Introducing Neglect-Informed Sex Therapy

November 9, 2024

Explore the intricate intersection of neglect trauma and sexuality with Ruth Cohn, MFT in a compelling presentation called Introducing Neglect-Informed Sex Therapy. At the core of the discourse on neglect trauma lies the profound concept of the "dilemma without solution," initially delineated by renowned attachment researcher Mary Main, who also originated the fourth attachment style: the disorganized dissociated. Within this attachment style, infants find themselves ensnared in an impossible bind: the very source of their yearning for love, security, and comfort is also the origin of their terror, rage, and distress, engendering an agonizing inner battle, culminating ultimately in the defeated response of collapse or freeze.

Join Ruth as she navigates the arduous journey of individuals who, as survivors of neglect during infancy and childhood, contend with an unrelenting dichotomy, perpetually torn between reaching out and withdrawing, eventually resorting to a default stance/defense of often fierce self-reliance—a powerful yet isolating coping mechanism with significant, and often unconscious impacts on their sexuality. Ruth will expound upon the myriad manifestations of random, impersonal, and detached expressions of sexuality adopted by neglect survivors, shedding light on the distinctive challenges these patterns pose for both individuals and their partners, for both sexuality and relationship.

Drawing from over 30 years of clinical experience and informal research, Ruth will underscore the inventive "solutions" that neglect survivors devise, ranging from those that foster safety to those that harbor greater risks. This session promises to serve as an enlightening primer on neglect-informed sex therapy, offering invaluable insights into recognizing hallmark traits in clients, navigating the complexities they present, and effectively addressing the unique obstacles they confront in their personal and relational spheres.

Target Audience

Beginning/Introductory

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Identify some of the key characteristics of neglect trauma in clients
  • Describe some of the unique challenges presented in neglect-informed sex therapy    
  • Utilize strategies to address the distinct hurdles faced by individuals with a history of neglect
  • Identify skills and abilities needed to work with adults who have experienced childhood neglect as it applies to their sexual relationships.
  • Describe treatment techniques, based in neuroscience, that can be applied in clinical practice
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.50 APA
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • 1.50 ASWB ACE
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2024 – 08/20/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.50 continuing education credits.
  • 1.50 ISSTD Certificate Program
    This program is eligible for 1.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.
Course opens: 
08/01/2024
Course expires: 
12/31/2050
Event starts: 
11/09/2024 - 4:30pm EST
Event ends: 
11/09/2024 - 6:00pm EST
Part of: 
Attachment and the Therapeutic Relationship - Day One
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Ruth Cohn, MFT
Ruth Cohn, MFT is a psychotherapist living and practicing in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has been specializing in work with survivors of trauma and neglect, their intimate partners and families since 1988. She is a Certified Sex Therapist, certified in Neurofeedback, EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Imago Relationship Therapy. 

Ruth is also the author of numerous articles on sexuality, trauma and neglect and three books: Working With the Developmental Trauma of Childhood Neglect: Using Psychotherapy and Attachment Theory Techniques in Clinical Practice, Coming Home to Passion: Restoring Loving Sexuality in Couples With Histories of Childhood Trauma and Neglect, and Out of My Mind: Late Night Contemplations About Trauma and Neglect.

Ruth came of age as a therapist in the early 1980’s when the recent Women’s Liberation Movement had just brought violence against women and children squarely into the public eye. Particularly sexual violence, a long taboo was finally becoming exposed. Obviously, it has gone in and out of the shadows since then, but that was an important “outing” that rapidly determined the direction of her work as a therapist. 

Available Credit

  • 1.50 APA
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • 1.50 ASWB ACE
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2024 – 08/20/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.50 continuing education credits.
  • 1.50 ISSTD Certificate Program
    This program is eligible for 1.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.
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Early registration ends September 30, 2024 at 5:00 PM US Eastern Time. Prices will increase for emerging professional and professional/retired rates at that time by $50. 

"Your Price" above reflects your final price based on your membership status, career level and any add-ons you choose to add to your registration. Please add this item to your cart and answer the questions on the next page to see your final price. Registration is available for one or two days for this event. If you wish to register for one day, click the day you wish to attend at the top of this page to take you to registration for that day. 

Please note that it can take up to two full business days for your membership status to update following the creation of your account in this system. You will receive an email once your account has been updated to reflect your membership status. Please wait until your membership status has been updated to register. If your account is not updated in this timeframe, please email [email protected] for assistance.

  • ISSTD defines a student as those enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certification in the mental health field and who have an interest in trauma and dissociation. 
  • ISSTD defines an emerging professional as mental health professionals who have completed an advanced degree and are in the first three years of their career (or first three years after graduation for researchers).
  • If you do not fall into one of the above categories please register as Professional/Retired. 

Available Discounts
These prices are for Tier I countries. For a list of countries by Tier click here. If you are located in a country that falls into Tier II-VI please contact ISSTD at [email protected] to receive the appropriate discount code. 
Group rates are available for groups of five or more from the same hospital, facility, or university. Please email ISSTD HQ for assistance with group rates. For groups of 5-9 the discount is 10% off registration fees, for groups of 10 or more the discount is 15% off registration fees. 

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be received in writing via email or fax. A processing fee of $45 will be charged for cancellations received on or before Friday, October 25, 2024 at 5:00 PM ET. No refunds will be issued for no-shows. Refund requests will not be accepted after October 25, 2024. Not all requests will be granted. Substitutions for attendees are accepted until November 1, 2024.

Grievance Policy
ISSTD is fully committed to conducting all activities in strict conformation with the APA and ASWB grievance procedures.

During this conference, conference organizers, presenters and staff will address any concerns that arise. Every effort will be made to address the concerns during the conference when possible. If these individuals are unable to address the participant’s concerns, the complaints and grievances shall be presented in writing to ISSTD Headquarters at [email protected]. These will be forwarded on for review by the Virtual and Regional Conference Committee.

Social Workers: Should social workers have a specific grievance, these grievances will be addressed by D. Michael Coy, LICSW. In situations where the social worker would have a conflict of interest, then, Christine Forner, MSW will review the grievance.

ISSTD strives to resolve grievances in a manner that is in the best interest of the participant. All complaints and grievances are reviewed within 5 working days. Formal grievances are required to be written and emailed as directed above and will be responded to within 15 business days.

Disability Policy (ADA)
We would be happy to accommodate your ADA needs. Please contact ISSTD Headquarters via email at [email protected] or via phone at 844.994.7783 for assistance.

Registration Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 844.994.7783
Fax: 888.966.0310