Depression can affect both emotional and sexual intimacy, while relationship distress can also shape how depression is experienced. This self-access class introduces Couple Therapy for Depression (CTfD) and the Exeter Model, exploring how sex and intimacy work can be thoughtfully integrated into depression-focused couple therapy.
The class considers how sexual difficulties and intimacy concerns may intersect with depressive symptoms and relationship distress. It also highlights practical ways for therapists to start conversations about intimacy, address avoidance and support positive sexual experiences within the CTfD framework.
This self-access class is a recording of a live event held in September 2026.
Session Structure
- Explore the theoretical background and development of the Exeter Model.
- Understand the key principles, aims and structure of CTfD.
- Consider depression within a relational context and its impact on couple functioning.
- Explore the effects of depression on sexual and emotional intimacy.
- Identify common challenges and therapist considerations when addressing sex and intimacy.
- Consider practical strategies for integrating intimacy work into couple therapy.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Describe key components of CTfD and the Exeter Model.
- Recognise how depression may affect couple functioning, including sexual and emotional intimacy.
- Identify practical ways to integrate sex and intimacy work into couple therapy using the Exeter Model structure.
About the Trainer
Professor Hannah Sherbersky is a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist, Associate Professor at the University of Exeter and CEO of the Association for Family and Systemic Psychotherapy UK.
She has over 30 years of experience working within the mental health service as a clinician and trainer. At the University, she is Deputy Director of the clinical training department CEDAR, and Co-Director of the Systemic Portfolio, where she helped to establish one of the most prolific systemic training providers in country. She has co-developed and manualised a model of couple therapy in a research-based couple clinic, and still works clinically as a psychotherapist and supervisor.
In 2020 Hannah completed her doctorate, researching notions of ‘home’ within an adolescent inpatient context. She is past Associate Editor for the Journal of Family Therapy and is interested in the innovative delivery of systemic ideas, contributing to a BBC documentary about family therapy (2019), an online couple therapy app (2020) and various podcasts. She presents nationally and internationally in both her leadership roles and has published on numerous related subjects.
She is a supervisor, both in private practice and for agencies which have included Relate and Rape Crisis, and an EMDR UK consultant.
She has been a lecturer with the Foundation for Counselling & Relationship Studies and the Relate Institute, taught CBT at Amersham & Wycombe College and was a visiting lecturer at University College London for several years.
Publications include The Relate Guide to Sex & Intimacy, Love & Sex in A New Relationship, Contemporary Sex Therapy and Sex Therapy: The Basics. She co-presents The Real Sex Education podcast.
