Pillion & Practice: Special Screening for Sex-Positive Practitioners

Private film screening + facilitated discussion + optional 2 CEs + dinner

Pillion & Practice is an exclusive evening for therapists and other helping professionals, created by David Khalili, LMFT, and Midori—your hosts for this special event.

Held at the New Parkway Theater in Oakland on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, this program features a private screening of A24’s award-winning film Pillion, followed by a clinically grounded, kink-affirming discussion led by David Khalili and Midori.

Together, we’ll explore how kink, BDSM, queerness, power, and intimacy are represented in popular media—and what that means for therapeutic practice, cultural competence, and client care.

Attendees will enjoy a buffet dinner (taco bar + treats), meaningful professional dialogue, and a rare opportunity to connect with a community of sex-positive, kink-aware practitioners.

Optional: Earn 2 Continuing Education (CE) credits.

DETAILS:Experience an evening exploring media representation and realities of kink, BDSM intimacy, and authentic connection through cinema and clinical expertise.

This immersive workshop features Pillion, a kinky romantic tale of two men whose journey illuminates the complexities of desire, vulnerability, and consensual power dynamics—essential themes for affirming clinical practice with kinky and BDSM communities.

About the Movie:

Pillion is a 2025 romantic black comedy drama film written and directed by Harry Lighton, based on the 2020 novel Box Hill by Adam Mars-Jones. The film stars Harry Melling as a timid gay man and Alexander Skarsgård as an enigmatic biker who start a 24/7 BDSM relationship.

Pillion had its premiere in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on 18 May 2025, where it won the section's Best Screenplay prize and the Palm Dog for Mutt Moment, alongside nominations for the Caméra d'Or and the Queer Palm. The film received critical acclaim, receiving several nominations and awards, including two British Independent Film Awards and a Gotham Independent Film Award. (Excerpted from Wikipedia and A24 press release)

General Admission Ticket:

• Pillion film screening - a compelling exploration of kink relationships and intimacy
• Buffet-style dinner provided by New Parkway Theater
• Expert-led clinical discussion on working with kinky clients
• Open seating - first-come, first-served (arrive early for best seats!)

Special Options:

• Continuing Education credits (CAMFT-approved CE Provider #1000132)
• Certificate of Course Completion
• Raffle tickets and prizes

VIP/Angel tickets:

• All offerings of the General Admission ticket
• Angel Ticket directly sponsors two students or early-career clinicians with financial need.
• Premium Seating: Reserved VIP section with optimal sightlines and comfort
• Priority Q&A Access: Your questions receive priority during discussion periods, ensuring direct engagement with presenters
• Complimentary Rouse Academy Course (up to $60 value): Choose any on-demand continuing education course from our catalog to deepen your learning on topics including working with polyamorous clients, addressing sexual shame, navigating kink-affirming therapy, and more
• Community Impact: Recognition as an Angel Sponsor (optional) in workshop materials
• Raffle tickets

The Experience:

Following Pillion, engage in structured discussion led by clinicians specializing in sex therapy and kink-affirming practice and expert educators. We'll translate the film's portrayal of BDSM relationships, consent negotiation, and erotic authenticity into practical clinical applications. Explore how to support clients navigating kink identity, address internalized shame, and differentiate healthy power exchange from abuse.

This isn't just film analysis—it's clinical training designed to enhance your competence when working with clients whose sexuality includes kink, BDSM, or alternative relationship structures.

Network and Connect:

Doors open 7:00 pm

Enjoy dinner, connect with colleagues, and build community with clinicians committed to shame-reducing, kink-affirming care.

Not Included:

• Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase)
• Parking (street parking and nearby lots available)

Who is this event for?

Licensed mental health professionals, registered interns, associates, and graduate students seeking to enhance clinical skills with kinky, BDSM, and sexually diverse populations.

Coaches, sexologists, sex educators, counselors, wellness providers, other helping professionals, and activists.

Partners of the above welcome

Accessibility:

For accommodation requests, contact us one week prior to the event.

Your participation supports Rouse Academy's mission to reduce shame around sexuality and provide specialized training that addresses critical gaps in traditional mental health education.

Shame Less, Love More. Questions? PleaseEmail david@rouse.academy

Sponsorship Opportunities

Reach 100+ therapists and wellness providers committed to sex-positive, kink-affirming work while supporting innovative continuing education serving marginalized communities.

Email david@rouse.academy for sponsorship details.