| Happy March, fellow SSTARGazers! |
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This month, we’re excited to share new SSTARBurst videos, upcoming training opportunities and the winner of the 2026 SSTAR Health Professional Book Award, please see the details below. If you have a workshop, publication, job posting, call for participants, or other announcements you'd like to share with the SSTAR community, we’d love to hear from you! New Online Submission Form: Please submit your content using the following form: https://form.asana.com/?k=sEXk2Vl4NvJ-Di7eMIUW0w&d=8142059046716 . Please select "SSTARGaze Monthly Newsletter" as your Communication Type. Submissions are due no later than five days before the end of the month (e.g., by March 20 for inclusion in the April newsletter). Be sure to include any relevant deadlines. Thank you for helping us keep the SSTAR community informed, engaged, and connected! Have a great day, Beáta Bőthe, Ph.D. Communications Chair |
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Dear SSTAR Members, We’re excited to share our second SSTARburst video, featuring a fun interview with fellow SSTAR member Dr. Marie-Michèle Paquette! In just a few minutes, you’ll get to know Dr. Paquette and hear about the exciting research she’s been conducting—alongside other SSTAR members. Click on the link to the video. |
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What is SSTARburst? SSTARburst is a series of short video interviews—perfect for your lunch break—each spotlighting a different SSTAR member and featuring their recently published research or practical, real-world clinical insights. It's all about getting to know one another, celebrating the incredible work of SSTAR members, keeping you current on research and clinical practice, and building connection, collaboration, and community We hope you enjoy this latest SSTARburst interview! And if you missed last month's interview with Dr. Jared Boot-Haury, click on this link to the video. |
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Finally, if you would like to share recently published research or your clinical wisdom (or nominate another SSTAR member for this), please reach out to me at info@sstarnet.org. I'd love for us all to get to know and learn from you!! Wishing you all a good month until next time! Warmly, Carolin Klein, Programs Officer and the rest of the SSTAR Team |
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| Conferences, Workshops, Training, and Professional Groups |
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Mary Ellen Meltzer PMHCNS-BC, CST-S and Joe Winn LICSW, CST-S are launching a sex therapy supervision group beginning on January 13, 2026. If the entire group is attended participants will accrue 12 hours of AASECT group supervision that can be applied towards their application for certification as an AASECT Certified sex therapist. To build trust and foster a community approach to working with the complexities of sexual health, we will be utilizing a once monthly, cohort based closed group model of supervision. The rate for this group is $150 for 2 hours. The dates and hours for this supervisory group are. - Tuesday February 10, 2026
- Tuesday March 10, 2026
- Tuesday April 14, 2026
- Tuesday May 12, 2026
- Tuesday June 9, 2026
Group starts: 1:00pm PST/ 2:00pm MST/ 3:00am CST / 4:00pm EST, Group ends: 3:00 pm PST/ 4:00pm MST/ 5:00pm CST/ 6:00pm EST During the group we will explore the role of assessment, diagnosis, and collaborative intervention from multiple lenses starting with the person of the therapist, their sexological world view, and expanding into the intersectional experiences of race, class, culture, heteronormativity, gender, ageism, and ableism, as well as their impacts on the construction and experience of eroticism, sexuality, sexual pleasure and functioning. As supervisors we hold an integrated perspective on theory, drawing heavily from family systems, psychodynamic, attachment theory, and various models of differentiation. We ask that you bring your cases, your curiosity, and a willingness to be both vulnerable and supportive as we work together to provide excellence to those seeking assistance in the arena of pleasure based sexual health and functioning. Please feel free to back channel either of us for more information or to schedule an interview for admission. We look forward to hearing from you! Mary Ellen Meltzer PMHCNS-BC, CST-S: maryellen.meltzer@comcast.net Joe Winn LICSW, CST-S: joe@josephwinnlicsw.net |
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Dear SSTAR members, We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the international SAGA Conference: “Sexuality and Generative AI: Benefits, Risks, and Paths for Action. The event will take place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at UQAM – Université du Québec à Montréal. The conference is free, bilingual, and hybrid. At the following link — https://event.fourwaves.com/fr/sexualiteia/pages — you will find: - The registration form,
- The program,
- The call for abstracts for scientific posters
We warmly invite you to share this announcement within your networks, including colleagues, students, community partners, or anyone who may be interested in the legal, ethical, social, or clinical issues related to generative AI and sexuality. This event is made possible through the support of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and our institutional and community partners. Thank you sincerely for your collaboration and for helping us disseminate this event. Kind regards, David Lafortune, PhD, psychologue | Professeur agrégé Département de sexologie | Université du Québec à Montréal Directeur adjoint des programmes de cycles supérieurs | Responsable du programme de maitrise clinique Directeur du Lab EROSS – Laboratoire d’Étude sur la Réalité virtuelle, les Outils Sexotechnologiques et la Santé sexuelle Continuing Education Co-Chair | Society for Sex Therapy and Research Chercheur régulier au CRIPCAS – Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur les Problèmes Conjugaux et les Agressions Sexuelles |
