Topics we can cover include:
Understanding terminology
What the differences are between sex, gender identity, gender expression & sexuality, and how they relate 
What it means to be transgender or non-binary 
Pronouns
Homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, heteronormativity, cissexism: minority stress, micro-aggressions & therapeutic alliance 
How being LGBTQ+ impacts mental health & access to healthcare
Queer sex: pleasure, health & safety
Sexual violence within LGBTQ+ community 

LGBTQ+ 101

 Topics we can cover include:
Different forms of CNM (consensual non-monogamy) eg swinging, polyamory, open relationships, relationship anarchy
Identify & explore own attitudes towards CNM 
Motivations for engaging in CNM 
Explore social norms romance / partnership / commitment including 'mono-normativity' (monogamy being the norm) & impact on CNM clients 
Unethical vs ethical non-monogamy 
Attachment, trauma & CNM 
Some common themes: monogomy to CNM transition, rules & boundaries, disclosure, jealousy / primal panic, couples' privelege, hierarchy, 

consensual
non-monogamy 101

Topics we can cover include: 
Defining sexual violence & rape culture & exploring why SGBV endemic 
SV & gender: gendered double standards, misogyny & slut-shaming & madonna/whore, beyond 'men's violence against women', queer SV 
Consent: beyond yes means yes & no means no & 'boys will be boys' 
Beyond binaries: seduction vs coercion, unenthusiastic agreement, internalised duty/ obligation/ expectation
Common rape myths: victim-blaming, stranger danger, 'yes means yes', false allegations, 'fight or flight', 'perpetrators = evil' 
Why (internalised) victim-blaming so hard to shift: Just World Hypothesis
Trauma responses, self-blame & shame: freeze, flop, fawn
"I'd never do that"- self-concept, shame, denial, perpetrator-stereotypes & those accused of SV 
Criminal justice? what happens when report SV to police
Justice alternatives- transformative/restorative/healing justice

understanding sexual violence

Topics we can cover include:
What is kink/BDSM? Why do people engage in kink practises? 
Critically explore sexual scripts & norms- unpack vanilla vs kinky dichotomy 
Identify & explore own attitudes towards different practices including managing disgust, repulsion, judgement, arousal
Differentiating between power play & abuse 
Safe Kink 101: 'risk-aware, consensual kink' & sexual health principles
Explore common themes: dominance, submission, exhibitionism, voyeurism, sadism, masochism, bondage, taboo, consensual non-consent, objectification/ degradation/ humiliation, beastiality, age play, latex/rubber/leather
Kink & the law 

kink 101
 

Topics we can cover include: 
Sexual scripts: where we learn about sex & what did we learn? eg what actually is sex? how does someone 'lose their virginity'? 
Why do people have sex? How to explore / communicate about sexual motivations 
Sexual anatomy- not just reproductive! 
What sex-positivity is & how to incorporate into therapeutic practice 
Relationships between arousal, desire & pleasure
Talking about sex in GSRD- inclusive way 
Cultivating consent: why 'yes means yes & no means no' is harmful message 
Pleasure - what is it? How to maximise? 
Managing shame, taboo, embarrassment, awkwardness about sex & bodies
 

talking about sex
 

Topics we can cover include: 
What is trauma? Experience vs internal bodily response to experience
Trauma & brain: amygdala, limbic system, cortex & stress responses- fight, flight, freeze, flop, fawn, faint 
What are triggers? 
Window of tolerance: hyper-arousal, hypo-arousal, grounded, different resourcing strategies & psychiatric pathologising of trauma responses 
Karpman's drama triangle
Over-functioning & under-functioning
Trauma & attachment- nested model of attachment, ACEs, development, mental health, relational well-being 
The body can change the score- healing from trauma in body and brain 

trauma- informed practice