Workshops

I offer two-hour, half-day, and full-day workshops for mental health professionals interested in broadening their understanding of what it means to work within an anti-oppressive framework with sex workers.

Based on the needs of your practice, I develop tailored workshops to meet and exceed your expectations. My presentation style is semi-formal, with opportunities for discussion and questions.

If you would like to book a workshop for your organization, please reach out!

All workshops are approved by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association for Continuing Education Credits.

Examples of One-day Workshops

The legal status of sex work in Canada and the US

Bedford v. Canada
Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act (PCEPA)
The Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA) and the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA)
How municipal by-law impact sex workers
How tax law impacts sex workers

The Canadian sex workers’ rights movement

Demand for the full decriminalization of sex work, including sex workers, clients and third parties
Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform and affiliated organizations

The importance of systemic interventions with sex workers

That takes into consideration…

Legal context;
Labour context;
Individual context;
Systemic oppression (including whorephobia)

The intersection between sex work and...

Drug use
Disability, including neurodivergence
Trauma
Complex Trauma & PTSD

The interpersonal relationships of sex workers

Sex work and attachment
Relationships between self and other from the lens of separation/individuation, mentalization, and self-object psychology
The corruption of intimacy through the marketplace (e.g., challenging the idea of “pure love” and/or “intimacy.”)

Mandatory reporting

Intersection between state bodies and whorephobia
Stigma and discrimination against sex workers
HIV non-disclosure and sex work

Best practices with sex workers (“do’s and don’ts”)

Sex worker friendly language
Clinically relevant questions for assessment

"I have invited Katherine to give guest lectures in my classes many times, and my students love her presentations! Katherine is a confident and knowledgeable speaker, who knows exactly how to pitch her lectures to students so they will be engaged while they learn from her. She presents complex issues and controversial themes with confidence, empathy, and humour. Her expertise on sex work in Canada and the US is incredibly wide ranging: she has spoken to my class about different legal regimes, about the sex workers' rights movement, and about the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, among other topics."

Dr. Megan Rivers-Moore, Ph.D

Associate Professor, Carleton University

"In January 2022, Kat was a guest speaker at Adler Graduate Professional School's Colloquium for current students and faculty. Kat's presentation style recognizes the interconnectedness of all individuals, both in her audience and in clinical contexts. Her language and lens reflect diversity, inclusivity, and equity while fostering a sense of belonging. During the Q&A, all students present indicated a desire for additional time with Katherine, who extended her warmth and experience in a very relevant and significant manner."

Anya Rameshwar, B.A., R.P.(Q)

Associate, Centre For Interpersonal Relationships (CFIR)

"Having minimal experience in treating clients employed in sex work, I consulted with Katherine for her insight, and was offered knowledge that made me feel competent, responsive and understanding to my client's issues. Kat's firsthand awareness provided specificity and depth, well beyond textbook/industry standards. She promoted helpful information that I did not think to inquire upon, which drew on client empowerment, inclusive of safety. She is a blessing for us in the therapeutic world!"

Aaron Smith, R.P.

Registered Psychotherapist

"I have known Kat for over a decade and have seen first hand her commitment, warmth and caring. When we served on the POWER (Prostitutes of Ottawa-Gatineau Work, Educate, and Resist) Board together I was struck by her engagement and willingness to ‘step up’ and pitch in where needed – a true activist. Katherine has also given guest lectures in both my undergraduate and graduate classes. Not only is she a remarkably knowledgeable and enthusiastic speaker but her presentations showcase her unique ability to ground analysis and make complex ideas accessible. My students consistently find her presentations thought provoking and inspiring."

Dr. Chris Bruckert, Ph.D

Professor, University of Ottawa

Workshops

Working with Sex Workers

The Interpersonal Relationships of Sex Workers

Examples of One-day Workshops