Sexual problems are prevalent in society, including sexual dysfunctions, sexual compulsive behaviors, sexual desire issues, sexual anxiety and fears, body image concerns and problems with intimacy for singles and long term partners.  Here in South Florida, with all the warm weather, scanty clothing and emphasis on beauty and youthful appearance, mental health and other healthcare providers are inevitably confronted with clients and patients experiencing sexual problems.

The Society for Sex Therapy and Research(SSTAR) will hold the 36th Annual Meeting at the Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach, Florida, March 31 - April 3. The program features a truly outstanding line up of experts from the areas of sexology and sexual medicine. The program is dedicated to the theme of "Innovations and Controversies in Sex Therapy and Research", and focuses on novel and innovative psychological and pharmacological treatments of the sexual dysfunctions as well as several central diagnostic controversies that remain unresolved.

One day workshop March 31: CME, ASSECT, LCSW, LMFT and APA CE'S

For the mental and medical health professionals who are interested in updating themselves in the area of Assessment for male and female dysfunctions there is a full day of workshops being held on Thursday March 31, 2011. This is followed by a reception and poster session. The core program begins Thursday afternoon from 2-5 pm where there are 3 CE workshops covering topical issues such as sex addiction and compulsivity, maintaining sexual desire, and "so you want to be a sex therapist".

 Full Program: March 31 to April 3

On Friday and Saturday there are lectures and symposia targeting the audience of practicing sexologists, and the academic sex researcher. The content features of the symposia are both psychological innovations in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions, and novel pharmacological agents under development as treatment options. A debate is scheduled between Eli Coleman and Jon Grant to explore the best paradigm (compulsion versus addiction) to explain hypersexual behavior, while a second debate between Anita Clayton and Lori Brotto is focused on the strengths and weaknesses of the DSM-IV scheme versus the proposed DSM-V nosology for HSDD and FSAD. Further, in addition to a number of very interesting podium presentations, Greg Broderick will speak on "Sexual Adjustment to Cancer", while Fred Berlin is scheduled to present on "Diagnosis and Treatment of Paraphilias/Pedophilia"

Sunday morning, April 3, 2011, 9 Am - 12 PM: In many states, including Florida, ethics are a mandatory requirement for relicensing. Sunday morning there will be a post meeting CE Ethic's presentation by Dan Watter and Peggy Kleinplatz. Ethical Dilemmas and Clinical Conundrums in Sex Therapy: Withstanding Assaults on Professional Integrity.

BBQ Reception at the Omphoy Ocean Resort on Friday, April 1, 2011 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM

The Omphoy Ocean Resort, South MB Terrace. The cost is $50 per person and pre-registration is required.

For more information and registration application

Cassandra Larkins
SSTAR Administrative Director
202-863-1648; clarkins@acog.org
www.sstarnet.org