About this presentation
By using pleasure as a means of measuring a high-quality life, mental health therapists will be able to effectively address sexual concerns in individual clients and couples regardless of specialized training. This presentation aims to detail a straightforward and comprehensive pleasure-model of care, including physical and psychological aspects pleasure.
Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized form of therapy that targets a range of conditions associated with the pelvic floor. These conditions may include, but are not limited to: leakage, pain with sex, pelvic pain, pre/peri/post-partum healing, diastasis recti, pelvic organ prolapse, back/tailbone pain, and hip pain.
This information is particularly relevant for mental health therapists, as it enables them to recognize when their clients may be experiencing these symptoms. By understanding that effective solutions exist, therapists can better understand potential physical barriers to pleasure and confidently refer their clients to specialized pelvic floor therapists who can provide targeted care.
What you'll learn
At the conclusion of the presentation, attendees should be able identify and implement a pleasure-model in their treatment approach that includes effectively addressing psychological and physical barriers to pleasure. Additionally, attendees should be able to describe broadly what conditions are treated in pelvic floor therapy, identify modalities used in pelvic floor therapy, and when to refer a client to a pelvic floor therapist.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe ways to implement a pleasure-model of care
- Describe the conditions pelvic floor therapy can treat
- Describe when you might want to refer someone to pelvic floor therapy
About your teachers
Stephanie Taylor, PhD, specializes in the comprehensive treatment of trauma and its associated impacts, with a dedicated focus on facilitating post-traumatic growth. Recognizing the intricate interplay between the mind and body, Dr. Taylor integrates somatic therapies into her sessions in commitment to holistic care. Dr. Taylor's commitment to addressing the profound influence of trauma on sexuality underscores her dedication to fostering comprehensive healing and growth in her clients. A background in trauma also informs the foundation from which Dr. Taylor supports couples and relationships.
Heather Hill, MS, OTR/L, Pelvic Floor OT, is an experienced occupational therapist and yoga instructor with a strong focus on pelvic floor therapy and pelvic health. Her background in human movement science, occupational therapy, and yoga allows her to take a holistic approach to her practice, emphasizing the interconnectedness of body, mind, and breath. Heather's passion lies in helping individuals establish a profound connection with their pelvic floor, enabling them to navigate life with enhanced ease and pleasure.
CE Approval
UCEBT is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. UCEBT maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Additionally, this presentation is approved for 2 hours of home-study CE credit through NASW-UT, UAMFT, UMHCA, and Utah Occupational Therapy Association (UOTA).
Program Notices
Two hours of home-study CE credit is available for attendees who participate in this entire program. Stephanie Taylor, Ph.D., Heather Hill, MS, OTR/L, and UCEBT have not received any commercial support for this program or its contents and will not receive any commercial support prior to or during this program. For additional information or if accommodations are needed, please contact Jennifer at [email protected] or (801) 419-0139.
Conflicts of Interest: None.
Commercial Support: None.
Accuracy, Utility, and Risks Statement:
Accuracy: The information presented in this presentation on the focus on pleasure in sex, couples, and trauma therapy is based on current research, clinical experience, and professional guidelines in the field of psychology and occupational/pelvic floor therapy. Efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided. However, it is important to note that research in this area is continually evolving, and new findings may emerge that could impact the understanding and recommendations related to pleasure-focused therapy.
Utility: This presentation aims to provide therapists with important insights and practical strategies for incorporating a focus on pleasure into their work with clients who have sexual concerns, couples seeking to enhance their intimate relationships, and individuals who have experienced sexual trauma. The information shared is intended to enhance therapeutic effectiveness and support clients in their journey towards improved well-being and sexual satisfaction. The presentation offers practical tools, evidence-based approaches, and considerations for creating a safe and inclusive therapeutic environment.
Risks: It is important to acknowledge that discussing pleasure in therapy may be challenging or uncomfortable for some individuals due to personal, cultural, or religious beliefs or past traumatic experiences. Additionally, therapists must exercise caution and sensitivity when discussing sexual topics, especially when working with clients who have experienced trauma. The presentation emphasizes the importance of informed consent, creating a safe and non-judgmental space, and respecting clients' boundaries and comfort levels throughout the therapeutic process. Therapists should be mindful of potential risks and seek appropriate supervision or consultation when working with sensitive or triggering content.
It is recommended that therapists exercise their professional judgment and adapt the information presented to the unique needs of their clients. The content of this presentation should not replace individualized assessment, clinical judgment, or adherence to ethical guidelines. Therapists are encouraged to regularly update their knowledge and skills in this area through ongoing professional development and consultation with colleagues or experts in the field.
References
Binik, Y. M., & Hall, K. S. (Eds.). (2014). Principles and practice of sex therapy (6th ed.). Guilford Publications.
Cozean, N. (Instructor). (2024). Essential Pelvic Strengthening: Not Your Mama's Kegels [Online course]. Retrieved from https://www.pelvicptrising.com/clinicalcourses
Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. (2024). Pelvic Function Level 1 [In-person course] Retrieved from https://hermanwallace.com/continuing-education-courses/pelvic-function-level-1
Kleinplatz, P. J. (Ed.). (2012). New directions in sex therapy: Innovations and alternatives. Routledge.
Laan, Ellen & Klein, Verena & Werner, Marlene & van Lunsen, Rik & Janssen, Erick. (2021). In Pursuit of Pleasure: A Biopsychosocial Perspective on Sexual Pleasure and Gender. International Journal of Sexual Health.
Louw, A. (Instructor). (2020). The Neuroscience of Pain [Online course]. MedBridge. Retrieved from https://www.medbridge.com/courses/details/the-neuroscience-of-pain-adriaan-louw
Metz, M. E., Epstein, N., & McCarthy, B. W. (Eds.). (2019). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for sexual dysfunction. Routledge.
Nagoski, E. (2024). Come together: The science (and art!) of creating lasting sexual connections. Scribner.
Rademacher, L., & Hoskins, L. (2019). The principles of pleasure: Working with the good stuff as sex therapists and educators. Routledge.
