Abuse
verb
/əˈbjuːz/
treat with cruelty or violence, especially regularly or repeatedly.
Reclaiming Power: Unpacking Emotional Abuse Dynamics and A Path to Healing
Presented by Angie Gunn
Every relationship dynamic, professional and personal, involve the exchange of power, often primarily at the emotional level. The misuse of this power can be subtle and sneaky, slowly crippling you as you try to navigate love, connection and financial sustainability. We will unpack the patterns and provide tools for taking back power over your well-being, your presence, and your business.
Addiction
noun
/əˈdɪkʃ(ə)n/
the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance or activity.
Understanding Sex “Addiction”
Presented by Nicoletta Heidegger
Is “sex addiction” a thing? What defines a sex “addict?” In this presentation Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Sexologist Nicoletta von Heidegger explores the myth of sex addiction and explains some ways to address sexual behavior that feels out of control. Tune in for a brief conversation about how to have a healthier relationship with your sexuality.
For more, visit NicolettavHeidegger.com
Harm Reduction
Presented by Samantha Willis
A presentation on harm reduction, dicussing safety in using and acknowledging the root issue rather than the symptom (over usage).
ADHD
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
ADHD: Common Traits and Behaviors
Presented by Pam Shaffer
This video covers some of the common symptoms of ADHD and describes the different ways it may show up in your life. It clears up some of the assumptions we may have about it as well. Topics include hyperactivity, inattention, executive functioning, rejection dysphoria and hyper-focus. It also touches on how these topics might interact in the world of sex work. This video is useful if you think you may have ADHD or are close to someone who does so you can better understand some of the every day ways it may show up in your life.
Anxiety
noun
/aŋˈzʌɪəti/
a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
a nervous disorder marked by excessive uneasiness and apprehension, typically with compulsive behaviour or panic attacks.
Want to feel less anxious? Find your shame
Presented by Dr. Jena Field:
In recent years, there has been a lot of media coverage about anxiety. What is not talked about is that anxiety is a secondary emotion. It’s the one we see and feel, but it is not the main emotion driving us. Anxiety is often the result of a deeper emotion, shame. If we are going to tackle our anxiety we need to tackle the shame driving it.
The strange truth is that shame uses anxiety to protect us. When we recognize our own shame/anxiety link, we can break the link. We become healthier and more productive as a result. Using my own anxiety and shame as an example, I demonstrate how you can discover, challenge, and change your anxious thoughts and the shame-fueled beliefs that drive them.
Anxiety
Presented by Dr. Amie Harwick
This video by Dr. Amie Harwick, MFT describes and defines anxiety, explores different types of anxiety, explores how anxiety may present in sex workers, and provides suggestions for coping with anxiety.
LGBTQIA
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual.
Rainbow Resilience: Overcoming LGBT Performer’s Community Challenge
Presented by Rachael Wells
The LGBTQ+ community within the adult performance industry face many challenges in and outside of their work. Marginalization, houselessness, isolation, suicide, abuse, and threats of outing are commonplace. Within the industry, many performers may feel a sense of idealization and/or devaluation, both of which are forms of fetishization. This seminar discusses and normalizes difficult feelings while discussing individual and community resources to heal these wounds.
Relationships
noun
/rɪˈleɪʃ(ə)nʃɪp/
the way in which two or more people or things are connected, or the state of being connected.
To be or not to be…(non)monogamous?!
Presented by Melissa LeSane
To be or not to be
monogamous/non-monogamous is the issue that people can get stuck on when developing intimate relationships, including performers because their tends to be an assumption made that performers’ relationships are automatically non-monogamous. Deciding what is “right”, “best”, “true” can feel like a never-ending loop of confusion, and there’s usually very little outside support around this experience
Self-Care
noun
/sɛlfˈkɛː/
the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health.
the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.
Self Care in the Adult Industry
Presented by Moushumi Ghose
Keeping sane on and off set.
Self-Esteem
noun
/ˌsɛlfɛˈstiːm/
confidence in one’s own worth or abilities; self-respect.
Know Your Worth: Maintaining emotional health through your career.
Presented by Cora Bilsker
Under capitalism it can be tempting to locate our self-worth in what we’re paid, especially when it relates to the sex industry, but the truth is our self-esteem can’t be purchased. Tending to our emotional health and creating a secure foundation within ourselves can increase our resilience to rejection, manipulation and depression.
Sexual Assault
any sexual act that is imposed on another person without their consent.
You Don’t Just “Get Over It”: Healing From Sexual Trauma
Presented by Russell Stagg
You can’t change the past, but you can heal the present
Stigma
noun
/ˈstɪɡmə/
a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.
Stigma and Sex Work
Presented by Jasmine Johnson
The managing of the stigma associated with sex work through coping strategies that will improve your personal and interpersonal relationships in the communities you live and work.
Stress
noun
/strɛs/
a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.
Stress and Self-Sabotage
Presented by Steven Mollura
This course focuses on some of the self-sabotaging concepts and narratives that may be impeding your stress management. During this video Steven will describe some of the safety behaviours and irrational belief systems that sabotage attempts at relaxation, and explain ways to mitigate them.
Therapy
In this section we will look at all types of addiction or addictive behaviors, from alcohol and drug use, to gambling, “sex addiction” and everything in between.
We will break down addiction, discuss common misconceptions and provide coping strategies and techniques.
Understanding Sex “Addiction” :
Is “sex addiction” a thing? What defines a sex “addict?” In this presentation Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Sexologist Nicoletta von Heidegger explores the myth of sex addiction and explains some ways to address sexual behavior that feels out of control. Tune in for a brief conversation about how to have a healthier relationship with your sexuality. For more, visit NicolettavHeidegger.com
