Rethinking the Erotic: Creating therapeutic environments that center Ace and Aro experiences will draw on studies of queer theory, asexuality (ace) and aromanticism (aro) to help therapists support and affirm clients identifying along those spectrums, and to recognize clinical issues that may arise and affect people who identify as asexual and aromantic. The workshop will help participants define and identify asexphobia and amatonormativity and deconstruct harmful ideas of compulsory sexuality that deny people ownership of their bodies and sexual preferences, and limit their experiences of relationship. Drawing on Audre Lorde’s ideas about re-imagining the erotic as a source of empowerment distinct from sexuality, the workshop will include a presentation as well as experiential explorations so participants can uncover the ways that both compulsory sexuality and eroticism function in their own lives and in the lives of clients. It will aid therapists in distinguishing between ace/aro identities and issues arising from attachment disturbances, as well as grasping other issues affecting this community, including sexual violence from intimate partners, and the coming out process.
Course Learning Objectives: During this 3 hour learning lab, participants will be able to:
Name two characteristics of asexuality and of aromanticism as orientations existing on spectrums and better understand the experiences of ace and aro people.
Articulate two issues that may arise as ace and aro people seek to share their identities as part of the “coming out” process in contexts of compulsory sexuality and amatonormativity.
Name two characteristics of amatonormativity and of asexphobia.
Give two examples of how compulsory sexuality and amatonormativity may undermine people of decision-making and ownership of their sexual and romantic preferences.
Ela Przybyło (she/her), PhD
Ela Przybyło (she/her) is Assistant Professor in English and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Illinois State University. She is the author of Asexual Erotics: Intimate Readings of Compulsory Sexuality (Ohio State University Press, 2019), editor of On the Politics of Ugliness (Palgrave, 2018), and author of many peer-reviewed articles and chapters including in such journals as Feminist Formations, GLQ, and Radical Teacher. Ela Przybyło's website
Target Audience: LMFTs, LCSWs and LPCCs. This workshop will take place via Zoom conferencing.
Cancellation & grievance policies: For information on Educational Narratives’ Cancellation Policy, Grievance Policy, and ADA Compliance, visit www.EducationalNarratives.com
Continuing Education Credit: The workshop meets the requirements for 3 hours of continuing education credit. CEUs will be provided by Educational Narratives, a CAMFT approved Continuing Education provider (# 139251). Educational Narratives is approved by CAMFT to provide continuing education for LMFTs, LPCCs and LCSWs
If your license is not based in CA, please check with your licensing board to ensure that it is acceptable.