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On behalf of the European Federation of Sexology (EFS), and in cooperation with Sociedade Portoguesa de Sexologica Clinica, it is a great pleasure and honour for me to invite and welcome you to the 18th EFS Congress that will take place in Lisbon, Portugal on 28-30 of May 2026. The biennial European Congress of Sexology stands as a pivotal event for professionals dedicated to advancing the fields of sexual health, education, and advocacy. Organized by the European Federation of Sexology, this congress gathers a diverse group of experts from various disciplines, including medicine, psychology, education, and public health. Attendees engage in discussions on crucial social and psychosocial topics, aiming to enhance knowledge and practices in sexology. This event is essential for fostering collaboration and innovation among those committed to improving sexual health and rights worldwide. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the European Congress of Sexology, where experts from various fields gather to share insights and advancements in sexual health. Secure your spot today to engage with thought leaders and enhance your professional knowledge. registration link : https://europeansexologycongress.org/registration/ website link: https://europeansexologycongress.org |
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Introduction to IFS through the Lens of Sexuality, a unique 20-hour virtual workshop presented by Patricia Rich, LCSW, CST-S Learning Internal Family Systems was a gamechanger for me as a sex therapist, and I am passionate about helping therapists to learn this approach so that they can bring a new level of healing, pleasure, and empowerment to their clients. This 20 hour, live online 4-day workshop starts April 17th and is ideally suited to professionals who are new to the practice of IFS, who want to refresh their IFS skills, and/or who wish to understand IFS in the context of parts related to sexuality. This is not just a bunch of recordings to watch on your own. It is a group experience led by myself, an expert in integrating IFS & Sexuality for the last 10 years, which will include varied learning experiences, staffed practice groups and feedback. I believe that IFS is best learned in a social environment and that the group container opens a field of Self Energy unlike what is possible in isolation, or even in a therapeutic dyad or triad. And as the topic of sexuality can activate so many parts, it will offer many opportunities as guide and explorer to use IFS techniques to begin to navigate this terrain with skill and compassion. You can read more about the workshop and register at this link: https://76b5-patty.systeme.io/introtoifslos2026 Prior participants have said: “Patty's expertise in sex and IFS is clear. She created a safe space for learning and found a beautiful balance between didactic and experiential exercises.” “Leaving with a deep sense of hope in my internal system and thirst for more.” “This was one of the best trainings I've taken, particularly given it was virtual.” I am pleased that this program meets the educational requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 20 CE credits. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. This program has been approved by NBCC for 20 NBCC credits. Patricia Rich Consulting, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. NBCC Approval No. SP-5015 Please feel free to reach out with any questions, and to pass this along to others who may be interested. Don’t delay! Early bird pricing ends soon! Warm regards, Patricia Rich P.S. – Check out “Self-Led in Bed: An IFS and Sexuality Podcast” to learn more about my approach! |
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Seeking women with vaginismus and/or difficulties with penetration for research on experiences of vaginismus We are conducting an online study to further understand experiences of vaginismus or difficulties with penetration. The study is being conducted under the supervision of Dr. Caroline Pukall in the Sexual Health Research Laboratory (SexLab) at Queen’s University. The SexLab is dedicated to understanding human sexuality and overall health. If you are unfamiliar with the SexLab and would like to know a bit more about the research we do, please visit our website: www.sexlab.ca. You are also more than welcome to ask us any questions you may have by contacting myself or our research associate (Shannon Coyle) at sex.lab@queensu.ca We are currently recruiting individuals who are at least 18 years or older, fluent in English, comfortable answering questions about their psychological and sexual wellbeing and identify as currently or previously having experienced vaginismus. Participation involves completing a 30-to-45-minute online survey. To participate, participants must: - Be 18 years of age or older
- Be fluent in English
- Be comfortable answering questions about your psychological and sexual wellbeing
- Identify as currently or previously having experienced vaginismus
For more information, please contact Caroline Pukall, the lead researcher, at sex.lab@queensu.ca. All inquiries are completely confidential. Please let us know if you would be willing to send along this advertisement on our behalf. Again, if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to email sex.lab@queensu.ca. Thanks for your help! This study has received ethical approval by the Queen’s University General Research Ethics Board. Feel free to share the study details and link with your colleagues! Caroline Pukall, Melody Garas, Abby Bacon Sexual Health Research Lab, Department of Psychology, Queen’s University |
