sex Positive Therapy for Diverse Gay Men
Presented by Jason Gorski, NCSP, LPC and Serginho Walker, MS, NCC, LPC
Recorded on Friday, September 27, 2024
Access provided upon registration on “My Courses” page
The program examines current discourses on sexual intimacy among diverse gay men by exploring the historical and media portrayals of queer sex. This analysis aims to reveal how these portrayals have influenced and often marginalized the experiences of gay men. By applying queer theory and critical race theory, the program investigates how intersecting factors such as cultural, religious, and racial identities contribute to the marginalization of diverse gay men regarding sexual intimacy (Budge et al., 2018; McCormack, 2020).
Furthermore, the program challenges traditional, colonized approaches to working with gay men by promoting collaborative advocacy and competency in care. The goal is to disrupt existing stigmas and reduce shame associated with queer sexual intimacy by actively engaging with clients in the advocacy process. This approach seeks to empower clients and foster a more inclusive and supportive environment that addresses their unique needs and experiences (Puar, 2017; Tatum, 2021).
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 LMFT, or 2.0 AASECT CEUs for Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.
The program examines current discourses on sexual intimacy among diverse gay men by exploring the historical and media portrayals of queer sex. This analysis aims to reveal how these portrayals have influenced and often marginalized the experiences of gay men. By applying queer theory and critical race theory, the program investigates how intersecting factors such as cultural, religious, and racial identities contribute to the marginalization of diverse gay men regarding sexual intimacy (Budge et al., 2018; McCormack, 2020).
Furthermore, the program challenges traditional, colonized approaches to working with gay men by promoting collaborative advocacy and competency in care. The goal is to disrupt existing stigmas and reduce shame associated with queer sexual intimacy by actively engaging with clients in the advocacy process. This approach seeks to empower clients and foster a more inclusive and supportive environment that addresses their unique needs and experiences (Puar, 2017; Tatum, 2021).
After attending this advanced-level program, participants will be able to:
- Analyze current discourses on sex with gay men by reviewing the history and portrayal of queer sex in the media.
- Apply a queer theory and critical racist theory lens approach to understand how diverse gay men are marginalized particularly around issues involving sexual intimacy as it relates to their cultural, religious, and intersectional identities.
- Disrupt colonized approaches to working with diverse gay men using opportunities to join with clients in advocacy processes aimed at liberation and competent care to destigmatize and reduce shame for these clients.
This program meets APA’s continuing education STANDARD 1.3: Program content focuses on topics related to psychological practice, education, or research other than application of psychological assessment and/or intervention methods that are supported by contemporary scholarship grounded in established research procedures.
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.
ACSSW Members: $10.00
General Admission: $50.00
The Chicago School Staff/Faculty/Students/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.
Jason Gorski, NCSP, LPC School Psychologist, Adjunct Professor, Professional Counselor
Jason Gorski is a nationally certified school psychologist and a licensed professional counselor in the state of Connecticut. His clinical practice focuses on members of the LGBTGEQIAP2S+ community and the neuroqueer community. Mr. Gorski is a doctoral candidate at Southern Connecticut State University in his final year of study. He has presented locally, regionally, and nationally on issues related to sex and sexuality, neurodivergence, and working with gender expansive and transgender youth. Mr. Gorski’s dissertation research focuses on the intersection of gender expansive/transgender identity and neurodivergence. Mr. Gorski brings a strong background in assessment, developmental psychology, advocacy, and sex-positivity to his work as a counselor and as a counselor educator. Mr. Gorski’s style is warm, friendly, and he loves having fun while deconstructing paradigms that serve to oppress our students and our clients.
Serginho Walker, MS, NCC, LPC
Serginho Walker is a nationally certified licensed professional counselor in the state of Connecticut. His clinical practice focuses on members of the LGBTQ+ community and members of the Global Majority. Serginho is a doctoral student at Southern Connecticut State University in his second year of study. Serginho is an active member of the Greater Hartford Alliance of Black Social Workers as well as an active member at the National level on the Students and Emerging Leaders Committee and the National Nomination Committee. Serginho has presented locally, regionally, and nationally on issues related to historical trauma, sex and sexuality, and the unique mental health challenges of black queer men. Serginho’s dissertation research examines how the intersection of non-binary identity, Blackness, and queer sexuality impacts experiences of stigma and mental health outcomes. Serginho brings a strong advocacy background through his involvement locally and nationally with the Greater Hartford Alliance of Black Social Workers as well as a Graduate Intern at the SAGE Center at Southern Connecticut State University. Serginho is a powerful force in the community and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Serginho is inspired daily by his friends and his two God children. In his free time, Serginho likes to travel, engage in community service, and take daily walks through the Hartford River Front.
Budge, S. L., Adelson, J. L., & Howard, K. A. S. (2018). Anxiety and depression in transgender individuals: The roles of transition status, loss, social support, and coping. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 86(4), 545-556. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000295
McCormack, M. (2020). The declining significance of homophobia: How teenage boys are redefining masculinity and sexuality. Oxford University Press.
Puar, J. K. (2017). Terrorist assemblages: Homonationalism in queer times. Duke University Press.
Tatum, B. D. (2021). Why are all the Black kids sitting together in the cafeteria? And other conversations about race. Basic Books.
Target Audience: Individuals working with queer populations particularly gay men.
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.