Innovative Practices in Psychology This edition of Innovative Practices in Psychology features Dr. Cory Hrushka, an AASECT certified Sex Therapist (Diplomate status) and Supervisor, an Associate in Sex Education, and a Clinical Sexologist. He tells us about some interesting developments in sex therapy, in Alberta.
By Dr. Naheed Jawed, R. Psych Dr. Hrushka, lets discuss the difference dynamics and interaction patterns between partners in the bedroom between a sexologist and a sex and what the “dance roles” may look therapist. like for things to work better. To A sexologist is someone who studies understand how sensual/sexual play sexuality, which is different from a sex interaction works, clients need to know therapist who applies therapeutic skills where they fit on a spectrum. The in regard to sexuality issues. AASECT spectrum is identified, based on both a Certified sex therapists typically have perceived power and an action-based extended knowledge in a focused area grid. By understanding how couples such as sociocultural factors or issues complement each other within the related to gender or sexual orientation, bedroom (which could be very different couple relationships and intimacy skills, than their behaviour in their general dayand sexual expressions and lifestyles to-day interactions in the relationship) (polyamory, swinging, BDSM, fetishes, clients can get a better understanding philias, etc.). They have specific of how they can enhance intimacy knowledge regarding sexual and and sexuality, by effectively dancing in reproductive anatomy and physiology the bedroom better and more fluidly: and understand how health and https://www.insightpsychological.ca/ medical factors may influence sexuality blog/model-of-action-and-perceivedand sexual offending behaviour. There power-mapp/ is a strong focus on sexual functioning issues, pleasure enhancement skills Can you tell me about your gender and the approaches to medical transitions program, Transformations, interventions, if applicable. and its therapeutic component?
to speed up the process and help individuals work through any issues that might be stopping them from their transitioning, while also teaching them about the process, and providing referrals and resources: https://www. insightpsychological.ca/sexuality/ transformation-gender-transitionsprogram/ Tell us about the launch of a new program, AMARE, and the new sex therapy podcast.
We’re building a full-spectrum therapeutic team working in the different areas of sexuality (and in the process of getting AASECT certified for which I am supervising them) so that we can address all issues involving sexuality, intimacy, and gender. Currently there are only a few in Alberta, and it appears I have trained the majority of them so far! We’re also launching our new podcast, “Down the Rabbit Hole with a Sex Therapist” to address key questions Tell us about your model for relational The Transformations program is a comprehensive package for individuals we get regarding sexuality and sexual interaction patterns and dynamics. going through gender transition. functioning. Currently, we have 12 I wrote an article, the Model of Action We worked with psychiatrists, topics we’re planning to explore, and Perceived Power, which describes endocrinologists, and other medical including loss of intimacy, fetishes and a pattern/concept I’ve seen in clients professionals to help facilitate healthy philias, pornography use, LGBTQ issues, in therapy. It’s based on my therapeutic transitioning. We work with individuals and more! We hope to release our first practice over 20 years, and interactions during and prior to their meeting podcast this fall, with a new episode with those in the sexual community. It’s with psychiatrists, which could take monthly: https://anchor.fm/insighta new model, looking at relationship two or more years. The intent was psychological. *The extended article is available online! Click here 16
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