Expand your scope of practice with this 2-hour, asynchronous course. Learn to navigate the complex biological and psychological factors impacting sexual well-being on your own schedule.
Beyond the Symptom: A Biopsychosocial Approach to Assessing and Treating Sexual Concerns
Factors Influencing Sexual Functioning is a two-hour, asynchronous continuing education (CE) course designed for licensed mental health professionals seeking to strengthen their ability to conceptualize sexual concerns within a comprehensive clinical framework. Rather than viewing sexual difficulties as isolated symptoms, this course examines the interconnected biological, psychological, relational, and sociocultural factors that can influence sexual functioning across the lifespan. Participants are encouraged to consider the whole sexual system and recognize that sexual concerns are rarely explained by a single factor.
The course begins by examining age-related and physiological changes that can affect sexuality throughout adulthood. Participants explore how hormonal changes, health conditions, medications, pregnancy and postpartum experiences, perimenopause, menopause, and changes associated with aging may influence desire, arousal, sexual response, confidence, and pleasure. The course emphasizes that changes in sexual functioning do not signify the end of sexuality and encourages clinicians to consider how biological changes interact with psychological and relational experiences.
Body image and sexual self-concept are explored as important components of sexual well-being. Participants examine how identity, health, past experiences, relationships, cultural beauty standards, self-objectification, internalized ageism, gender expectations, and beliefs about sexual performance may affect a person’s relationship with their body and sexuality. Clinical manifestations may include avoidance of intimacy, reduced desire, difficulty receiving pleasure, Spectatoring, performance anxiety, and diminished sexual confidence. The course introduces clinical approaches that shift attention from appearance and performance toward body functionality, self-compassion, and broader definitions of sexual competence.
Make this investment in yourself!
How to get in touch
Please email [email protected]. We’re happy to help.
Dr. Jenn Kennedy, PhD
I’ve worked therapeutically with hundreds of women and couples to unlock better sex lives. As a sexologist, I’ve also studied women and sexuality, so I integrate the full picture of interpersonal, psychological and environmental factors that impact your sex life. I offer evidenced-based theory and practical interventions with an understanding that every sexual journey is unique.
Curriculum:
Participants also examine the relationship between sexuality, self-worth, sexual self-esteem, body awareness, boundaries, agency, vulnerability, and permission to experience pleasure. Common barriers – including shame, guilt, perfectionism, people-pleasing, chronic self-criticism, and religious or cultural messaging – are considered within a clinical context. Participants learn to explore clients’ beliefs about pleasure, distinguish pleasure from performance or productivity, and support greater curiosity, mindfulness, body awareness, and self-compassion.
The course further addresses the ways Big-T and little-t trauma may affect sexual safety, intimacy, arousal, pleasure, and connection to the body. Participants are introduced to trauma-informed principles and the potential role of EMDR while maintaining attention to stabilization, scope of practice, and appropriate referral. Negative cognitions that may contribute to shame, avoidance, performance anxiety, and other sexual concerns are also examined.
Throughout the course, clinical vignettes help participants integrate course concepts and identify contributing factors, underlying beliefs, and potential treatment targets. By applying an integrated biopsychosocial-relational lens, clinicians will develop a more nuanced framework for assessing sexual concerns and identifying appropriate clinical responses while supporting clients’ safety, agency, connection, and capacity for pleasure.
Are You Missing the Bigger Picture in Sexual Health? Shift the therapeutic focus from performance to self-compassion. Learn how to confidently address shame, trauma, and sexual self-concept in your clinical practice.
FAQs
How much time should I allow for this program?
The program takes about 2 hours total, depending on how much time you spend writing out the worksheets and re-watching segments.
What if I’m inexperienced with sex?
You are in the right place! We will address some basics of anatomy.
Is this program for couples or men?
It’s really geared toward women, but they are welcome to go through it with their partner if they choose. Much of the material is applicable and useful to all.
What is the refund policy?
The fee is non-refundable.
How much does the program cost?
The program costs $79.