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I am delighted to announce that the winner of the 2026 SSTAR Health Professional Book Award is “New Directions in Sex Therapy: Innovations and Alternatives (3rd Edition) edited by Peggy J. Kleinplatz, PhD and published by Routledge (2025). Congratulations to the many SSTAR members who contributed chapters to this important book! The SSTAR Health Professional Book award recognizes outstanding books, published in English within the last two years, that advance the understanding and treatment of human sexuality and sexual problems. Eligible books are aimed at professionals, are not collections of previously published works, and must be readily available in bookstores or libraries. Here is what Caroline Russell Smith, Chair of the SSTAR Health Professional Book Award Committee has to say about the book: New Directions in Sex Therapy: Innovations and Alternatives (3rd Edition) serves as a compass for new and seasoned sexual health professionals, orienting us into the future of sex therapy with careful consideration of the influences of power, identity, relationship and social context on our work. We found the book to be thought-provoking and diverse in its theoretical offerings. The committee appreciated constructive critiques of our field, attention to marginalized populations and practices, and explorations of our role as creative and ethical providers of care. Dr. Kleinplatz and her contributors share their fierce commitment to moving our field forward as well as their reverence for those we serve in an accessible and informative way. Your clinical library is better with this book in it. Thank you to members of the Health Professional Book Award Committee -- Amanda Adili, Ruth Koelling, Caroline Maykut and Mary Beth Golden -- for their willingness to turn many pages with discernment. |
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The Society for Sex Therapy and Research announces the call for nominations for the 2027 SSTAR Consumer Book Award. As part of SSTAR’s vision to advance sexual wellbeing, the organization honors exceptional contributions to the field by recognizing outstanding consumer books on sexuality with its Consumer Book Award. The goal of the award is to recognize the best recent book for consumers (intended for the lay public or general reader and NOT for therapists, mental health specialists or other health care providers) that contributes to the understanding of human sexuality and/or sexual problems. The award will be presented at the 2027 Annual Meeting. Eligibility Criteria 1. Content of the book must be related to human sexuality and/or sexual problems. 2. The book must be in English and must have been published between April 1, 2024 and February 28, 2026. The book may have multiple authors or be an edited work. Previously submitted books are eligible. How to Nominate a Book - Nominations for the Consumer Book Award may come from any individual, organization, or publisher. Membership in SSTAR is NOT a prerequisite for entry.
- The deadline for submitting nominations is March 31, 2026.
- To nominate a book:
- Email the Committee Chairperson, Dr. Stephanie Kuffel, at swkuffel@qwestoffice.net, and CC the SSTAR office at info@sstarnet.org, providing all relevant details about the book being nominated. This is to include the name, author, publisher, and date of publication of the book. Receipt of submissions will be acknowledged in writing by SSTAR.
- Mail copies of the book to each of the following five committee members - please note that Alice Girouard is a resident of Canada and should not be required to pay duty or taxes on any books sent to them and therefore will not accept books in which there are costs due them. Submitted books will not be returned and will remain the property of the reviewers. Email the Chairperson, Dr. Stephanie Kuffel, at swkuffel@qwestoffice.net to obtain addresses of each committee member.
- Books received after the final deadline will not be eligible.
ABOUT THE AWARD The Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR) established the Consumer Book Award to be given to the author(s) or editor(s) of the best work published in English for consumers that contributes to the understanding of human sexuality and/or sexual problems. Award winners (including multiple authors or each of the editors of an edited book where there is more than one editor) will each be given a plaque, and their names will be listed on the SSTAR Web site. There will be no monetary award. The SSTAR Consumer Book Award is to be given every two years. CONDITIONS OF THE PRIZES Any eligible book which is entered for a SSTAR Book Award shall not qualify unless the publisher or author(s)/editor(s) agrees to provide copies of the book at no cost to each member of the selection committee. The SSTAR Consumer Book Award will be given to the winning author(s)/editor(s) in person at the SSTAR Annual Meeting. The winning author(s) will give a 20-minute presentation about the book after the award is presented. SSTAR strongly encourages the publishers of the winning book to pay the author/editor expenses involved in attending the SSTAR meeting (including travel, lodging, food, and registration), although authors/editors may do so themselves in whole or in part. The publisher of the winning book agrees to include in any advertising after the award has been announced that the book has been awarded the SSTAR Consumer Book Award. Publicity directed towards the public and organizations of sexuality professionals announcing the winner of the SSTAR Book Award will be the joint responsibility of SSTAR, the author(s)/editor(s), and the publishers. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE AWARD The winner of the SSTAR Consumer Book Award will be announced on the SSTAR social media channels and website (www.sstarnet.org). At the committee’s discretion, one or more of the other nominated books may also be selected for special mention. The selection committee will reach its decision in private deliberations. Publishers, authors, and editors should be aware that they will receive no advance notice of the finalists or the winners before the award is officially announced. For further information concerning the Consumer Book Award, please contact the chairperson Dr. Stephanie Kuffel at swkuffel@qwestoffice.net. 2027 SSTAR Consumer Book Award Committee: - Stephanie Kuffel, PhD (Chair)
- Michael Giordano, LICSW
- Alice Girouard, PhD
- Bernie Newton, MS, LCMHC, CST
- Anabel Perez-Gonzalez, LCSW
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Dear SSTAR members, My latest book, Cancer, Sex, and Intimacy: A Couple's Guide is out today! Written for couples of all kinds who have experienced cancer, the book provides evidence-based guidance in an easy to read, narrative format. Best, Anne Katz |
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