Overview

Sex and relationship series

This webinar will focus on the intersection between trauma and sexual function/intimacy.

It aims to assist psychologists to understand who Accredited Psychosexual Therapists are, and where/how they fit into a multidisciplinary treatment team and allow better recognition the impact of sexual or non-sexual trauma on sexual function, sexual relationships and intimacy, and extension of knowledge in this area, while providing some practical tools to support quality delivery of care.

Note: This presentation will not address specific clinical treatment or management of the DSM-5 sexual dysfunctions. 

Level of Learning

Intermediate. This activity is targeted to those with some prior learning on the topic.

Related activities in this series

• Sex therapy principles in everyday practice
• An introduction to non-monogamy, kink and alternative relationships
• Sexuality and relationships support for people with intellectual or cognitive disabilities

Duration of access

This webinar will be recorded. Access to the recording and presenter slides is for 12 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD-Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process.

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this webinar, participants should be able to:

• recognise who accredited psychosexual therapists are and where they fit into a multidisciplinary treatment team,

• recognise the impact of sexual or non-sexual trauma on sexual function, sexual relationships and intimacy, and identify where psychosexual therapy may fit into a treatment plan, 

• recognise the importance of sensitive inquiry into all aspects of a client’s life, including their sexual function and relationships,

• identify specific strategies for approaching sexual health conversations that are trauma-informed and culturally sensitive, and

• reflect on your personal biases regarding different expressions of sex, sexuality and relationship types.

Presenter(s)

Kate Dempsey

About the presenter(s)

Kate Dempsey is an Accredited Clinical Psychosexual Therapist and Clinical Sexuality Educator in private practice, on Gurambilbarra country in Townsville (Sexology North Queensland). Her professional registrations include: Queensland College of Teachers, Australian Counselling Association (College of Supervisors) and Society of Australian Sexologists. She is also a member of the European Society of Sexual Medicine, the International Society of Sexual Medicine and an affiliate member of the Australian Psychological Society. Kate is a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist and an Approved IFS Clinical Consultant with the IFS Institute in the USA. She is on staff as an IFS Level 2 Program Assistant for international IFS trainings of relationship counsellors in Intimacy From the Inside Out (IFIO). Kate is part of the teaching team at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Medicine and Health, within the Postgraduate Program for Sexual and Reproductive Health. Since 2019, she has been an embedded contractor at one of Phoenix Australia’s accredited Trauma Recovery Programs where she has been facilitating sessions on “Sexual Function and PTSD” for veterans and first responders who have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Kate also facilitates an inpatient program on “Mental Health and Sexual Function” within a psychiatric hospital. Her professional background is in education where she taught Biology, Chemistry and Science in Australia and England before retraining as a Sexologist. She now provides sexuality education in a variety of settings as well as psychosexual therapy in her private practice. Kate is the current Secretary for the Queensland branch of the Society of Australian Sexologists.