Public Talks and Professional Trainings
Dr. Herbenick offers virtual and (when possible) in-person talks for a variety of audiences, including high school and college students, parent groups, book clubs, professional groups (Title IX professional, judges, researchers, therapists, educators, sexual violence prevention specialists) and corporations.
As the world’s leading researcher on the evolution of rough sex behaviors, and especially sexual choking, Dr. Herbenick is often asked to speak to groups who are closely affected by these changes, including those working to prevent sexual violence on college campuses as well as professionals (e.g., judges, law enforcement, forensic nurses, therapists) who often work with sexual assault victims as well as those who have harmed others.
Dr. Herbenick speaks on a variety of topics from her research and professional work, including:
- The Rise of Rough Sex: What Sexual Professionals Need to Know
- Sexual Choking/Strangulation: What Professionals Must Know About Prevalence, Communication, Consent, Health Risks, and Education
- Sexting, digital safety, and image-based sexual abuse (formerly called “revenge porn”)
- Healthy friendships, consent, and boundary setting
- Healthy relationships at every age
- How to become a more askable parent
- Sexual trends in the United States
- Dating and sexuality education for autistic teens, and young adults
Talks will be tailored to your group’s interests and are usually 45-60 minutes, with additional time for Q&A or discussion. Some of these are often requested as longer-form workshops, ranging from 90 minute talks to 3 hour trainings. All talks/trainings can be adjusted to your group’s needed.
To learn more or request a talk, please email: debby.herbenick@gmail.com
Public Appearances
Dr. Herbenick frequently speaks at professional meetings, universities, and corporate trainings. She also regularly shares her expertise through radio, television, podcasts, and other media.
Bloomington Sex Salon with Dr. Ruth Westheimer
Appearance on The Katie Couric Show
TEDxBloomington
TEDxBloomington
Sundance Film Festival
Bloomington Sex Salon with Dr. Beverly Whipple
Campus Talk, Georgia College and State University
Appearance on The Doctors TV Show
Debby has traveled throughout the US and all over the world to teach and speak, including to Canada, the Czech Republic, France, India, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Scotland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. She’s spoken at professional conferences for sex researchers, educators, and therapists; psychologists; pediatricians; sexual medicine professionals; Title IX coordinators; and those working to prevent or respond to domestic and/or sexual violence. Debby also frequently speaks to general audiences such as college students and parenting groups.
Here are some examples of where Debby has taught or presented:
Events, Conferences, & Professional Groups (Selected)
AASECT Annual Conference
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting
American Psychological Association Annual Meeting
Aspen Ideas: Health
Children & Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development
Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System
European Federation of Sexology
Family Justice Center Conference
Health Care Education and Training
International Family Justice Center Conference
International Academy of Sex Research (IASR) Annual Meeting
Institute for Addressing Strangulation (in the UK)
International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) Annual Conference
Iowa’s Sexual Assault Response Conference
Massachusetts Society for a World Free of Sexual Harm by Youth (MASOC)
Minnesota Association for the Prevention and Treatment of Sexual Abuse: Research and Treatment Conference
Modern Sex Therapy Institute
National Sex Education Conference
Olsen Institute
Sex Ed Lecture Series
Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR)
Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health
Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS) Annual Meeting
Statewide Pediatrics Conference
Sundance Film Festival
Tandem Birthing Center
TEDx Bloomington
VALOR // California Coalition Against Sexual Assault
World Association for Sexual Health
High Schools, Colleges, and Universities
American University
Ball State University
Bloomington High School – North
Elon University
Episcopal High School
Georgia College & State University
Indiana University- Bloomington
Indiana University – School of Medicine
Moi University
Northwestern University
Phillips Exeter Academy
Temple University
University of California at Berkeley
University of Florida
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota
Waimea Middle School
Washington University
Bookstores, Libraries, and Feminist Shops
Avon Free Public Library
Babeland – New York
Monroe County Public Library