Course Abstract & Learning Objectives

Identity formation is a key developmental process for all individuals, but has special significance to those developing LGBTQIA+, consensually non-monogamous (CNM), or kink identities. A lack of coherent identity can impact a person’s relationships, mood, and occupation in a variety of ways. The Spectrums Model of Sex, Gender, and Sexuality (SMSGS-6) conceptualizes identity development across sexuality and gender and can be a useful tool for therapists. In the SMSGS-6, identities are conceptualized as having multiple layers: physical, essentialist, socially constructed, enacted, relational and communal. In turn, these identities span multiple domains: sex, gender, sexuality, romanticism, sexual bonding/relationship style, romantic bonding/relationship style, and eroticism. When conflict between two aspects of identity exist across layers or domains, it is called an identity gap and can cause intense psychological distress (Jung & Hect, 2004). In this course, we will explore which identity gaps are common in LGBTQIA+, CNM, and kink communities and how to address them effectively in psychotherapy. We will cover the evolution of the SMSGS-6 model as a way to help clinicians gain insight into the complexity of experiences by conceptualizing the diversity of their clients’ identities. We will explore how this model can be utilized in clinical practice to help clients who are questioning their identities, or those who are dealing with internal or external conflicts related to their identities. Using case examples and personal reflection, participants will play with the model and deepen their understanding.

Learning Objectives

After this course, participants will be able to: 1. Describe the differences between the domains of sex, gender, sexuality, romanticism, sexual bonding/relationship style, romantic bonding/relationship style, and eroticism 2. Describe the differences between the layers of physical, essentialist, socially constructed, enacted, relational, and communal layers of identity 3. Describe at least 2 identity gaps that may occur around sexuality and how they impact clinical work 4. Describe at least 2 identity gaps that may occur around gender and how they impact clinical work 5. Describe at least 2 identity gaps that may occur around sexual relationships and how they impact clinical work 6. Describe at least 2 identity gaps that may occur around eroticism and how they impact clinical work

What people are saying

Feedback from live courses in 2023 and on October 2, 2026

”
I really liked learning about Dr. Cathers' Spectrums Model of Sex, Gender, and Sexuality. This helped me to conceptualize the various different aspects of identity in these areas so that I can apply this to my life and work with my clients. It helped me to understand that these domains are complex
Course Participant - 2023

The Affirmative Couch

”
I appreciated the depth level of this course compared to other more basic trainings offered elsewhere
Course Participant - 2023

The Affirmative Couch

Meet Your Instructor

Dr. Cadyn has been teaching courses on human sexuality, psychotherapy with LGBTQIA+ communities, and psychodynamic theory for over 15 years. He is the founder and CEO of The Affirmative Couch, which provides online continuing education on clinical work with LGBTQIA+, CNM, and kink communities. He is a licensed psychologist in private practice at the Out Couch Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, P.C., where he focuses on psychoanalytic psychotherapy with transgender and nonbinary patients. Additionally, he is adjunct faculty at Reiss-Davis Graduate School.

Additional Information

Intended Audience This course is meant for an intermediate to advanced audience of psychologists, counselors, and marriage and family therapists and social workers working affirmatively with TGNB clients. Completion Requirements To get CE credit you must complete the entire webinar and complete the post test with at least 75% Refunds No refunds will be offered on the purchase of this course. Accommodations We will work to accommodate reasonable accommodations requests. Requests can be emailed with “accommodation request” within 48 hours of course purchase. Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

APA Approved Sponsor

Out Couch Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, PC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Out Couch Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, PC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Curriculum

3 Chapters · 11 Lessons

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Course Abstract

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Learning Objectives

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      About The Presenter

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Slide Deck

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Transcripts

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Recorded Homestudy Part 1

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Recorded Homestudy Part 2

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Recorded Homestudy Part 3

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Recorded Homstudy Part 4

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Identity Development Post Test

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Course Completion Survey

Learn More About the Spectrums Model of Sex, Gender, and Sexuality

Support your clients to conceptualize identity development across sexuality

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