COURSES ▶The Meaning and Therapeutic Use of Sexual Fantasies:
The Meaning and Therapeutic Use of Sexual Fantasies:
A Control-Mastery Perspective
Based on his work with Joseph Weiss and the San Francisco Psychotherapy Research Group, Dr. Bader developed a new way of looking at the psychological dynamics behind sexual excitement. In this workshop he will present his theory illustrating how patients' sexual fantasies often help to disconfirm their pathogenic beliefs and how therapists understanding these fantasies can facilitate the therapeutic process.
Friday, November 7, 2025
09:00 AM - 10:30 AM PDT
Live Online Seminar through Zoom
Presenters:
Dr. Michael Bader, DMH
Dr. Michael Bader is a psychologist and psychoanalyst with over 30 years of clinical experience. He has published extensively on psychology, psychoanalysis, sexuality, politics, and popular culture. His books Arousal: The secret logic of sexual fantasy and Male Sexuality received widespread critical acclaim. His podcasts, videos, and blog can be found at michaelbader.com.
Why this course?
Dr. Michael Bader presents a groundbreaking approach to understanding the psychological dynamics of sexual excitement. Drawing on his work with Joseph Weiss and the San Francisco Psychotherapy Research Group, he explores how patients’ sexual fantasies can challenge deeply held pathogenic beliefs — and how therapists’ insight into these fantasies can enrich the therapeutic process.
This course will cover:
Provide an understanding of Dr. Bader’s theory of sexual excitement and its role in psychotherapy.
Learn how sexual fantasies can disconfirm pathogenic beliefs.
Explore ways therapists can use patients’ fantasies to support therapeutic change.
After completing this workshop, participants will be able to:
Describe Dr. Bader’s theory of sexual excitement and its clinical implications.
Analyze how sexual fantasies can disconfirm pathogenic beliefs in psychotherapy.
Course Level: Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced
CE Credits: 3 APA approved CE hours. If you would like CEU's you should indicate so during registration. COA's will be sent within 30 days of the class. You must arrive on time to the course and stay for the entirety of the program to receive CE credit
All planners and all presenters for this educational activity have no financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or tributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
Cost: $150 for General Public
$100 for SFPRG Members
$30 for Students (No CEU's)
The Personalized Psychotherapy Institute (PPI) is the education wing of the San Francisco Psychotherapy Research Group (SFPRG)
All planners and all presenters for this educational activity have no financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
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Dr. Michael Bader, DMH
Dr. Michael Bader is a psychologist and psychoanalyst with over 30 years of clinical experience.
registrations
Registration Opens: Monday, August 25, 2025
Registration Closes: Monday, October 13, 2025 at 6pm
Course Schedule: If you would like know more about the schedule for this event please contact our front office at cmt@sfprg.org or 415-561-6771.
Cancellation Policy: No refunds are provided for this event. If you have questions about your registration, please contact our office at cmt@sfprg.org 415-561-6771.
Co-sponsorship: There is no co-sponsor of this event.
Commercial Support: There is no known commercial support for this program.
Please note that registrations for all PPI classes are handled by the website of our parent member organization SFPRG. You will be redirected to that website to complete your registration. You need not be a member to register, however, if you are a member or have registered for one of our classes before, you will be prompted to enter your information.