Trauma Basics for Facilitators in Sexuality and Kink Spaces

When facilitating adult groups on topics related to sexuality and kink, with a focus on practical experimentation and action, we often bring our whole selves to the table. Our experiences, our ability to regulate ourselves, our interest and passion for sexuality and kink topics. When the focus is on fun, experimentation and experience, we often have a curious and eager group in front of us. The adults in front of us also bring their entire history and embodied biography with them. The more they are part of a minority, the more minority stress and often bad experiences, discrimination and distrust they bring with them. When it comes to sexuality, we can assume that there is always at least one person in the group who has experienced sexualised violence. Many people have had experiences in their lives that have the potential to cause trauma. None of our various offerings are trauma therapy, but rather educational offerings.
Alexander Hahne, gay trans man, trainer and speaker for trans-specific topics in the field of sexual health, sex educator, somatic counselor, sexuality focussed bodyworker, systemic sex therapist, dancer and pleasure activist. Leader of workshops and individual counselling on the topics of body awareness, intimacy and sexuality. He works in the field of sexuality for about 20 years with almost 15 years of facilitation in pleasure and kink spaces. With his work he directly support them in their own experience of the body as well as the possibility of uncovering and using access to their own pleasurable potential.
What happens in the workshop?

Input on embodiment, trauma basics, nervous system regulation in educational settings
Brief insight into trauma-related disorders
Similarities, differences, boundaries and limitations of trauma therapy work and educational, exploratory settings
Theoretical input and practical exercises on up- and down-regulation of the nervous system in educational settings
In-depth exploration of your somatic markers and practising self-regulation
Insights into group dynamics and minority stress when working with queer people, for example
Reflection on methods and personal guidance in small groups, followed by evaluation