Exploring Islamic and Jewish Traditions of Sexual Intimacy (4 CEs)

Course Description

The Islamic and Jewish traditions have rich discourses around sex and sexuality. The sacred texts of both faith traditions give voice to the joy that is found in the intimate, erotic, sexual, and sensual. Many of these concepts have been lost in modern times for reasons that will be explored in this class. The instructors of this course will discuss practical ways in which sex therapists and sex educators can incorporate conversations around these traditions into their work with clients, particularly those who identify with the Abrahamic faith traditions. Participants will also learn how identify and address the impact(s) of heterosexism, homophobia, colonization, sexism, misogyny, bigenderism, and other forms of oppression.

Learning Objectives

1)    Discuss common stereotypes and gaps in knowledge about the intersections of Islam and sexual intimacy within the sex therapy profession;

2)    Explain the relationship between Islamic perspectives of the soul and sexual intimacy;

3)    List three examples of how Jewish philosophy may influence Jewish and Interfaith couples (where one identifies as Jewish);

4)    Discuss two examples of how spirituality can impact sexual joy for both individuals and couples;

5)    Discuss the areas of intersection between Islam and Judaism.

Activity Schedule

1 Hour: Class Exercise, Location of Self

1 Hour: Exploring Islamic Traditions of Sexual Intimacy

1 Hour: Exploring Jewish Traditions of Sexual Intimacy

1 Hour: Case Examples for small group practice

Speaker Bios:

Sameera Qureshi, MS OTR is an Occupational Therapist who has spent her career working at the intersections of Islam, mental health, and sexual health. In 2020, she founded Sexual Health for Muslims, to center Islamic traditions of the soul for sexual health therapy, education, and professional development services. She is passionate about the application of Islamic Psychology to how sexuality and sex are conceptualized for Muslims. Sameera is the co-author of a few book chapters and is currently working on her own book, “Soulful Sexual Health for Muslims,” to be published in mid-2025. She is also on the Editorial board of the American Journal of Sexuality Education. You can learn more about Sameera’s work at www.sexualhealthformuslims.com and on Instagram @sexualhealthformuslims.

David Wohlsifer, PhD, LCSW (FL, NJ, NY, PA, WA) is a Clinical Instructor at Florida Atlantic University, Sandler School of Social Work and Coordinator of the Graduate Certificate in Gender and Sexuality.  He is the founder of the Boca Raton Center for Psychotherapy. His areas of clinical practice include Couple/Family Therapy, CBT, Substance Use Disorders, EMDR, LGBTQ, and Sex Therapy. He has published in the areas of clinical social work education, family/couple therapy, and sex therapy. He is an advisory editor for the journal Family Process. He is a Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, AASECT and FL Certified Sex therapist, Certified EMDR therapist, and one of the co-chairs of the American Family Therapy Academy’s Couple Therapy Interest Group. You can learn more about Dr. Wohlsifer’s work at www.DrDavidW.com