Yahoo!
Description
In the aftermath of October 7, 2023, Israeli society has been immersed in a state of ongoing collective trauma. While much has been written about the sexual impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the effects of acute and prolonged wartime stress on intimacy and sexuality remain less understood. This presentation explores how trauma in progress—rather than post-trauma—shapes sexual expression, attachment, and relational functioning.
Combining personal reflection, clinical insight, and new research findings, the presentation examines the relational and sexual implications of acute stress, media exposure, identity shifts, and differential coping within couples. Special attention is given to the unique psychological and sexual challenges faced by soldiers and their partners. The session also presents practical clinical recommendations for therapists supporting individuals and couples navigating intimacy under ongoing threat and grief.
About the Presenter:
Learning Objectives:
- Describe key research findings on the relationship between PTSD and sexual functioning in individuals and couples.
- Identify the effects of acute and chronic wartime stress on intimacy, emotional regulation, and relational dynamics.
- Apply trauma-informed clinical strategies for supporting individuals and couples coping with sexual challenges during ongoing stress or post-trauma.
- Discuss potential implications of prolonged captivity and reintegration challenges on intimacy and sexual well-being.
Agenda:
Presentation Outline
1. Introduction (5 minutes)
-
Presenter background
-
Session objectives
-
Context: October 7 and the rationale for discussing sexuality during wartime
2. The Role of Intimacy During Crisis (10 minutes)
-
Sexuality as a source of vitality, resilience, and connection
-
Historical anchors: Holocaust-era intimacy and survival
-
The tension between grief and desire
3. Clinical and Research Observations (10 minutes)
-
Early therapeutic encounters: guilt, avoidance, overfunctioning
-
Newly published data: wartime sexual behavior in Israel
-
Acute stress disorder (ASD) vs PTSD—implications for intimacy
-
4. Neurobiology and Mechanisms (10 minutes)
-
Overlap between sexual and stress responses
-
The role of emotional regulation and safety in sexual functioning
-
Media vs direct exposure: predictors of sexual distress
5. Case Examples: Couples and Soldiers (10 minutes)
-
Couples facing divergent realities (e.g., home front vs battlefield)
-
Challenges of reintegration and emotional disconnection
-
Hypermasculinity, hyposexuality, and fear of vulnerability
6. Therapeutic Considerations (10 minutes)
-
Trauma-informed sex therapy approaches
-
Normalizing the sexual impact of stress
-
Communication strategies and somatic interventions
-
Holding space for grief and connection simultaneously
7. Conclusion and Q&A (5 minutes)
-
Reflections on intimacy after trauma
-
Brief discussion and questions
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 intermediate level, and is beneficial for an intermediate 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 rivkasidorsky 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 rivkasidorsky ahead of time by emailing support@rivkasidorsky.org 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 rivkasidorsky 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