Sex Therapy 101
Presented by Ewelina Beardmore, LCPC, CST, SEP and Rachel Berg, LCPC, CADC
Friday, September 13, 2024
7am-12:30pm PT / 9am-2:30pm CT / 10am-3:30pm ET
This event is presented in hybrid format. Participants have the option of attending in-person or participating via Zoom. Zoom link will be available on course page in “My Courses” upon event registration.
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.
Zoom link will be available on course page in “My Courses” upon event registration.
This program, when attended in its entirety, offers 5.0 CEs for Psychologists, 5.0 IL CEUS for Counselors and Social Workers, 5.0 BBS California CEUs for LPCCs, LPSWs, and LMFTs, or 5.0 AASECT CEs for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.
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.
After attending this intermediate-level program, participants will be able to:
- Discuss the evidence-based practices behind sex therapy.
- Ask appropriate sexual assessment questions.
- Identify common sexual issues clients come with.
- Provide psychoeducation on the mind/body connection within a sexual context.
- Explain the basic skills to address sexual challenges with individual and couples in a therapeutic setting.
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 APA’s continuing education GOAL 1: Program is relevant to psychological practice, education, and/or science.
This program meets AASECT Core Knowledge Area for:
I — Range of sexual functioning and behavior, from optimal to problematic.
M — Pleasure enhancement skills.
N — Learning theory and its application.
P — History of the discipline of sex research, theory, education, counseling, and therapy.
This program meets AASECT Sex Therapy training for:
A — Theory and methods of sex-related psychotherapy, including several different models.
B — Techniques of sex-related assessment and diagnosis of the ‘Psychosexual Disorders’ described in the DSM.
General Admission: $55.00
Student Admission: $35.00*
The Chicago School Faculty and Staff: $40.00*
Please Note: This program is limited to 40 participants. Once attendance maximum is met, we will begin a waiting list.
(*Please email [email protected] for coupon code)
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.
Ewelina Beardmore, LCPC, CST, SEP
Ewelina Beardmore is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Certified Sex Therapist (CST) and Somatic Experiencing Professional (SEP) who uses a relational , somatic 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.
Ewelina values the role and importance of sexuality in clients’ overall health, and helps clients overcome challenges such as lack of intimacy, sexual and gender identity, desire discrepancy, postpartum recovery impacting sexual health, difficulties with orgasm, compulsive sexual behaviors, erectile dysfunctions and painful intercourse. She is sex-positive, kink-friendly and affirming of polyamorous relationships. Ewelina is a Certified Sex Therapist through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT).
In addition, Ewelina has completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which allows her to assist couples improve their communication styles and explore goals throughout each stage of their relationship. She is also trained in a variety of treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients manage anxiety and depression.
Ewelina’s international background allows her to connect with individuals struggling with cross-cultural issues and assist in developing coping skills to manage life’s obstacles. Additionally, she has offered guidance to clients on issues involving work-life balance and behavioral and emotional health in an employee assistance setting. Ewelina earned a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, graduating with honors. She is fluent in French and offers services in this language.
Rachel Berg, LCPC, CADC
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.
Brotto, L. A. (2018). Better sex through Mindfulness: How women can Cultivate desire. https://www.amazon.com/Better-Sex-Through-Mindfulness-Cultivate/dp/1771642351
Lehmiller, J. J. (2022). Tell me what you want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Help You Improve Your Sex Life. Robinson.
Nagoski, E. (2015). Come as you are: The Surprising New Science that Will Transform Your Sex Life. Simon and Schuster.
Sex Therapy: A Panoramic View. (2015). In Systematic Sex Therapy (2nd ed., pp. 276–298). New York: Routledge.
Target Audience: Professional Counselors, Social Workers, Substance Abuse Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Psychologists
Psychologists. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 5.0 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 5.0 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 5.0 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 5.0 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.
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 5.0 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.
The Chicago School
325 N Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60654
ROOM 407/412
Map can be found at the bottom of this page.
Parking Information
For those visiting by car, the Chicago campus does not have on-site parking. Street parking and private lots are available in the area.
Discounted parking is available at Mart Parc Wells Self Park (401 N Wells Street) and Mart Parc Orleans Self Park (437 N Orleans Street). Parking ticket validation is available at the 4th–floor reception desk of the Chicago campus.
For more information, please visit: https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/chicago/map-and-directions/
Please note: The Chicago School has no contractual relationship with InterPark or their garages. Discounted parking rates, issues or concerns with the garages themselves, or the inability for machines to apply discounted rates should be addressed directly with InterPark.
Public Transit Information
- 325 N. Wells Street is a 3-minute (0.1 mile) walk from the Merchandise Mart CTA station.