Tuesday, August 25th, 2026 12:00 PM EDT -3:00 PM EDT Dr. Kris Christiansen
Yahoo!
Description
Sex therapists routinely encounter clients navigating decisions about contraception, safer sex practices, and sexual health concerns—yet formal training in these areas is often limited. This three-hour presentation equips graduate sex therapy students with a practical, clinician-informed understanding of modern contraceptive methods, sexually transmitted infections, and the ways these topics intersect with the psychological and relational dimensions of sexual health. From hormonal and long-acting reversible contraceptives to barrier methods and emerging prevention strategies like PrEP, participants will gain the foundational medical literacy needed to support informed client conversations and recognize when referral to a medical provider is warranted. Beyond the clinical basics, this course explores how contraception and STI concerns shape sexual desire, pleasure, body image, relationship dynamics, and communication between partners—including the impact of contraceptive side effects on sexual function, the emotional consequences of STI diagnosis and disclosure, stigma reduction, and culturally sensitive approaches to discussing sexual health across diverse populations. Participants will leave with a framework for integrating medical knowledge into sex therapy practice, bridging the gap between the exam room and the therapy room.
Like this webinar? Click here to view packages that contain this webinar.
About the Presenter:
Learning Objectives:
- Help participants identify how shame, fear, and stigma influence client disclosure and decision making in sexual health conversations, and apply therapeutic approaches that support openness and emotional safety
- Strengthen clinicians’ understanding of common STIs, essential diagnostic and treatment points, and emerging prevention options such as PrEP, and integrate this knowledge into client discussions in a clinically appropriate way.
- Enhance participants’ ability to explain contraceptive options, including long-acting, short-acting, and barrier methods, while incorporating key considerations related to adolescence, STI risk, and conditions such as hyperandrogenism/PCOS.
- Support clinicians in applying ethical principles and case-based reasoning to real-world scenarios involving STIs, contraception, and sexual health decisions, promoting informed and compassionate client care.
Agenda:
12:00–12:15 | Welcome Introductions
Instructor introduction and course overview
Icebreaker: Participants share one question they've received from a client about contraception or STIs that they felt unprepared to answer
Review of learning objectives
12:15–12:55 | Contraception: What You Need to Know (Objective 1)
Overview of contraceptive categories: hormonal (pills, patch, ring, injection), long-acting reversible contraceptives (IUDs, implant), barrier methods (condoms, diaphragm), permanent methods, and fertility awareness-based methods
Effectiveness rates: perfect use vs. typical use
Emergency contraception: options and access
Sexual side effects of hormonal contraception:
Potential negative effects: decreased libido, reduced arousal and lubrication, diminished clitoral sensitivity, dyspareunia, mood changes (depression, anxiety), and elevated sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) reducing free testosterone
Potential positive effects: reduced menstrual pain and bleeding, decreased fear of unintended pregnancy (which can enhance desire and spontaneity), improvement in acne and hirsutism supporting body image and sexual confidence, and stabilization of mood-related cycle fluctuations
Guided Discussion: What assumptions or gaps in knowledge do you notice among your clients regarding contraception? How might misinformation affect sexual decision-making in relationships?
12:55–1:25 | STIs: What You Need to Know (Objective 1)
Overview of common STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV, HIV, and hepatitis B
Transmission, symptoms, screening recommendations, and treatment basics
Prevention strategies: condoms, dental dams, vaccination (HPV, hepatitis B), and PrEP/PEP for HIV
Brief Activity – Myth or Fact: Instructor presents common STI misconceptions; participants respond and discuss as a group
1:25–1:35 | Break
1:35–2:10 | The Intersection of Sexual Health and Sex Therapy (Objective 2)
How hormonal contraceptives can affect desire, arousal, lubrication, and mood
The sexual and relational impact of condom negotiation and barrier method use
Emotional and psychological consequences of STI diagnosis: shame, anxiety, grief, and identity
STI disclosure in relationships: timing, communication, and partner dynamics
Guided Discussion: How do you currently address contraceptive side effects or STI-related distress in session? What feels comfortable, and where do you feel you need more tools?
2:10–2:45 | Integrating Sexual Health Into Practice (Objective 3)
Building comfort with sexual health conversations: language, normalizing, and destigmatizing
Culturally sensitive approaches across diverse populations (LGBTQ+ clients, adolescents, clients with disabilities, religious or cultural considerations)
Knowing your scope: when and how to refer to medical providers
Role-Play Activity: In pairs, participants practice a brief therapeutic exchange in which a client raises a contraception or STI concern. One partner plays the therapist, the other the client. Debrief as a group focusing on what language felt effective and where participants felt uncertain.
2:45–3:00 | Wrap-Up Q
Key takeaways and summary of learning objectives
Resource list: recommended references, patient-facing handouts, and referral pathways
Open Q and final reflections
Accreditation - This Webinar Offers 3 Live Interactive Continuing Education Credits
- CE You LLC, #1573, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/27/2024 - 3/27/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3 Ethics continuing education credits.
- CE You! is an approved sponsor of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for continuing education credits for licensed social workers in Maryland.
CE You! maintains responsibility for this program. - CE You LLC 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-0437
- 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.
This presentation is open to:
- Behavior Analysts
- 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
This online class is offered at an introductory level, and is beneficial for a beginner level clinician:
- 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
Additional information
- Refunds: Registrants who are unable to attend a CeYou! Plus! seminar or live webinars may ask for, and will receive, a credit or refund (your choice). Refund requests will be processed within 3 business days. When an attendee knows in advance that they are unable to attend we ask that they inform CeYou! Plus! ahead of time by emailing [email protected] or by calling or texting 607-249-4585 this allows us to free up the spot in the training in the event that a training is at or near capacity.
- 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.
- The grievance policy for trainings provided by CeYou! Plus! is available here
- Satisfactory Completion: Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion in your account or by clicking here
- Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.
- There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.
- System Requirements: Any device (such as a computer, tablet, or phone), Dual-Core 2 GHz or higher processor, and at least 4 GB of RAM capable of running a Zoom session, along with a stable internet connection.
- Although early registration is recommended for this class in order to ensure the best experience, attendees may register and join until the start of the program