Understanding SAR (Sexual Attitude Reassessment and Restructuring): A Transformative Training for Sexuality Professionals
Why SAR Matters
Recently, I co-facilitated a Sexual Attitude Reassessment and Restructuring (SAR) training for a group of students, therapists, coaches, and educators specializing in sexuality. Over three days, participants were immersed in an eye-opening experience designed to challenge and expand their views on sexuality. Through media exposure, guest speakers, and interactive activities, the SAR provides a platform for professionals to reassess and restructure their beliefs about sexuality, ultimately helping them become more effective in their work with clients.
What is SAR Training?
SAR training is a unique, intensive program aimed at helping professionals who work in the field of sexuality—such as therapists, sex educators, and coaches—better understand their sexual attitudes and values. Doing so can provide more comprehensive and nonjudgmental support to their clients. The purpose of SAR is not to change a participant’s values but to encourage them to explore and become more aware of their personal biases, limitations, and triggers surrounding human sexuality.
Every SAR is different, offering a personalized journey for each participant. This training featured two of the world’s most respected SAR facilitators: Drs. Patti Britton and Robert Dunlap are seasoned Clinical Sexologists. Their expertise brought a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of human sexual expression, creating an enriching and thought-provoking experience for all involved.
Why is SAR Important?
Professionals working in the field of sexuality are often faced with clients who have diverse experiences, orientations, and expressions of sexual identity. A Sexual Attitude Reassessment helps these professionals examine their values and potential biases, ensuring they can approach each client with an open mind and empathy.
SAR training provides:
- Experiential Learning: Participants engage in discussions, media presentations, and real-world examples designed to provoke emotional and intellectual reactions.
- Self-Reflection: The training encourages participants to explore their beliefs, attitudes, and feelings about sexuality, which personal or cultural influences may have shaped them.
- Non-Judgmental Approach: The program fosters acceptance and tolerance of various expressions of human sexuality, encouraging participants to understand and respect the broad spectrum of sexual identities, behaviors, and orientations.
- Personal and Professional Growth: SAR is as much about personal development as it is about professional growth. Participants leave with a deeper understanding of themselves, which enhances their ability to guide others through their sexual journeys.
What to Expect in SAR Training
During SAR training, participants are exposed to a variety of media, speakers, and activities that explore diverse aspects of sexuality, including:
- Sexual Orientations and Identities: Discuss LGBTQ+ identities, gender fluidity, and non-binary experiences.
- Cultural and Sub-Cultural Perspectives: Understanding different cultural attitudes toward sex and sexuality, including BDSM, polyamory, and other sexual subcultures.
- Emotional and Cognitive Processing: Participants work through any emotional responses that arise as they encounter different expressions of sexuality. This often happens in small group settings, where they can share and process their feelings, receive support, and discuss how their experiences influence their professional practice.
SAR provides a safe, open environment where participants can confront their own biases and expand their perspectives, leading to greater acceptance of the diversity of human sexuality.
The Impact of SAR Training
One of the most valuable aspects of SAR is its ability to push participants beyond their comfort zones. The training touches on sensitive topics, encouraging deep reflection and challenging preconceived notions. By the end of the SAR journey, participants often report feeling more connected to their values while also developing a greater understanding of the diverse experiences their clients may bring to the table.
Professionals leave SAR training with:
- A broader knowledge of human sexual behaviors and identities.
- Greater emotional intelligence and the ability to navigate complex discussions around sex and sexuality with clients.
- An enhanced capacity for acceptance, tolerance, and non-judgmental support for clients from various sexual backgrounds.
A Personal and Professional Journey
SAR training is an invaluable tool for anyone working in the field of sexuality, providing a unique combination of personal reflection and professional development. By reassessing and restructuring their attitudes about sexuality, professionals can better serve their clients and approach each individual’s sexual journey with openness and empathy.
For those interested in participating in a SAR, I highly recommend checking out www.aasect.org.
