SAR in the City, New York 2024 (14CEs)

This immersive and experiential two day training offers a unique opportunity for sexuality educators, counselors, and therapists to reconnect with their personal beliefs and attitudes regarding various aspects of human sexuality. The main focus of this training is examining these aspects through a cultural lens. Participants will engage with content in diverse formats—such as media, experiential exercises, readings, group discussions, and role-plays—within a supportive and safe environment designed for meaningful reflection and discussion. The workshop will include both self-reflection time and guided small group discussions.

A Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) is more than just another training; when delivered authentically and skillfully, it can be a transformative experience. Many SAR participants form lasting friendships and supportive professional networks through this shared journey.

The SAR is a structured group experience that facilitates a process-oriented exploration of individuals’ own feelings, attitudes, values, and beliefs about human sexuality and sexual behavior. We will focus on the sensory perception of the information we receive, moving into a deeper exploration of the contextual factors and various cultural perspectives.  It provides a significant opportunity for learning and personal growth for therapists, educators, medical professionals, or anyone seeking to deepen and challenge their sexual self-awareness.

The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) have defined a SAR as follows:

…a process-oriented seminar that uses lecture, media, experiential methods, activities and small group discussions. The objective of a SAR is to give participants the opportunity to explore their attitudes, values, feelings and beliefs about sexuality and how these impact their professional interactions. A SAR is not a traditional academic experience to disseminate cognitive information, nor is it psychotherapy directed toward the resolution of personal problems. It is a highly personal, internal exploration that will be different for each participant. Small group discussions have demonstrated efficacy in achieving this self-exploration and awareness and is essential to the SAR process. To meet AASECT standards, a SAR must be a minimum of 14 hours in length. (AASECT, 2006, p. 1)

In addition to AASECT’s definition, contemporary SAR trainings typically incorporate the viewing and analysis of sexually explicit media. This may often include videos portraying naturalistic, undirected patterns of sexual expression. Sitron and Dyson (2009) have explored the efficacy of the SAR for sexuality educators and therapists (sexologists):

The Sexuality Attitude Reassessment (SAR) has been established as a routine training intervention for sexuality professionals. The SAR has been used to train American sexologists and other helping professionals to be sensitive to sexual diversity and the sexual behavior of others. (p. 158)

Sitron and Dyson (2009) cite Stayton (1998)’s work addressing that health professionals are often “placed in a position of being the ‘expert,’ and yet he or she may know less and be more traumatized, ignorant, and secretive than the patient, client or student” (p. 27). In addition, this imbalance may create challenges for sexologist’s ability to deliver culturally competent services without such SAR training.

The American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) requires completion of an attitude/values training as part of its certification process for sexuality educators, counselors, and therapists. Often, this requirement is fulfilled through participation in a Sexual Attitude Reassessment training (SAR). For detailed certification requirements, visit the AASECT website at www.aasect.org under the “For Professionals” tab.

Facilitator Bio:

Building world peace, one relationship at a time is the mission of Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh, a globally renowned author, speaker and thinking partner. With a PhD in Social Psychology and specialization in the fields of human sexuality, relationships and intercultural fluency,  Dr. Nasserzadeh has worked with countless individuals, couples, and organizational clients to enhance relational health and sense of thriving at micro and macro levels.

She has been a sought-after cultural advisor, speaker, and expert facilitator at high profile events hosted by governmental organizations, UN Agencies, academic institutions, and Fortune 500 companies. Her third book “Love by Design: 6 Ingredients to Build a Lifetime of Love” is the result of her two-decade-long research on the status of thriving relationships and its key ingredients, namely: attraction, respect, trust, shared vision, compassion, and loving behaviors. It is available on all formats globally.

Dr. Nasserzadeh has been a Board member of various professional organizations including the California Psychological Association where she was the elected president of Division VII (dedicated to Diversity and Social Justice), chair of the Communication committee at the American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and the Acting vice president of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS). She is an Approved training provider by AASECT, an accredited member and a registered supervisor by the College of Sex and Relationship Therapists in the UK (COSRT) and since she moved to California, she is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and member of CAMFT. Dr. Nasserzadeh whose work has been featured on NPR, the BBC, ABC, CNN, and USA Today, is based in Los Angeles, CA, and travels widely. You can learn more about Dr. Nasserzadeh on www.Sara-Nasserzadeh.com or follow her on her social media channels.