Sexual Desire: All In The Mind?

“I think this will be a great eye-opener for people precisely because the brain, as an “experience-dependent organ” fits between the worlds of so-called biological determinism and social constructionism.

And there are many ways to prime it for desire with therapy and the right drugs, but all are primes. The ultimate changes come when desire predicts pleasure. And, of course, the brain is wired up exactly this way.

So this will be a very nice bringing together of what many feel are two opposing views (i.e. talk therapy “versus” pharmacotherapy, which ideally should work together).”

– Prof Jim Pfaus (speaker)

Speakers:

Professor Jim Pfaus:

Prof. Jim Pfaus received his Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience (Psychology) in 1990. After postdoctoral training in molecular biology and behavior at the Rockefeller University he accepted a position as a Visiting Honorary Senior Researcher at the Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, in Xalapa

His research is generally concerned with the neurochemical and molecular events that subserve sexual behavior and neuroendocrine functions. His research in human sexual function is focused on subjective and objective measures of sexual desire and pleasure in women and men using a combination of eye-tracking, EEG, brain imaging, and genital arousal measures.

He has published over 200 research papers, reviews, and book chapters with his students in peer-reviewed journals and books and presented his research at numerous scientific conferences and consultations worldwide.

He is Editor in Chief of “Current Sexual Health Reports”, an Associate Editor of the “Journal of Sexual Medicine” and “Sexual Medicine Reviews”, and on the editorial boards of “Behavioral Neuroscience, Physiology & Behavior”, and “Investigative and Clinical Urology”.

Catriona Boffard:

Catriona Boffard is a Clinical Sexologist, Psychotherapist, and Sexuality Researcher. She is accredited with the College of Sex & Relationship Therapists (UK), the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapists, and the UK Council for Psychotherapists.

She is an expert in the field of Sexual behavior, Well-being and Mental Health. Catriona has two Masters degrees from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and from the University of Sydney, Australia.

She further obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in CBT from Royal Holloway University of London. And she holds the European certification as a psycho-sexologist with the European Society of Sexual Medicine & European Federation of Sexology.

She is currently undertaking her Doctorate in Psychotherapy with the Metanoia Institute and Middlesex University.

She has published numerous articles and book chapters, including in the Journal of Sexual Medicine and the ESSM Handbook of Clinical Sexology. Catriona hosts the podcast “Asking For A Friend”, which tackles topics relating to sex, intimacy, relationships and well-being.

Dr Faysal El Kak:

Dr El Kak provides integrated Ob/Gyn clinical services, teaching and training of residents, academic work and research related to Women’s Health, Sexual Health, and Public Health.

Dr El Kak is the Director of Women Integrated Sexual Health (WISH) Program, Department of OBGYN, American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC). Here he provides specific reproductive and sexual health services to women across their lifetime, i.e. postmenopausal, in cancer survivorship, post-surgery, and postpartum.

As a researcher, he is involved in and has co-lead research on Maternal Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health, violence against women, and Refugee Health.

Dr El Kak has authored over 50 publications, as well as multiple books and book chapters related to Sexual, Reproductive, and Maternal health.

He is a Senior Lecturer of Health Behavior and Sexuality, Faculty of Health Sciences, AUB, as well as the Vice President of the International Federation of Gynaecology & Obstetrics (FIGO).