Sex Therapy 101
Workshop Description:
Sex is an integral part of our identities and an important piece of our intimate relationships, but unfortunately, it is rarely discussed in therapeutic settings. One of the many reasons for that is because sex is a vulnerable topic that many clients are uncomfortable discussing.
The same can be said for mental health professionals as most have not been properly trained in how to address an individual’s or a couple’s sexual issues. Considering the interconnectedness between sex and people’s mental health, not addressing sex during counseling sessions is missing an opportunity to educate clients on what sexuality actually is (it’s not just what they see on TV and social media), to normalize the sexual issues that could be preventing them from healing, and to address issues that play such an important role in a person’s overall health or the health of their relationships.
This workshop will provide mental health professionals with a foundation on sex therapy that goes beyond the basics of psychology, anatomy, physiology and human development. Participants of this training will gain comfort in completing a basic sexual history assessment, identifying the most common dysfunctions, and understanding how working holistically with other professionals can help normalize the issues that are preventing clients from accepting themselves, their desires and their bodies, and developing meaningful sexual relationships.
Course Objectives:
- Learn the evidence-based practices behind sex therapy.
- Become comfortable talking about sex in a therapeutic setting and ask appropriate sexual assessment questions
- Identify common sexual issues clients come with
- Learn how to provide psychoeducation on the mind/body connection within a sexual context
- Develop basic skills to address sexual challenges with individual and couples in a therapeutic setting
Course Description:
- Description of populations affected by sexual issues
- Common problems present in therapy for couples/individuals
- Desire discrepancy
- Sex after baby
- Sexual Trauma
- Fetishes/BDSM/Open relationships
- Out of control Sexual behavior
- Pain with intercourse
- Anorgasmia
- Performance Anxiety – ED/DE/PE
- Myths/misconception about sex
- Definition of sex
- Responsive vs spontaneous desire
- Non concordance
- Sexual fluidity
- Conceptualization/Assessment
- PLISSIT Model
- Lifelong or acquired /Situational or generalized problems
- Cycle of sexual response
- Trust and safety
- Dual control model
- Incentive motivational system
- Separateness and connectedness
- Approach/Treatment
- Bio/psych/socio/cultural
- Understanding of anatomy
- Work through a holistic approach/collaboration with professionals
- Sensate focus
- Expand sexual repertoire
- Sex in Context
Audience:
- Professional Counselors
- Social Workers
- Subtance Use Counselors
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Psychologists
Date and Time:
- Friday, January 19th, 2024: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM CST
Location:
1700 W Irving Park Rd, Suite 302 Chicago, IL 60613
Virtual option available. Link will be emailed prior to workshop date.
Presenters:
Ewelina Beardmore, LCPC, CST (She/Her)
Ewelina Beardmore is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Sex Therapist (CST) who uses a relational and strength-based model to help individuals and couples gain awareness of the roles and the dynamics present in their relationships. She has expertise in helping individuals heal from traumas such as sexual assault, childhood abuse as well as physical and emotional abuse, and is passionate about helping individuals overcome the challenges of significant life transitions such as infertility, postpartum struggles and parenthood.
Rachel Berg, MA, LCPC, CADC (She/Her)
Rachel Berg is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) currently finalizing her Certification in Sex Therapy. She uses a relational and strength-based model and specializes in the treatment of trauma, substance use, compulsive sexual behaviors, and relationship/attachment struggles.
Continuing Education Hours:
This program is recognized as providing 3.0 CE Hours for:
• LPC/LCPC (IDFPR license # 197.000360)
• LSW/LCSW (IDFPR license # 159.001584)
• Licensed Psychologist (IDFPR license # 268.000146)
