Somatic Experiencing Applied to Sexuality

Date and Time:

Friday, February 28th, 2025: 9:00 AM-2:30 PM

LOCATION:

325 N. Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Room 407/412
See the accommodations section for Parking information

Workshop Description:

Sexuality is a vital part of our identities and relationships, and many of our clients come with challenges in intimate relationships or feel fully disconnected from their sexual selves. Yet these issues are rarely addressed in therapy due to their vulnerability. Clients often feel uncomfortable discussing sexual issues, and many mental health professionals lack the training to navigate these topics effectively. This gap creates an opportunity to educate clients on the true nature of sexuality—beyond what is portrayed in media—and to normalize the sexual concerns that may be hindering their healing.

This workshop aims to provide practitioners with practical tools grounded in Sex Therapy education as well as Somatic Experiencing principles to help clients reconnect with their bodies and address sexual concerns. Participants will gain an understanding of the SE model, learn how to assess sexual history, and identify common dysfunctions. You will also explore how working collaboratively with other professionals can help normalize sexual issues, support clients in accepting their bodies and desires, and foster healthier, more fulfilling sexual relationships.

Course Objectives:

• Learn Basic principles of Sex Therapy and Somatic Experiencing applied to sexual issues in relationships

• Learn how to deepen and expand embodiment and pleasure in comfortable, titrated ways

• Understand the SE framework to assess where clients are stuck in the fight, flight, or freeze responses and provides clinical tools to resolve these fixated physiological states

• Develop tools to help clients connect the mind and body in intimate settings

Audience:

• Professional Counselors

• Social Workers

• Marriage and Family Therapists

• Psychologists 

Presenters:

Ewelina Beardmore LCPC, CST, SEP

Ewelina Beardmore is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Certified Sex Therapist (CST) and Somatic Experiencing Professional (SEP) who uses a relational, somatic and strength-based model to help individuals and couples gain awareness of the roles and the dynamics present in their relationships. She has expertise in helping individuals heal from traumas such as sexual assault, childhood abuse as well as physical and emotional abuse, and is passionate about helping individuals overcome the challenges of significant life transitions such as infertility, postpartum struggles and parenthood. Ewelina values the role and importance of sexuality in clients' overall health, and helps clients overcome challenges such as lack of intimacy, sexual and gender identity, desire discrepancy, postpartum recovery impacting sexual health, difficulties with orgasm, compulsive sexual behaviors, erectile dysfunctions and painful intercourse. She is sex-positive, kink-friendly and affirming of polyamorous relationships. Ewelina is a Certified Sex Therapist through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapist (AASECT). In addition, Ewelina has completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which allows her to assist couples improve their communication styles and explore goals throughout each stage of their relationship. She is also trained in a variety of treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients manage anxiety and depression. Ewelina's international background allows her to connect with individuals struggling with cross-cultural issues and assist in developing coping skills to manage life's obstacles. Additionally, she has offered guidance to clients on issues involving work-life balance and behavioral and emotional health in an employee assistance setting. Ewelina earned a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, graduating with honors. She is fluent in French and offers services in this language.

Accommodations:

• Parking validation is available at the Mart Parc Wells garage at 401 N. Wells Street.  Anyone that will be driving will need to have their ticket validated at the reception desk on the 4th floor.

Continuing Education Hours:

This program, when attended in its entirety, offers 5.0 CEs for Psychologists, 5.0 IL CEUS for Counselors and Social Workers, 5.0 BBS California CEUs for LPCCs, LPSWs, and LMFTs, or 5.0 AASECT CEs for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.

Refund Policy: 100% of tuition is refundable up to 48 hours before the program. Within 48 hours of the program, and at any point in Homestudy format, tuition is nonrefundable.