Sex Beyond the Binary

Course Description:

The word “non-binary” has emerged within our cultural lexicon as an assertion of Transgender and Gender Diverse individuals whose experiences of are more than, beyond, or inclusive of man, woman, and/or gender-neutrality. In fact, binarism – the sorting of identities and behaviors into strictly policed “either/or” categories – impacts all identity domains (Sexual Orientation, Medically Assigned Sex at Birth, and more) and frequently inhibits client functioning particularly in the realms of sensuality and sexuality.

This course explores how to conceptualize LGBTQIA+ clients and their bodies beyond the binary and how LGBTQIA+ identity affirmation – first, via language AS a somatic approach –
increases LGBTQIA+ resilience and as a result, sensual/sexual functioning. Drawing from contemporary research in LGBTQIA+ identities and best practices, and somatic psychology, this course offers theories and tools to assist LGBTQIA+ clients – particularly Transgender clients – in expanding their somatic resilience in service of satisfying sex lives.

This course will help practitioners develop methods for utilizing empowering sensual/sexual “relanguaging” to mitigate the impacts of gender dysphoria, transphobia, and biphobia on sexual functioning. Through specific protocols and case studies, practitioners will learn to support clients on a holistic journey toward the rediscovery and reclamation of their own sensual/sexual bodies in the context of global cultures that still centrally target LGBTQIA+ bodies – and – LGBTQIA+ intimacies.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain differences between Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation, Medically Assigned Sex at Birth, and Self-Expression through a Somatic lens.
• Identify how to build somatic resources for LGBTQIA+ clients and expand their resilience in order to expand their sexual satisfaction.
• Provide three clinical examples of ways to help Transgender clients move beyond healing (from Gender Dysphoria, family rejection, etc.) into reclaiming desire.
• Explain what is meant by a non-binarist approach to trauma-informed somatic sex therapy with LGBTQIA+ clients.
• Articulate the impact of binarism on LGBTQIA+ identity formation, on body-mind integration, and on the erotic dis/satisfaction of LGBTQIA+ clients.

Speaker Bio:

PatrickLyra Wilder is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and previously served as founding Director of LGBTQIA+ Programs at Pacific Pride Foundation – one of the largest LGBTQIA+ Center between Los Angeles and San Francisco. PatrickLyra identifies as queer and transgender (non-binary), and uses they/them pronouns.

PatrickLyra specializes in LGBTQIA+ Populations, Somatic Psychotherapy, Early Childhood and Human Development – having studied at Yale School of Medicine’s renowned Child Study Center via Harris & Seedlings Teaching Fellowships.

Following a decade as an Early Childhood Educator (preschool & kindergarten), PatrickLyra now delights in serving as a therapist who centers the body and anti-racism/-oppression in therapy, facilitating intersectional LGBTQIA+ competency, and speaking on a variety of topics locally and nationally.