Society of Australian Sexologists Ltd upcoming events

Exploring Erotic Identity Through Creative Practice with Tash Brockwell and Tanya Elizabeth (4 Jun 2026)

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:30:00 GMT

About

This presentation examines the role of creative practice in exploring and integrating erotic identity. Integrating frameworks from sexology and arts therapy, it will highlight how non-verbal and symbolic processes can support clients in accessing aspects of desire, fantasy, and self-experience that may be difficult to articulate. Participants will be introduced to practical approaches and considerations for incorporating creative modalities into therapeutic and educational contexts, with attention to safety, consent, and scope of practice. The session aims to expand clinicians’ and educators’ toolkits for working with erotic identity in an embodied, client-centered, and ethically grounded way.

Presenters

Tash Brockwell (she/her) is a trauma-informed sexologist, counsellor, lecturer, and arts therapist who brings creativity and curiosity into conversations about identity, intimacy, and expression. She holds a Master of Sexology and an Advanced Diploma in Transpersonal Arts Therapy. Her professional background spans clinical, educational, and community settings. Tash integrates sexology with creative practice to support embodied, inclusive, and meaningful ways of understanding the erotic self.

Tanya Elizabeth (she/they) is a neuro-affirming registered arts psychotherapist, sexologist, clinical counsellor, educator, Internal Family Systems practitioner, and clinical supervisor. She holds registrations with ANZACATA and PACFA, and operates a private practice as a registered NDIS provider in Meanjin, Brisbane. Tanya has supported diverse communities for over 20 years across Australia, Mongolia, Vietnam, Mexico, and Lebanon. She delivers professional development workshops in creative arts therapy and suicide prevention for Roses in the Ocean, and teaches within the Master of Mental Health program at the University of Queensland. Her leadership experience includes roles as the President of the former SAS Queensland branch, the SAS National Secretary, and the coordinator of the Meanjin Creative Arts Therapies Mental Health Professionals Network. Outside her clinical work, Tanya performs as a stilt walker, skateboards, and follows live rock music. She values collaboration and creative expression as pathways to connect with community and the self.

Beyond Shame: Integrating Faith and Sexuality in Clinical Practice with Monica Cook (22 Jun 2026)

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:30:00 GMT

About

Many clients seeking support for sexual difficulties come from conservative or faith-based backgrounds where sexuality has been shaped by rigid beliefs, shame, or silence. For clinicians, this can create a complex therapeutic space where sex-positivity, religious values, and psychological safety must all be carefully navigated.

This professional development session is designed for sexologists, counsellors, psychologists, and allied health professionals who want to work more competently, respectfully, and effectively with conservative Christian clients experiencing sexual distress.

Drawing on clinical practice and theology-informed understanding this training will explore:

What it means to be spiritually and culturally respectful and common clinical missteps that unintentionally alienate Christian clients.
How to affirm sexual wellbeing without invalidating deeply held faith values especially with regards to topics such as masturbation, desire, fantasy and sex toys.
Common presentations when working with Christian clients (spiritual shame and guilt, self sacrifice and sexual entitlement).
Trusted resources including books, podcasts, and faith-sensitive educational tools that clients can engage with safely.

Participants will leave with a clearer framework for working with Christian clients in a way that is ethically sound, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and clinically effective, while honouring both sexuality and faith as meaningful parts of the human experience.

Presenter

Monica Cook - Sexologist & Educator

https://www.reconceived.com.au

Monica is a psychosexual therapist and sexuality educator based in Sydney.

In 2018 Monica was offered a position as a Senior Research Fellow at Anglican Deaconess Ministries. It was here she had the unique opportunity to design a sex and fertility program built on theological principles for the Church.

She has also worked for CatholicCare educating engaged couples, is a regular speaker for Family Planning NSW, a subcommittee board member for the Australasian Institute for Restorative Reproductive Medicine (AIRRM) and managed the Christian Society for Sexual Wellbeing (CSSW).

Monica has had many years of experience in education presenting to a range of audiences including couples, parents, students, doctors and church congregations. She holds a Masters of Sexual and Reproductive Health (Psychosexual Therapy) with additional university qualifications in health education and medical research. She is a member of the Australian Counselling Association and Society for Australian Sexologists (SAS).

Medical Approaches to Female Sexual Dysfunction with Dr Lesley Yee (29 Jul 2026)

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 09:30:00 GMT

About

Many female patients present with a complex interplay of psychological and physical sexual issues. Historically, clinical practice tended to view the treatment of female concerns as primarily psychologically based. However, the rise in medical options for managing male sexual dysfunction has sparked greater interest in the medical side of managing Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD).

This presentation provides an overview of the categories of FSD and examines the role of medical management and treatment options for each. While holistic care requires consideration of broader psychosexual issues alongside any physical treatment, this session concentrates specifically on the medical management strategies available to clinicians.

Presenter

Dr Lesley Yee is a sexual health physician and medical psychotherapist currently in private practice. With over 30 years of specialised experience in sexual health, she has worked as a clinician and educator for Family Planning NSW, the Australian Centre for Sexual Health, and the Royal North Shore Hospital Gynaecology Clinic. Dr Yee is a recognised specialist in both female and male sexual issues with a special interest in trauma-based therapy, particularly sexual trauma. Her dual background allows her to bring both a psychosexual and medical understanding to her work, aiming to practise from a holistic viewpoint within a biopsychosocial framework.