Everyone should be able to have healthy and fulfilling intimate relationships. Yet many affected by hidden and visible conditions face barriers to achieving that intimacy. The Conference week examines these barriers and how therapists can address them.
Appreciating the diversity of conditions and the impacts they can have is vital. Some are very visible, for example, a physical disability that affects mobility and function. Others are more hidden such as a developmental disorder or deafness. Depending on the individual and their circumstances, challenges may range from building a sense of sexuality to building effective communication with others.
The conference will see experts discuss a selection of both hidden and visible conditions. And the role of therapy and the therapist in addressing them will be drawn out – encouraging practitioners to ask “what can I do differently to help these service users?”.
Topics included are:
- Introduction to Disability Awareness – Jennie Williams
- Understanding, Navigating and Overcoming Barriers for Therapists when Talking with Disabled People in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy – Alex Cowan
- Addressing the Distinct Needs of those with Physical Limitations within Therapy – Michelle Donald
- COSRT In Conversation with…. Jodi Rodgers – Neurodiversity expert from Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum
- The hidden Impact of Diabetes on Sexual Function for all – Professor Geoffrey Hackett
- Dementia, Sex and Intimacy in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy – Danuta Lipinska
- Neurodiversity and Psychosexual Therapy – Karen Lean and Grace Myhill
- Panel discussion. Supporting Intimacy for All – Challenges, Barriers and Opportunities for Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy
