
Cancer is Not Sexy! Supporting Cancer Survivors' Journeys to Bring Sexy Back
Presented by Laurie Bonjo, PhD, NCC, CSC
Friday, February 21, 2025
8am-10am PT / 10am-12pm CT / 11am-1pm ET
Event held online via Zoom, link to access provided upon registration.
Sexual dysfunction is among the most common and distressing consequences of cancer treatment (Cancer Statistics, n.d.; Esmet Hosseini et al., 2022; Jackson et al., 2016). While some effects may be short-term, many cancer survivors experience long-term impacts such as treatment-induced menopause, altered gonadal function, and significant surgical disfigurement (Krychman & Milheiser, 2013; Pizzol et al., 2021; Onen Sertöz et al., 2004). These challenges can lead to profound sexual dysfunction, which can significantly affect a survivor’s quality of life (Boa & Grénman, 2018; Dizon, Suzin, & McIlvenna, 2014). Yet, a survey of gynecologic oncologists found that fewer than half routinely addressed sexual health with patients (Hay et al., 2018). Time constraints, lack of training, or discomfort are often cited as reasons for avoiding these discussions (Boa and Grénman, 2018).
Sexual dysfunction is a common consequence of treatment, with studies suggesting that over 60% of women (Hosseini et al., 2022) and 40% of men (Pizzol et al., 2021) experience it. Despite its prevalence, survivors often feel unprepared for these changes and unsupported in managing their impact (Hawkins et al., 2009; Hay et al., 2018). This session will discuss the impact cancer and cancer treatments have on survivor’s sexual satisfaction and well being and offer cancer-informed, solution-focused, and sex positive approaches when working with cancer survivors. Participants will learn about holding space for a client’s need to grieve the loss of their pre-cancer lives and discuss methods of identifying safe and satisfying ways for clients to experience sexual intimacy with self and others when cancer is part of the picture.
Zoom link will be available on course page in “My Courses” upon event registration.
This program, when attended in its entirety, offers 2.0 CEs for Psychologists, 2.0 IL CEUS for Counselors and Social Workers, 2.0 BBS California CEUs for LPCCs, LPSWs, and LMFTs, 2.0 AASECT CEs for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, or 2.0 NBCC Clock Hours*. (*NBCC Clock Hours are available for live program attendance only.)
Sexual dysfunction is among the most common and distressing consequences of cancer treatment (Cancer Statistics, n.d.; Esmet Hosseini et al., 2022; Jackson et al., 2016). While some effects may be short-term, many cancer survivors experience long-term impacts such as treatment-induced menopause, altered gonadal function, and significant surgical disfigurement (Krychman & Milheiser, 2013; Pizzol et al., 2021; Onen Sertöz et al., 2004). These challenges can lead to profound sexual dysfunction, which can significantly affect a survivor’s quality of life (Boa & Grénman, 2018; Dizon, Suzin, & McIlvenna, 2014). Yet, a survey of gynecologic oncologists found that fewer than half routinely addressed sexual health with patients (Hay et al., 2018). Time constraints, lack of training, or discomfort are often cited as reasons for avoiding these discussions (Boa and Grénman, 2018).
Sexual dysfunction is a common consequence of treatment, with studies suggesting that over 60% of women (Hosseini et al., 2022) and 40% of men (Pizzol et al., 2021) experience it. Despite its prevalence, survivors often feel unprepared for these changes and unsupported in managing their impact (Hawkins et al., 2009; Hay et al., 2018). This session will discuss the impact cancer and cancer treatments have on survivor’s sexual satisfaction and well being and offer cancer-informed, solution-focused, and sex positive approaches when working with cancer survivors. Participants will learn about holding space for a client’s need to grieve the loss of their pre-cancer lives and discuss methods of identifying safe and satisfying ways for clients to experience sexual intimacy with self and others when cancer is part of the picture.
After attending this introductory-level program, participants will be able to:
- Discuss the impact of cancer and cancer treatment on survivor’s sexual satisfaction and well-being.
- Identify methods of holding space for clients’ need to grieve the loss of their pre-cancer sex lives.
- Apply a cancer-informed, solution-focused, sex-positive approach when working with cancer survivors.
- Identify safe and satisfying ways to experience sexual intimacy with self and others when cancer is part of the picture.
This program meets APA’s continuing education STANDARD 1.1: Program content focuses on application of psychological assessment and/or intervention methods that have overall consistent and credible empirical support in the contemporary peer reviewed scientific literature beyond those publications and other types of communications devoted primarily to the promotion of the approach.
This program meets AASECT Core Knowledge Area for:
H — Health/medical factors that may influence sexuality i.e. illness, disability, mental health, safer sex.
I — Range of sexual functioning and behavior, from optimal to problematic.
This program meets AASECT Sexuality Counseling training for:
B — Theory and methods of sexuality counseling approaches to specific populations.
This program meets AASECT Sexuality Educator training for:
D — Theory and methods of approaches to sexuality education with specific populations (e.g., youth, older adults, couples, ethnic/ cultural/ faith-based populations, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities).
ACSSW Members: $10.00
General Admission: $50.00
The Chicago School Staff/Faculty/Students/Alumni: $25.00
Community Partners/Site Supervisors: $25.00
Non-The Chicago School Students: $25.00
(Please email [email protected] for coupon code. Code must be entered at time of checkout to receive discount.)
Refund Policy: 100% of tuition is refundable up to 48 hours before the program. Within 48 hours of the program, and at any point in Homestudy format, tuition is nonrefundable.
Laurie Bonjo, PhD, NCC, CSC; Associate Professor
Dr. Laurie Bonjo (they/them or she/her) is a tenured associate professor at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) and a founding faculty member of the doctoral program in counselor education and supervision at SCSU. Dr. Bonjo currently serves as the president of the newest division of the American Counseling Association (ACA), The Association for Counseling Sexology and Sexual Wellness (ACSSW).
Dr. Bonjo earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in counseling from Penn State University. They bring extensive experience providing counseling services in both educational and agency settings. Dr. Bonjo obtained a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Old Dominion University.
Their teaching and research interests emphasize efforts in decolonization and liberation practices, particularly when working with populations at risk for marginalization and disenfranchisement. Dr. Bonjo is deeply engaged in addressing LGBTGEQIAP2S+ issues in counseling and exploring sexuality across the lifespan. They are committed to disrupting oppressive paradigms that impact minoritized identities and creating spaces for underrepresented individuals to self-empower, particularly within higher education and the helping professions.
As a dedicated mentor, Dr. Bonjo actively collaborates with master’s and doctoral students, frequently co-presenting at conferences and currently serving as chair for 15 dissertations. They bring a dynamic and engaging approach to presentations, ensuring that participants enjoy the process while gaining self-awareness, knowledge, and practical skills.
Boa, R., & Grénman, S. (2018). Psychosexual health in gynecologic cancer. International Journal of Gynecological Obstetrics, 143(1), 147–152. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.12623
Cancer Statistics. (n.d.). National Cancer Institute. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-
cancer/understanding/statistics
Dizon, D. S., Suzin, D., & McIlvenna, S. (2014). Sexual health as a survivorship issue for female cancer survivors. The Oncologist, 19(2), 202–210. https://doi.org/10.1634/theoncologist.2013-0302
Esmat Hosseini, S., Ilkhani, M., Rohani, C., Nikbakht Nasrabadi, A., Ghanei Gheshlagh, R., & Moini, A. (2022). Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine, 20(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.18502/ijrm.v20i1.10403
Falk, S. J., & Dizon, D. S. (2020). Sexual health issues in cancer survivors. Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 36(1), Article 150981. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soncn.2019.150981
Hawkins, Y., Ussher, J., Gilbert, E., Perz, J., Sandoval, M., & Sundquist, K. (2009). Changes in sexuality and intimacy after the diagnosis and treatment of cancer: The experience of partners in a sexual relationship with a person with cancer. Cancer Nursing, 32(4), 271–280. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCC.0b013e31819b5a93
Hay, C. M., Donovan, H. S., Hartnett, E. G., Carter, J., Roberge, M. C., Campbell, G. B., Zuchelkowski, B. E., & Taylor, S. E. (2018). Sexual health as part of gynecologic cancer care: What do patients want? International Journal of Gynecological Cancer, 28(9), 1737–1742. https://doi.org/10.1097/IGC.0000000000001376
Jackson, S. E., Wardle, J., Steptoe, A., & Fisher, A. (2016). Sexuality after a cancer diagnosis: A population-based study. Cancer, 122(24), 3883–3891. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.30263
Krychman, M., & Millheiser, L. S. (2013). Sexual health issues in women with cancer. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 10(Suppl 1), 5–15. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsm.12034
Pizzol, D., Xiao, T., Smith, L., Sánchez, G. F. L., Garolla, A., Parris, C., Barnett, Y., Ilie, P. C., Soysal, P., Shin, J. I., Tully, M. A., Yang, L., Veronese, N., & Grabovac, I. (2021). Prevalence of erectile dysfunction in male survivors of cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies. The British Journal of General Practice,
71(706), e372–e380. https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp20X714197
U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. (2024). U.S. Cancer Statistics Data Visualizations Tool. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Cancer Institute.
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dataviz
Target Audience: Mental health clinicians and students working with adults.
Psychologists. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.0 continuing education credits. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in its continuing education activities. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is also committed to conducting all activities in conformity with the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles for Psychologists. Participants are asked to be aware of the need for privacy and confidentiality throughout the program. If program content becomes stressful, participants are encouraged to process these feelings during discussion periods.
Counselors/Clinical Counselors. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.0 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for counselors and clinical counselors. License Number: 197.000159
Social Workers. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.0 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for social workers. License Number: 159.001036
MFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs. Course meets the qualifications for 2.0 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. If you are licensed outside of California please check with your local licensing agency to to determine if they will accept these CEUs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to offer continuing education programming for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is an accredited or approved postsecondary institution that meets the requirements set forth in Sections 4980.54(f)(1), 4989.34, 4996.22(d)(1), or 4999.76(d) of the Code.
National Board. This program, when attended in its entirety, offers 2.0 NBCC Clock Hours. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 3036. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. This program meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 2.0 CE credits. The Office of Continuing Education at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has been approved as an AASECT Provider of continuing education credits. Provider number 23-519-CW. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. For further information please contact [email protected].
Non-Psychologists. Most licensing boards accept Continuing Education Credits sponsored by the American Psychological Association but non-psychologists are recommended to consult with their specific state-licensing board to ensure that APA-sponsored CE is acceptable.
*Participants must attend 100% of the program in order to obtain a Certificate of Attendance.
If participants have special needs, we will attempt to accommodate them. Please address questions, concerns and any complaints to [email protected]. There is no commercial support for this program nor are there any relationships between the CE Sponsor, presenting organization, presenter, program content, research, grants, or other funding that could reasonably be construed as conflicts of interest.