Tuesday, August 18th, 2026 12:00 PM EDT -3:00 PM EDT Dr. Kris Christiansen
Yahoo!
Description
This lecture explores the science of human sexual anatomy, arousal, and pleasure for graduate sex therapy students. It begins with embryological development, showing how all genitalia start from the same shared tissue in early fetal life — meaning male and female anatomy is built from the same blueprint, with structures like the penis and clitoris being counterparts that share the same nerve supply, blood flow, and erectile tissue. The lecture then compares adult male and female sexual anatomy, highlighting how much the bodies have in common alongside key differences shaped by hormones during development. Next, the physiology of sexual response is covered, contrasting the classic linear model (excitement → plateau → orgasm → resolution) with the circular model that better captures how desire often works in real life — especially the role of emotional connection and context. Finally, the lecture turns to the brain and orgasm: brain imaging studies show that orgasm lights up reward and pleasure centers throughout the brain and triggers the release of natural "feel-good" chemicals, while the balance of brain chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin helps explain why medications, health conditions, and emotional states can all affect sexual function.
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About the Presenter:
Learning Objectives:
- Identify & describe core sexual anatomy, including variations, functions, and their relevance to arousal, pleasure, and reproduction.
- Apply anatomical knowledge to clinical contexts by analyzing case studies of psychosexual difficulties and practicing inclusive client education strategies.
- Evaluate the impact of cultural, social, and historical factors on body literacy and develop approaches to reduce shame and promote comfort discussing anatomy.
Agenda:
Body, Pleasure, and Response: The Anatomy of Sex — Lecture Agenda
Total Time: 3 Hours (180 minutes)
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Part 1: Where It All Begins (40 minutes)
12:00–12:10 — Welcome Introductions
- Overview of learning objectives and agenda
12:10–12:25 — Embryological Development
12:25–12:40 — Guided Discussion #1
- Case example
- Group discussion: Why does understanding shared anatomy matter for sex therapy?
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Part 2: Adult Sexual Anatomy — Alike and Different (40 minutes)
12:40–1:10 — Comparative Anatomy of Male and Female Bodies
- Nerve supply: the pudendal nerve and its branches
- Erectile tissue in both sexes — what clients (and clinicians) often don't know
- Common anatomical misconceptions that show up in therapy
1:10–1:20 — Guided Discussion #2
- Case example
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BREAK (10 minutes) — 1:20–1:30
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Part 3: How Bodies Respond — The Physiology of Arousal (45 minutes)
1:30–1:55 — Models of Sexual Response
- Masters Johnson's linear model
- Basson's circular model
- When each model is clinically useful — and when it falls short
- Physiology of arousal: vasocongestion, lubrication, erection, and the shared nitric oxide pathway
1:55–2:15 — Guided Discussion #3
- Case example
- Small group exercise
Part 4: The Brain, Orgasm, and Pleasure (45 minutes)
2:15–2:40 — Neuroscience of Sexual Pleasure
2:40–2:50 — Guided Discussion #4
- Case example
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Part 5: Wrap-Up and Integration (5 minutes)
2:50–3:00 — Key Takeaways Closing
- Questions /final reflections
Accreditation - This Webinar Offers 3 Live Interactive Continuing Education Credits
- CE You! is an approved sponsor of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for continuing education credits for licensed social workers in Maryland.
CE You! maintains responsibility for this program. - The School of Sex Therapy is an approved continued education provider for the International Association of Psychosexual Therapists. The School of Sex Therapy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
This presentation is open to:
- Behavior Analysts
- Social Workers
- Professional Counselors
- Therapists
- Psychologists
- Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
- Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
- Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
This online class is offered at an intermediate level, and is beneficial for an intermediate level clinician:
- New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
- Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
- Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
- Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives
Additional information
- Refunds: Learners who wish to withdraw from a program of study must do so at least two (2) weeks prior to the start of the initial course to receive a full refund, minus a 10% administrative fee. For withdrawals made one (1) week or less before the start of the initial course, learners are eligible for a 60% refund. Learners who have already started their training and decide to withdraw will remain responsible for the full cost of any courses or workshops they have completed or begun. However, they will not be charged for any future courses or workshops. In the event of an emergency that prevents a learner from continuing the program according to their completion plan, they may request a leave of absence.
- Disability Access: If you require ADA accommodations, please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification.
- Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often, and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly.
- The grievance policy for trainings provided by SoST is available here
- Satisfactory Completion: Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion in your account or by clicking here
- Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.
- There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.
- System Requirements: Any device (such as a computer, tablet, or phone), Dual-Core 2 GHz or higher processor, and at least 4 GB of RAM capable of running a Zoom session, along with a stable internet connection.
- Although early registration is recommended for this class in order to ensure the best experience, attendees may register and join until the start of the program