To inquire about having me speak at your function, please contact me directly at [email protected]. I’ve been called a “dynamic,” “articulate,” and “highly energetic speaker,” comfortable both in front of clinical, lay and corporate audiences. Below are descriptions of workshops that I am currently offering, as well as a sample list of some of my appearances from the past.
Available Presentations
Upcoming Appearances
Sample Past Appearances
Testimonials
This presentation will show clinicians how to work with clients who are sexual minorities, with a special emphasis on those with “kinky” or non-normative sexual interests. Often sex therapists see clients coming into their office worried or shamed about their sexual interests due to sex negative messaging in their families and society. Therapists often need to provide sex education in order to depathologize and normalize sexual behaviors and fantasies deemed aberrant by clients. This presentation will provide details on how therapists help their clients accept and embrace their own sexualities. Case studies will be presented which illustrate the challenges that therapists face in helping clients accept themselves and in giving them permission to explore and broaden their sexual horizons.
Particular attention will be given to differentiating between healthy, non-normative sexual behaviors and pathological sexual behaviors, with emphasis on understanding the changes in the DSM-V regarding the new diagnosis of Paraphilic Disorder. Pros and cons of this new diagnosis will be discussed, with suggestions provided for further changes in the way that the mental health field views sexual minorities.
Working with Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
This presentation will educate clinicians on how to work with clients who are adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Based on award-winning new research (Jacob Goldfein Award for Creative and Scholarly Research) on the effects of CSA on adult sexual behavior, and recently published in a leading sexuality journal (The Journal of Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity), this presentation provides clinicians with a comprehensive understanding of the psychosexual effects of CSA and concrete tools to intervene effectively with a wide range of difficulties that survivors of CSA present with. Special attention will be paid to understanding how the specific circumstances of the abuse contribute to pathology. Detailed therapeutic strategies will be provided for a wide range of sexual pathologies related to CSA, ranging from sexual compulsivity to sexual inhibition and dysfunction. Numerous case studies will be utilized to clearly illustrate how clinicians can incorporate the skills learned in this presentation to assist their clients.
Sexual Fantasy, Male Aggression and Pornography
This presentation will educate both clinicians and a lay audience about the connection between sexual fantasies and male aggression, with a particular emphasis in understanding how pornography allows men to explore and combine both their sexualities and aggression in a private, non-judgmental format. Particular emphasis will be placed on sociological studies illustrating the effect of pornography in societies where pornography was recently legalized, with special attention on the reduction of sex crimes in those countries with legal pornography.
The Expansion of Sexual Potential through Role Play
This presentation is geared towards a clinical audience and is designed to educate therapists about internal power dynamics, power struggles, and the various forms of direct and passive aggressive behavior that they may encounter in couples work. Particular attention will be placed on understanding the close relationship between desire, aggression, and sexuality in intimate relationships.
Upcoming Appearances:
Sample Past Appearances:
2017
September 16– The Eulenspiegel Society (TES) and National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF) Consent Summit, NYC
June 15-18– American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) Annual Conference, Las Vegas
Facing Your Shadow: The Healing Potential of Edge Play
April 28– 2nd Annual AltSex NYC Conference, NYC
BDSM as Harm Reduction, with Dulcinea Pitagora
March 15– MSTPG, NYC
Clinical Considerations in Working with a Poly Gay Couple
2016
Nov 15– Sexuality Speaker Series, NYC
Modern Sexuality: Uncovering the Truth About Sex and Relationships, promotion for new book Modern Sexuality
Sep 23— The Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR) Fall Conference, NYC
Riding On the Edge: Integrating Sex Therapy with Harm Reduction in the Treatment of Out of Control Sexual Behavior
July 15-16– Institute for Sexuality Education and Enlightenment Week Long Training, Northampton, MA
“Common Issues in Partner Sex Therapy”, 2 day training
April 22– The 1st Annual AltSex NYC Conference, NY NY
“The Kink-Poly Confluence: Community Intersections and Clinical Approaches ” with Dulcinea Pitagora, MA, LMSW
“Facing Your Shadow: The Healing Potential of Psychological Edge-Play”
April 16- The Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR) Annual Conference, Chicago, IL
Panel on new research on BDSM, appearing with Dr. Richard Sprott and Dr. Charles Moser
April 1- Coney Island Veterans Hospital, Brooklyn NY
“Alternative Perspectives on Sex Addiction”
Feb 9- MSTPG, NY NY
“Understanding Polyamory”, appearing with Dr. Zhana Vrangalova
May 22, 2015- Community-Academic Consortium for Research on Alternative Sexualities (CARAS) 7th Annual Alternative Sexualities Conference, Chicago IL
I presented on the plenary panel “Is BDSM an Orientation?” with my colleague Dr. Richard Sprott.
