A Two Day Workshop

October 12th and 13th, 2026

9:00 AM ET - 4:45 PM ET

You must attend the full two days of the SAR

What is a SAR?

A SAR is a process-oriented seminar that uses lecture, media, experiential methods, activities and small group discussions. The objective of a SAR is to give participants the opportunity to explore their attitudes, values, feelings and beliefs about sexual attitudes, behaviors and identities and how these impact their professional interactions. SAR is not a traditional academic experience to disseminate cognitive information, nor is it psychotherapy directed toward the resolution of personal problems. It is a psycho-educational experience, and as such is a highly personal, internal exploration that will be different for each participant. Small group discussions have demonstrated efficacy in achieving this self-exploration and awareness and is essential to the SAR process. SAR is not primarily for therapists, or educators, or medical professionals, or any specific group. However, any individual SAR may be targeted for a specific group, and therefore may be tailored to that group’s needs.

What are the goals of a SAR?

To increase understanding of the wide spectrum of human sexual behaviors, identities and orientations (being mindful of diversity, equity and inclusion), followed by the opportunity to identify their attitudes, values, feelings and beliefs regarding these behaviors including topics of comfort and discomfort.

To increase comfort when addressing and discussing a wide range of sexual topics encountered by the clinical or education professional.

To promote non-judgmental and respectful attitudes toward others whose attitudes, values, feelings, beliefs and sexual behaviors differ from those of the SAR participant.

What makes our SAR unique?

We are culturally and religiously sensitive providers who are committed to respecting everyone's religious and cultural values. We will learn about a variety of sexual practices by listening to guest lecturers and then will process our experiences as a group. No nudity or sexually explicit material will be shown. 

Presenters: 

Rivka is an IAPST Certified Psychosexual Therapist, an IAPST Certified Psychosexual Supervisor, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Supervisor, a licensed clinical social worker, a Social Work Board Certified Supervisor, a Faculty Lecturer, a published author, a Harvard University research fellowship recipient, and an experienced lecturer. She is the owner and director of a group psychotherapy practice in Silver Spring, Maryland. She was personally mentored and was trained in sexual dysfunction and sex therapy from internationally renowned Dr. Laura Berman, Oprah’s relationship and sex expert, at the Berman Center in Chicago. In addition to her private practice, Rivka is an invited guest to train doctors, nurses, faculty, fellow therapists, and students at The University of Maryland. She is a Faculty Lecturer at The Integrative Sex Therapy Institute on topics which include female sexual dysfunction, sexual pain, vaginismus, sexual aversion, couples sexual issues, and performing sex therapy with diverse religions and cultures. She lives in Silver Spring with her husband and their five children.

Dr. Shy Krug is a psychologist and AASECT certified sex therapist and is the founder and director of Blue Anchor Psychology, a group practice focused on sex therapy, couples therapy, and generalist mental healthcare. Dr. Krug completed a postdoctoral fellowship in PTSD at the Bronx VA and a postdoctoral certificate in sex therapy from The Buehler Institute.