Course Description

The Sexuality, Attachment and Trauma (SAT) Project published research that provided evidence that there is a relationship between out-of-control sexual behavior (OCSB) and insecure attachment styles. Specifically, the research indicated that people who were assessed as struggling with OCSB also assessed as having high levels of attachment avoidant behaviors. We discovered that those who struggle with OCSB may want a connection but are fearful of exposing the vulnerability required in intimacy. This fear often relates to early attachment trauma that must be addressed in treatment.

 

The workshop provides an overview on psychodynamic psychotherapy that focuses on treating the underlying attachment issues that exist in clients with out-of-control sexual behavior. The SAT Project has developed treatment models that directly address these issues. This workshop presents this treatment model, which includes individual, couples, and group therapy concepts. The workshop includes the presentation of case vignettes, which will elucidate the various attachment styles that need to be addressed to assist with long-term recovery from OCSB

 

This research as well as other conceptualizations of OCSB has helped provide evidence that our program’s focus on attachment and affect theory as a way to efficiently address out-of-control sexual behaviors provides for a less formulaic strategy to address Out-Of-Control Sexual Behavior.


3 contact hours offered for LMHCs, LCSWs, and LMSWs! (See CE information below.)

Attendees will be able to:

  • Increase understanding of various theories of etiology of out-of- control sexual behavior

  • Increase awareness of advancements in the understanding of out-of-control-sexual-behavior as it relates to attachment theory and neuropsychology

  • Increase understanding of treatment modalities that address the attachment related issues pertaining to out-of-control sexual symptoms using case study review

  • Increase the understanding of the necessity of a multi-modality treatment model that includes individual, couples, and group psychodynamic psychotherapy

Watch our introductory interview with instructors: Dr. Michael Crocker and Shaun Peknic

Meet Your Instructors

Michael Crocker, DSW and Shaun Peknic, MA

Dr. Michael Crocker, DSW, LCSW, MA, CGT, is the Director of the Sexuality, Attachment and Trauma Project as well as a private practitioner who provides direct clinical services that address trauma, cross-addiction, out-of-control sexual behavior, as well as sexual inhibition, intimacy anxiety, gender disorders and sexual identity confusion. He has a doctorate in clinical social work from the University of Pennsylvania where he studied the connection between out-of-control sexual behavior and insecure attachment. Dr. Crocker is a licensed clinical social worker who also holds a master’s degree in social work, a master’s degree in industrial psychology and organizational behavior, two post masters certificates and institute training in object relations theory. Dr. Crocker is an adjunct professor for Touro College, Rutgers University and Iona College. He teaches psychodynamic theory and trauma related studies for graduate students.



Shaun Peknic, MA, is the Associate Director of The Sexuality, Attachment, and Trauma Project and pursuing an MSW at Silberman School of Social Work. His work is focused on treating men struggling with out of control sexual behavior and with their relationship to sexual imagery. He also specializes in working with gay men and the LGBTQ+ community. He holds a Master's in Organizational Psychology, with a focus in group processes and organizational behavior. In addition, he has 20+ years of experience as a theater director, including seven years as associate director for the Tony award-winning musical Once. His work on original plays and musicals centers on stories that explore queer identity, family trauma, and the unconscious. As SAT Project associate director, he produces the Continuing Education Programming and has co-authored three articles with Dr. Crocker. Shaun holds a BFA from New York University and has taught on the faculty of NYU and Kingsborough College.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction

  • 2

    Lesson Video

    • Part 1

    • Part 2

    • Part 3

    • Q & A
  • 3

    Supplemental Materials

    • Bibliography OCSB as an Attachment and Affect Disorder

    • Six Principles of Sexual Health

    • Journal Article on Out of Control as a Symptom on Insecure Attachment

    • SAT Project - Adapted Adult Attachment Interview

    • Shame Scales for clients

  • 4

    CE Quiz

    • CE Quiz (Complete in order to receive certificate)
  • 5

    Wrap Up

    • Course Survey

Continuing Education: 3 Contact Hours Earned

Credit requirements and approvals vary per state board regulations. Please save the course curriculum, the certificate of completion you receive afterward and contact your state board or organization to determine specific filing requirements.

Embodied Mind Mental Health Counseling, PLLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0186.

Embodied Mind Mental Health Counseling, PLLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0645.