May 4, 2015- Columbia University, NY NY
I presented “Using Power Dynamics to Enhance Your Relationships” to Conversio Virium, the Columbia U. student run BDSM club.
Jan 13, 2015- NY, NY
I presented “Sex Therapy with Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse” to a cohort of sex therapists from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states.
2014
Dec 7, 2014- Eastern Group Psychotherapy Society, Brooklyn NY
I discussed “Managing Sexual Issues in Group Therapy” to an assembly of group psychotherapists.
November 13, 2014- LGBT Center, NYC
I presented “Sexual Compulsivity in the LGBT communities” to staff members of the LGBT Center.
June 11, 2014- 46th Annual NASW-NYC Addictions Institute
I presented with my colleague, Dr. Michael Crocker, on the topic of sexual compulsivity.
2013
October 11, 2013: Careers in Sexuality Conference, Widener U., Chester (Phila.), PA.
Michael Aaron, PhD presents “Sex Positive Therapy with Sexual Minorities.” Betty Dodson, world-renowned sex educator headlines the event.
September 28, 2013: CatalystCon, Woodland Hills, CA.
Michael Aaron, PhD and Winston Wilde, DHS, present “Sex Positive Therapy with Sexual Minorities.” Other speakers include Marty Klein, Tristan Taormino, and Carol Queen.
March 16, 2013: NY State Society of Clinical Social Workers Staten Island Chapter Annual Clinical Conference, Staten Island, NY.
Michael M. Crocker, DSW, MA, LCSW and Michael Aaron, PhD present on the subject of “Sexual Obsessions”. The presentation focuses on Out of Control Sexual behavior as a symptom of Avoidant Attachment styles. New research from the SAT Project will be presented. Clinical cases will also be discussed.
2012
June 6, 2012: National Association of Social Workers- NYC Chapter, Annual Addictions Conference, NY, NY
Michael M. Crocker, MA, LCSW and Michael Aaron, LMSW present on the subject of Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity. The presentation focuses on Attachment Theory as it relates to Out of Control Sexual behavior. Clinical interventions will be explored.
May 25, 2012: German Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (DGSS) Annual Conference, Munich, Germany
Michael Aaron, LMSW speaks about the role of aggression in sexual fantasies and pornography for a conference of European sexologists.
May 5, 2012: New York State Society for Clinical Social Work, Annual Conference, NY, NY
Michael M. Crocker, MA, LCSW and Michael Aaron, LMSW speak on the subject of Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity. The presentation focuses on Attachment Theory as it relates to Out of Control Sexual behavior. Clinical interventions will be explored.
2011
Nov 3, 2011: 2011 International Association for the Treatment of Sex Abusers (ATSA) conference in Toronto, Canada.
Michael Aaron, LMSW presents new research on the treatment of sex offenders from an attachment theory perspective. He appears as part of a panel on attachment theory and sexuality, featuring some of the foremost attachment experts in the world.
Oct 14, 2011: Mental Health Professionals in Law Enforcement (MHPLE) Seminar on Sex Addiction, Long Island, NY.
Michael M. Crocker, MA, LCSW and Michael Aaron, LMSW will be speaking about sexual addiction to an organization of mental health professionals who work in the field of law enforcement.
May 24, 2011: NY Chapter for the Association for the Treatment of Sex Abusers (ATSA) conference in Verona, NY.
“Healing old wounds: The treatment of sex offenders from an attachment theory perspective.”, presented by Michael Aaron, LMSW.
Coming soon….
News & Updates
Prevention: Is Sex Addiction Real?
Romper: Emotional Infidelity
Fatherly: BDSM More Common Than You Think
E! Online: Marrying a Murderer
Who Magazine: What is Bisexuality?
CNN: Why Men May Exaggerate Their Sex Numbers
Women’s Health: 10 Kinky Sex Ideas- Romper: 5 Easy Postpartum Sex Positions
NY Post: How Tattoos Can Sabotage Your Love Life
Allure: 8 BDSM Sex Tips to Try If You’re a Total Beginner
Great article in Prevention Magazine about the sex addiction controversy. Check out what I had to say.
