Depression is a word that we all know and hear and have different understandings of. Come learn the differences between depression and other emotions, what lives alongside depression, “causes,” and how to take care of oneself during experiences of depression.

Rachael “Rainier” Wells (They/Them) is a licensed mental health counselor, yoga teacher, and EMDR consultant who specializes in working with the following: those with complex PTSD, religious trauma, disordered eating, Autistic folks, Borderline Personality Disorder, Dissociative Identity Disorder, those in the adult industry, LGBTQIA2+ folks, couples, and many more. Rainier is a recommended therapist and sought out for their distinct compassion and attentiveness to trauma and attachment. Rainier is an autistic, warm human who identifies as non-binary and has lived experience in the world of C-PTSD and many specialties provided.

In this workshop, participants will learn strategies to help them more mindfully reflect on various forms of self-care, including mental health, sexual health, and self-compassion. In addition, participants will also become familiar with the importance of “community care” and learn how to both offer support to and rely on support from other people. This is a very active workshop and participants are encouraged to bring pen and paper.

Nigel Cook (he/him) is a trauma-focused sex therapist in St. Louis, MO. Primarily, Nigel works with clients who have experienced sexual violence and are looking to reclaim what sexuality means for them. Nigel’s sexual philosophy is that all people have a right to engage in sexual self-expressions that are meaningful for them, whether that means transitioning, practicing kink, or doing consensual sex-work. In addition to therapy services, Nigel also teaches at local universities in their social work departments, and provides several ethics and sexuality professional development trainings.

In this thought-provoking panel, experts and influencers from the adult content creation community come together to address the often overlooked issue of depression within the industry. The discussion delves into the unique challenges faced by individuals working in the adult industry, exploring the impact of societal stigma, online harassment, and the blurred boundaries between personal and professional life. Panelists share personal experiences, shedding light on the emotional toll that can accompany a career in this field. The conversation aims to foster a supportive environment, encouraging open dialogue about mental health, destigmatizing depression, and exploring potential solutions for creating a healthier and more compassionate community.

Dr. Kilwein (name/she/they/Dr.) is a licensed clinical psychologist in California, Colorado, North Dakota, Tennessee, and Wyoming. They specialize in treating trauma/PTSD, addictions, sex, masculinity, sport/mental performance, and transgender/gender expansive concerns. Dr. Kilwein incorporates feminist, multicultural, and liberation therapy techniques throughout their work with clients of all identities. They consider themself an LGBTQIA2S+ and polyamory/consensual non-monogamy co-conspirator, offering inclusive systemic sex therapy to those of all gender/sexuality/relationship identities and behavioral health evaluations, letters, and referrals for those seeking gender affirming medical care access.

Panelists: Carly David, Finn Fiasko, Ana Foxx, Sabien DeMonia, Isla Cox, Laura Desiree, Araneae Mactans & Eva Talks