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Integrating Trauma and Sex Therapy: Navigating Intimacy After Sexual Abuse

Previously Recorded
Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum, MSc.
$59.99 Cost For Member: $39.99

This workshop delves into the intricate intersection of sexual trauma and sexuality, highlighting the profound impact of sexual boundary violations on the ability to foster intimacy and trust in relationships. Participants will be introduced to how various forms of sexual abuse shape individuals' relational dynamics and sexual functioning, emphasizing the importance of understanding these complexities for effective therapeutic interventions. Moreover, attendees will gain insights into the neurobiological challenges inherent in reconciling trauma wiring with the prerequisites for healthy sexual expression, equipping them with practical strategies to navigate these complexities in clinical practice.

By fostering a deeper understanding of trauma's impact on sexual well-being, this workshop aims to facilitate healing and restore intimacy in the lives of survivors and their partners. Through collaborative learning and knowledge application, attendees will emerge equipped with the skills and confidence to navigate the delicate intersection of trauma and sexuality, ultimately fostering resilience and empowerment in their therapeutic work.

About the Presenter

Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum is an individual and couple's therapist, trauma therapist and certified sex therapist. She is an author of many published peer review articles and book chapters, and co-author of "I Am For My Beloved: A Guide to Enhanced Intimacy For Married Couples." She is co-host of the Intimate Judaism podcast

Learning Objectives:

  1. Explore the impact of different types of sexual violations on individuals ability to build intimacy and trust in relationships, identifying how past traumas influence current patterns of behavior.
  2. Recognize the neurobiological challenges in reconciling trauma wiring with the requirements for healthy sexual functioning, illustrating practical implications for therapeutic interventions.
  3. Demonstrate strategies to avoid re-enacting abusive dynamics when conducting sex therapy with individuals or couples with a history of sexual abuse, showcasing effective approaches to promote healing and restore intimacy.

Agenda:

**I. Introduction (10 minutes)**

   - Overview of the workshop's purpose and objectives.

   - Highlighting the misconception of treating trauma and sexual issues separately.

   - The connection between relaxation, safety, and intimate experiences.

 

**II. Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Sexuality (15 minutes)**

   - Discussion on how sexual experiences post-trauma extend beyond physical function to include emotional safety and connection.

   - Exploring the concept of disorganized attachment and its effects on intimacy and sexuality.

 

**III. Recognizing Sexual Symptoms and Effects of Abuse (20 minutes)**

   - Common sexual symptoms experienced by survivors, including hyposexuality and hypersexuality.

   - How sexual abuse affects sexual functioning, relationships, and the development of the self.

   - Understanding shame and its impact on arousal, desire, and body image.

 

**IV. Exploring Various Forms of Sexual Abuse (15 minutes)**

   - Beyond explicit sexual acts: Discussing boundary violations, cultural influences, and medical trauma.

   - The role of religious values and traditions in shaping sexual development and behaviors.

   - Addressing sexual values conflicts and sexual prohibition and obligation as trauma contributors or inhibitors to healing

 

**V. Neurobiology of Trauma and Sexual Response (20 minutes)**

   - Understanding the neurobiological basis of trauma and its incompatibility with healthy sexual functioning.

   - How trauma alters the stress response system and affects arousal, inhibition, and dissociative responses.

 

**VI. Treatment Approaches (30 minutes)**

   - Highlighting the importance of integrating trauma and sex therapy in both individual and couples' settings.

   - Exploring therapeutic modalities such as CBT, somatic therapies, and mindfulness-based interventions.

   - Addressing the challenges and pitfalls of traditional sex therapy interventions in trauma survivors.

   - Providing practical strategies for rebuilding intimacy, relearning touch, and fostering emotional connection.

 

**VII. Case Studies and Clinical Insights (20 minutes)**

   - Sharing clinical experiences and insights into working with trauma survivors in sexual therapy.

   - Discussing the nuances of treating hyposexuality, hypersexuality, and dissociative responses.

   - Highlighting the importance of trauma-informed care and creating a safe therapeutic environment.

 

**VIII. Resources and Further Reading (10 minutes)**

   - Providing a list of relevant research articles, books, and online resources for additional learning.

   - Offering practical tools and handouts for both therapists and survivors to navigate healing journeys.

 

**IX. Q&A and Conclusion (10 minutes)**

   - Opening the floor for questions, reflections, and discussions from participants.

   - Summarizing key takeaways and emphasizing the importance of integrated approaches to trauma and sex therapy.

   - Encouraging ongoing learning, collaboration, and advocacy for survivors' holistic well-being.

This workshop offers 3 Continuing Education Credits
This webinar is recorded and will not grant live credits.

This presentation is open to:
  • Social Workers
  • Professional Counselors
  • Therapists
  • Psychologists
  • Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
  • Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
  • Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
Course Level: intermediate
Level of Clinician: intermediate
  • New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
  • Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
  • Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
  • Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives

Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.

Disability Access - If you require ADA accommodations, please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification. Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often, and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly to obtain a ruling. The grievance policy for trainings provided by NEFESH INTERNATIONAL is available here Satisfactory Completion Participants must have paid the tuition fee, logged in and out each day, attended the entire workshop, and completed an evaluation to receive a certificate (If this is a pre-recorded program, a post-test with a passing grade of 80% to receive a certificate.) Failure to log in or out will result in forfeiture of credit for the entire course. No exceptions will be made. Partial credit is not available. Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion by clicking here.
There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.
  • NEFESH International, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0116.
  • NEFESH International is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0046
  • NEFESH International is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for Mental Health Counselor #MHC-0082
  • NEFESH International is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0048.
  • CE You! is an approved sponsor of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for continuing education credits for licensed social workers in Maryland.
    CE You! maintains responsibility for this program.
Refund Policy:
Full Refund until 48 hours before scheduled date.
48 hours before: full refund less $5.00 processing fee. After event no refund will be given.
*exclusions apply for reasonable need and cause.