Romper approached me again for another quote, this time about emotional infidelity.
Interesting piece in Fatherly about BDSM in which I was interviewed.
https://www.fatherly.com/love-money/bdsm-kinky-sex-not-uncommon/
E! News picked up my an interview I did with Vice a few years ago about hybristophilia, which is the attraction to criminals. Very interesting story.
Who is Australia's version of People Magazine. They wanted to know what bisexuality is and I provided some insight.
Seems like something doesn't add up on sex surveys-- are men exaggerating their number of partners? Check out what I tell CNN.
Women's Health asked me for some kinky ideas to spice up one's sex life.
I was interviewed by the NY Post about all the ways in which I've seen bad tattoos sabotage relationships.
Allure Magazine asked me about tips for BDSM beginners.
I answer questions from Salon.com about the infamous porn site PornHub.
I tell Cosmo about the personality traits of monogamous individuals.
I explain to Refinery29 why it's so important to not fake orgasms in a relationship.
I am interviewed in this fairly nuanced piece on the pros and cons of porn.
I am interviewed by Headspace, one of the best meditation and mindfulness apps available, on how to become more present.
https://www.headspace.com/blog/2017/05/26/enjoy-sex-more/
I am interviewed in this intriguing Business Insider article on how often happy couples have sex.
The Huffington Post in South Africa profiles my work around challenging sex addiction (including my red/yellow/green menu exercise) .
I go deep into the sex toy business with Vice.
I give some insight into this interesting topic.
https://thetab.com/us/2017/03/22/happens-boyfriend-leaves-another-man-63306
I am featured in this outstanding article in UK's Independent on women and virtual reality porn. I thought this was a fairly sharp and nuanced piece.
I give Redbook some pointers on having a 3some for the first time.
Playboy sent a journalist to watch Fifty Shades Darker, and then compared the movie with the results from my recent groundbreaking research on BDSM. Great article, enjoy!
I am featured in this terrific New York Magazine article, discussing some of the finer points brought up in the earlier article in SELF magazine (see listing below).
I am featured in this terrific article in SELF magazine on the nuances of the sex addiction debate.
Complex asked me to weigh in on this provocative topic.
I weigh in in this great advice column in Thrillist by Elle Stanger.
Great episode, check it out.
https://soundcloud.com/futureofsex/04-exploring-sexual-fluidity-bicuriousity-for-women-featuring-skirt-club-and-dr-michael-aaron
I give couples advice on how to deal with differences in preferred sleeping arrangements.
Alternet does a great job of reviewing my book. Check out the link below.
In this episode, we talk about the societal myths of sexuality, including:
I was asked to appear on Australian radio. It was a very fun segment, will post the link when I have it!
I appear on the Stereo-Typed podcast to discuss my new book, fantasies, and our shadow self. Click the audio player below and enjoy!
https://www.spreaker.com/user/crazyheart/stereo-typed-8-dancing-with-your-shadow
I appear on the Boom Doctors Podcast to discuss my new book Modern Sexuality and my work as a sex therapist. Clink the link below to listen in.
http://theboomdoctors.com/2016/09/21/ep-132-michael-aaron-on-his-work-as-a-sex-therapist-his-new-book-modern-sexuality/
I was asked by Nylon Magazine to weigh in on the subject of porn and what it means about the individual consumer. Pretty good non-pathologizing piece, check it out here:
I was interviewed by Vocativ about a new virtual reality series entitled "Virtual Sexology," designed to provide breathing and relaxation exercises in a virtual reality format to help individuals improve sexual functioning. Will something like this prove effective? The jury is out, but check out what I had to say...
I appeared on the nationally broadcasted Fusion Network Hotline show to discuss the GOP platform of porn as a "public health crisis." As part of the discussion I debate Dr. Neil Malamuth on porn and sexual violence. I thought this was a very thorough and productive half hour, which you can watch below:
In this Huffington Post article, I advise couples to use sex menus to spice things up. Check out all the details in the link below.
I appeared on French national tv channel Canal + on the Emission Antoine tv show, discussing the psychology behind financial domination. I will post a video clip of the interview shortly.
I was interviewed on Huffington Post's Love + Sex Podcast, which I'm told is the most downloaded sex and relationship podcast on iTunes. In this episode, I dispel the wild myths about "sex roulette" parties.
