As individual and couples’ therapists who work with women, we are often faced with our client’s sexual problems such as low sexual desire and desire discrepancy between partners.  These cases can be challenging cases. As therapists who address female sexuality problems, we need to have up-to-date therapeutic skills and knowledge about female sexuality.  We need to know when and how to use these skills and knowledge to help our clients address their sexuality.

It is a real treat to have Emily Nagoski teach us about the science of female sexuality

 In 2015, Emily wrote and published the book, Come As You Are which radically changed the perspective on female sexuality.  Using the science of female sexuality, women began to feel normalized and hopeful regarding their sexuality.  By delving deep into the science of women's sexuality, we will learn about brain mechanisms that govern sexual response and pleasure and the relationship between genital response, desire, and sexual arousal.  She will address the essential topics of the dual control model of sexual desire, the difference between spontaneous and responsive desire, and discordant arousal. We will discuss how to incorporate this knowledge to help individuals and couples improve their communication about sex. You will walk away knowing that “Pleasure is the Measure” when discussing sexuality with your clients.

Emily Nagoski obtained her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Indiana University and completed clinical internships at the Kinsey Institute Sexual Health Clinic and the Indiana University’s GLBT Student Support Services Office. She earned a Ph.D. in Health Behavior with a concentration in human sexuality.

For eight years, she worked as a lecturer and Director of Wellness Education at Smith College, before transitioning to full-time writing and speaking. She now travels all over, training professionals, teaching college students and other lay people.  Emily’s mission in life is to teach women to live with confidence