Overview

Utilising Internal Family Systems (IFS) frameworks and techniques, this workshop integrates experiential and behavioural approaches to help clients reconnect with aspects of the self that have become disconnected from sexuality due to shame, trauma, or adverse developmental experiences. The workshop explores how internal fragmentation can contribute to the development of sexual symptoms, alongside processes of sexual reintegration and healing.

Participants will learn how to use an originally developed sexual parts meditation, alongside parts mapping and unburdening techniques, to support greater embodiment, self-compassion, relational connection, and pleasure.

This workshop is particularly relevant for practitioners working with shame, sexual inhibition, compulsive sexual behaviour, attachment-related difficulties, and trauma-related sexual concerns.

Learning Outcomes

• How trauma and early relational experiences shape the sexual self
• Common psychological and sexual symptoms linked to disconnection
• An overview of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and sexual parts mapping
• Working with protectors, exiles, and conflicting sexual parts
• Sexual embodiment and reconnecting with dissociated or avoided aspects of sexuality
• Rebuilding integration and self-led sexual connection
• Case studies, experiential exercises, and guided reflective practice

Presenter(s)

Dr. Sarah Ashton

About the presenter(s)

Dr. Sarah Ashton (she/her) is the Founder and Lead Trainer of the Institute of Sexual Health Psychology Australia (ISHPA), a national training organisation dedicated to advancing inclusive, trauma-informed, evidence-based education in sexual health psychology. She is also the Director and Founder of SHIPS, Australia’s first clinic solely focused on sexual health psychology. Sarah is a registered psychologist, AHPRA board-approved supervisor, and the author of When Trauma Affects Sex. She lectures at both RMIT and Deakin University, where she co-authored Deakin’s first Sex and Sexuality unit. Her academic work includes published research on pornography in The Journal of Sex Research, Porn Studies, and Feminism & Psychology. With over 18 years of clinical experience, Sarah has authored more than 30 professional training courses and delivered guest lectures at 15 Australian universities. She is passionate about shifting the cultural narrative around sex, amplifying the voices of erotically marginalised communities, and raising the standard of sexual health care.

Notes

Target Audience

This activity is aimed at psychologists.

Cancellations by Event Registrants

• Up to 28 days prior to the event you are registered to attend will receive a full refund.
• Cancellations 27-15 days prior will receive a 50% refund.
• Cancellations received 14 days or less prior to the event will not be refunded, other than for 'exceptional, unforeseeable circumstances', however, you may nominate someone to attend in your place.
• Registrations are not transferable between events.
• All cancellations must be provided in writing to the event organiser

Please note:

• This is a Member Groups event. All communication will be sent to the registrants’ registered email address. This includes event reminders with details (such as the venue details) and any pre-event or post-event resources, if provided by the facilitators.
• A post-event email will be sent within two weeks of the event’s completion to each registrant’s registered email address. This email will include the CPD certificate, and any additional resources shared during the session.

Duration of Access

This event will not be recorded. 

CPD

It is up to attendees to assess and determine how learning from this event aligns with the requirements of their learning plan. The providers accordingly do not make any representation that the event counts towards attendees’ CPD learning requirements. If an attendee determines themselves that the learning they complete aligns to their learning plan, then they can decide to count those hours towards their CPD requirements for the registration cycle.

The information in this presentation has been prepared in good faith and for educational purposes only. Therefore, the information is general in nature and should not be relied upon in the treatment of any condition and you should seek your own independent professional and/or legal advice concerning any specific issue. The APS accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or decisions relating to the information. The content should not be reproduced without permission or unless permitted by law.

If you are experiencing registration difficulties please contact APS Events Support.