I was interviewed for an upcoming online sexuality discussion series, the Sexual Reawakening Summit. It features many top sex therapists from around the country and you can access it by using this link: 
In the April edition of my Men's Fitness 'Sex Files' Q&A column, I answer questions about anal sex and porn. Hurry and pick up a copy before it's off the stands!
I was asked by Women's Health Magazine to provide some advise on how to incorporate some new positions to spice up one's sex life. With a bunch of pictures and diagrams, I'm sure you'll find something that will intrigue you.
Looks like Yahoo News picked up the Reuters article on women's fears that their partners expect sexual perfectionism. Check it out.
My latest interview with Reuters, this time about social pressure on women to be perfect sexually. "Our society is filled with sexual myths and misconceptions, mostly stemming from a combination of our culture's puritanical roots, as well as rampant consumerism, which feeds off individual insecurities to sell unnecessary products," Aaron said.
Want to know more about what the AltSex NYC Conference is all about? I appear with my co-organizer, Dulcinea Pitagora, on the Sex with Timaree show, a popular podcast, to discuss numerous things including how the conference was created and what attendees can expect. Click on the link below to check it out:
https://sexwithtimareepodcast.wordpress.com/2016/02/29/ep236-the-upcoming-alt-sex-nyc-conference-sex-with-timaree-altsexnyc-2/
Head out to the newsstands and grab a copy of the Jan 2016 issue of Men's Fitness Magazine to see the premier of the new monthly "Sex Files" column in which I answer readers' sex questions. In this month's issue I answer a question in which a guy is looking to help his girlfriend enjoy more pleasure when she is having sex on top. Check out the screenshot below to see my response:
Love& is a new magazine about relationships and sex. They interviewed me about common things that women may want their guys to improve upon in the bedroom. One of the big ones is touch, as a lot of men are way too rough and don't know how to adjust their touch to what their partner wants. For more on this, and other pointers, check out the article itself below:
Market analysts predict that new virtual reality technology will revolutionize the way we experience media, and will specifically boost the porn industry to unprecedented levels. This detailed article covers a lot of ground, addressing both the technology, business and social ramifications of virtual reality porn. I was asked to give my take on the issue and somehow a 20 minute phone conversation was distilled to a brief paragraph at the end of the piece, but nonetheless, it is still a worthwhile read.
Does Bill Cosby have a fetish for unconscious women? Who knows? He's not a client and I've never met him, so I cannot say for sure, but this provocative piece in the NY Times tries to get to the bottom of his alleged bizarre behavior. The reporter did a great job dealing with some uncomfortable material, so be sure to click the link below to see what I had to say on this issue:
I was recently asked by a reporter from Men's Fitness magazine to discuss reasons why a heterosexual man might refrain from having sex with a willing woman. The questions were basically soft balls, seemingly aimed at a younger, more inexperienced, male audience, but hey, I managed to drop a few decent pointers, relating to finding out if the woman is in a relationship, and if so, what kind of relationship she is in before diving in. If you want to take a look and poke around more, you can go directly to the article below. You are going to have to click to page 3 to see my quotes, btw.
I was recently interviewed for a Men's Health article on sex toys designed for men. They wanted to know my take on these "robotic masturbators" (as they called them) and as always, I tried to take a fair and balanced view of things. I pointed out that they could be used as a way to get better acquainted with one's sexuality (as well as get some much needed relief), but an over-reliance on technology may also limit guys from developing the necessary skills that would help them form romantic relationships.
At any rate, hurry on over to the article here-- 
Go check out a great, and I mean GREAT, absolutely fascinating article in the May issue of Upscale Magazine, entitled "Secret Lovers," in which I am interviewed regarding the hush hush world of the swinger subculture. The writer does a really good job of trying to understand the psychology of folks who practice consensual non-monogamy and I think the piece is very even-handed, with some practical tips for couples who are curious about dipping their toes in the lifestyle. I'll leave you with a quote from one of the swingers profiled in the piece, which I think gives a good feel for the tone and depth of the article-- "I love to see her with two guys and two girls at once. I enjoy submissive women, and there is no sexier submission than to watch my wife please me by pleasing others." If that sounds interesting, then I suggest you head out and grab a copy. It's well worth the read.
I am featured in the Sex Q&A section of Cosmo's April 2014 issue, in which I get asked about BJs, Plan B, sex in hot tubs, and all kinds of other tittilating reader questions. They did a good job of adding all kinds of humor, including a silly picture of tea bags-- need I say more? It's a can't- miss hoot. Go and check it out at news stands now!
I just recently did an interview for a cool podcast called