History, Origins, Evolution of SPT; Importance of the Triadic Model; Dual Attunement, Andrew Heartman
Required Advance Reading (a 6-minute read): The Evolution of SPT
 
Somatic Sexuality Professionals: Touch Modalities Beyond SPT, Brian Gibney
The importance of touch in holistic well-being is well documented, yet many are unaware of the vast world of touch-based modalities that can be utilized in service of client care. In this 30-minute talk, we’ll give an overview of the history of the term “Somatic Sexuality Professionals,” talk about the modalities included (professional cuddling, surrogate partner therapy, somatic sex education and sexological bodywork…as well as other forms of touch work that aren’t included!), and address overlaps and distinctions between the modalities. Additionally, we’ll discuss how to find and vet alternative practitioners when SPT may not be the best fit for clients (spoiler, there are A LOT of factors that come into play here!) and resources that can benefit all practitioners that utilize touch in their work..
 
Cultivating Safety in the Surrogate/Client Relationship, Brian Gibney
Safety is an essential building block for clients, both in order to progress within the container of SPT and as something to be taken away from the work as they create healthy relationships in the wild. Safety, however, can’t be taught in a single, discrete exercise. In this one hour discussion, we’ll address the following questions as we examine how safety may be cultivated in the surrogate-client relationship: How do we “make” our clients feel safe? How do we balance creating a safe container for the client with minding our own boundaries, wants, and needs? How much do we share with our clients and how soon? How do we help clients transition from a felt sense of safety in a controlled container of the work to feeling empowered to co-author safety with partners in the wild? Conceptual discussion will be bolstered with anecdotal evidence.
 
About the Presenters
 
This session will go from 3:00 to 5:40 Pacific time, which includes 2.5 hours and allows for a 10-minute break somewhere in the middle, at a time that is appropriate for the material. Then the guest speakers will leave us, and there will be an additional half hour, from 5:40 to 6:10, which will be a facilitated discussion and integration of the prior content. This last half hour is optional, so if you’ve had enough at that point you are welcome to skip it. If you choose to stay, you will be invited to consider questions, either all together or in breakout groups, like “What most impacted you from today’s session?” “How do you think you can incorporate this in your work as a surrogate partner?”
 
SPC Members can attend for 60% off. To get the member price, sign in to your account and select Member CE from the Membership Menu. Become a Member