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Integrating Pelvic Floor Fundamentals Into Sex Therapy Practice: A Biopsychosocial Approach

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2027   12:00 PM EST
Diana Melnick, MA, RP, CST, C-PST and Sara Klein, MSC, RPT
$59.99

This class provides IAPST credits which are eligible for credits toward Certification as a Sex Therapist.  See iapst.org/certification

See complete list of certificates available in the Accreditation tab

 

This 3-hour continuing education seminar introduces sex therapists to the essential role of the pelvic floor in sexual function and sexual pain. Blending anatomy, pain science, trauma- informed practice, and interprofessional collaboration, the course equips therapists with concrete skills to better assess, conceptualize, and treat clients with sexual pain or pelvic-
floor–related sexual dysfunction.

Participants learn how pelvic floor overactivity, underactivity, postpartum and menopausal changes, and stress-related muscle guarding contribute to common clinical presentations. The course also clarifies scope boundaries and provides a framework for when to refer clients to pelvic floor physiotherapy (and other sexual medicine providers) and how to collaborate
effectively. Using a biopsychosocial lens, the course integrates physical, emotional, relational, and behavioral factors to create a holistic and client-centered care model. Case studies and practical strategies help therapists apply the material immediately to their clinical work.

 

To register or access the part 2 asynchronous/self study click -> HERE <-

About the Presenter

Diana Melnick is a registered psychotherapist and certified sex therapist with a decade of experience treating men and women with mental health, relationship, sexual and intimacy struggles. She has also been a sexual educator for over 15 years and is a Mikvah director in Toronto, Canada. She is an ICEEFT certified Emotionally Focused Therapist, and Somatic EMDR Practitioner. She is the Clinical Director of Toronto Intimacy Counselling, a multidisciplinary clinic in Toronto which specializes in the treatment of relationship struggles and sexual function issues.

Sara Klein is a registered physical therapist with close to 20 years of experience. She has a speciality in chronic pain and pelvic health, treating adolescents and women in all areas of bowel, bladder and sexual function. She has been working at Toronto’s Sick Kids Hospital in the chronic pain department.

Together they have spoken to many communities about intimacy and pelvic health across all stages of life. Bringing a multi-dimensional lens and using the biopsychosocial model, they open sensitive conversations in a delicate and caring manner. They have spoken and given workshops and talks focusing on adolescents, newlyweds, prenatal and postpartum, perimenopause and menopause.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Identify the anatomy and functional roles of the pelvic floor as they relate to sexual response.
  2. Recognize common pelvic floor–related contributors to sexual pain and sexual dysfunction.
  3. Apply a biopsychosocial model to differentiate between pelvic-floor–driven issues and psychosexual drivers.
  4. Know when and how to refer to pelvic floor physiotherapy.
  5. Integrate trauma-informed communication, body awareness skills, and PF-friendly behavioral interventions into sex therapy practice.
  6. Collaborate effectively with pelvic floor PTs for comprehensive care to support clients in reaching their goals (including consummating marriage, pain-free intercourse, attaining pleasure, etc.)

Agenda:


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: introductory
Level of Clinician: beginner
  • 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.
  • The American Psychological Association approves the School of Sex Therapy to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The School of Sex Therapy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
    The School of Sex Therapy is an approved continued education provider for the International Association of Psychosexual Therapists. The School of Sex Therapy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • Therapist Express 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 creative arts therapists. #CAT-0122.
  • Therapist Express 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-0129.
  • Therapist Express 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 mental health counselors. #MHC-0325.
  • Therapist Express 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-0275.
  • Therapist Express 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-0129.
  • Therapist Express 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 mental health counselors. #MHC-0325.
  • Therapist Express 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-0774.
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.