Collaborating with Surrogate Partners in the Triadic Model

Title of Event: Collaborating with Surrogate Partners in the Triadic Model

Description of Event:

Surrogate Partner Therapy (SPT), a tandem treatment for clients experiencing obstacles to physical and/or emotional intimacy, is an often misunderstood modality. So much conflicting information exists that it’s hard to assess how it is actually practiced. When done well, SPT can be transformative for clients who haven’t been able to make progress through any other means, and can speed up the process in others. So what does it look like to do it well?

In this class, through lecture, real-life examples, and an experiential exercise, we illuminate the structure and general arc of this triadic modality. We examine the role of the clinician at each stage in the process, including: how to assess whether SPT is indicated; how to collaborate with the surrogate partner; and how to avoid some potential difficulties.

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
* Evaluate which clients are appropriate for SPT (ST:a)
* Differentiate between the roles of the clinician and the surrogate (ST:e)
* Describe the interactions between surrogate, client, and clinician (CK:o)
* Describe the Surrogate Partner Therapy process to a potential client (ST:a)
* Describe two exercises used to build intimacy (CK:e)

AASECT CATEGORIES
Core Knowledge (CK) Areas:
           e. Intimacy skills (e.g., social, emotional, sexual) and family dynamics
           o. Professional communication skills
Sex Therapy (ST) Training:
           a. Theory and methods of sex-related psychotherapy, including several different models
           e. Principles of consultation, collaboration, and referral

This program meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 3.5 CE credits. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. For further information please contact info@aasect.org.

THE FACILITATORS

A practicing surrogate partner for 15 years, Andrew Heartman is passionate about overcoming misconceptions about Surrogate Partner Therapy and spreading accurate information about the practice. As Co-Founder of the Surrogate Partner Collective and mentor to surrogates in the internship phase of their training, he is committed to elevating the professionalism of those who engage in this therapy modality as well as the understanding of the public. Lots more information, including videos and interviews, can be found at www.surrogatepartner.us

Laura Perlin is a surrogate partner based in San Francisco, California. Her practice centers self-knowledge, self-acceptance, skillful communication, and vulnerability as gateways to personal growth, satisfying relationships, and collective transformation. Trained by the Surrogate Partner Collective, she also draws wisdom from her indigenous healing traditions as well as her experience as a ritualist, facilitator, and educator. Learn more at perlinintimacy.com.

Date of Event: 1/24/26

Time of Event: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Pacific time, 12:00 – 4:00 pm Eastern time

Location: Online Synchronous; webinar delivered on the Zoom platform.

Sex Therapy (ST) Training: 
ST1. Theory and methods of sex-related psychotherapy, including several different models.
ST5. Principles of consultation, collaboration and referral.

Presenter/Speaker: Andrew Heartman, Laura Perlin

Contact Name: Andrew Heartman

Contact Telephone Number: (415) 794-1871

Contact Email: andrew@surrogatepartner.us

Event Website: https://www.surrogatepartnercollective.org/product-page/1-24-26-collaborating-w-surrogate-partners-in-the-triadic-model-ce

AASECT Approved CEs: 3.5