2026 NEFESH Summer Online Conference
July 14-15, 2026 · Online Event
00
Days
00
Hours
00
Min
00
Sec
Register Now
< Back to workshops

Post Traumatic Sex Disorder: When Intimacy Is A Trigger

Previously Recorded
Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum, MSc
$59.99 USD

This course will highlight the mechanisms by which emotional and sexual intimacy may be incompatible with PTSD. To illustrate this, studies linking PTSD to sexual dysfunction will be reviewed, aspects of the neurobiology of PTSD and the sexual response will be elucidated, and treatment suggestions will be offered for promoting healthy intimacy in couples where one partner is challenged with PTSD.

Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum, MSc., is an individual and couples therapist, and is certified as a sex therapist by the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists as well as the Israeli Sex Therapy Association (ITAM) Mrs. Rosenbaum has authored over 30 peer- reviewed journal publications, numerous book chapters, and co-edited a Springer textbook entitled “The Overactive Pelvic Floor.” She currently serves as associate editor of the peer-reviewed journal Sexual Medicine Reviews. In addition to maintaining her private practice, Mrs. Rosenbaum teaches in several sex therapy and sex counseling programs in Israel and acts as academic advisor for Yahel: The Center for Jewish Intimacy.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Describe the challenges that people with PTSD encounter in intimacy and sexual function.
  2. Participants will describe how and why the neurobiologies of PTSD and of sex may be incompatible.
  3. Participants will demonstrate understanding of how to choose appropriate and effective treatment modalities for this population that address intimacy and sexuality.

Agenda:

Module 1 — Introduction: PTSD, Sexuality, and Intimacy

10 minutes

  • Overview of the course objectives
  • How PTSD may affect emotional, physical, and sexual intimacy
  • Importance of assessing sexuality and relationship functioning when working with trauma

Module 2 — PTSD and Sexual Functioning

20 minutes

  • Review of research connecting PTSD with sexual difficulties
  • Potential effects on sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, pleasure, and avoidance
  • How sexual and nonsexual trauma may affect emotional and physical intimacy
  • Common sexual and relational concerns experienced by individuals with PTSD and their partners

Module 3 — Neurobiology of PTSD and Sexual Response

25 minutes

  • Overview of the neurobiology of PTSD
  • Basic neurobiology of sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm
  • Roles of the autonomic nervous system, cortisol, excitation, inhibition, and threat detection
  • How sexual arousal or intimacy may activate a trauma-related threat response
  • Why the neurobiological processes involved in PTSD may interfere with sexual functioning

Module 4 — Trauma-Related Beliefs and Intimacy Triggers

15 minutes

  • Trauma-related beliefs involving safety, control, trust, agency, and self-worth
  • Messages that may develop following sexual abuse or other traumatic experiences
  • How memories, body sensations, and beliefs may be activated during emotional or sexual intimacy
  • Recognizing avoidance, dissociation, hyperarousal, and other trauma responses

Module 5 — Couple and Partner Dynamics

20 minutes

  • Impact of PTSD-related sexual concerns on both partners
  • Affect regulation, anger, hostility, substance use, and relationship conflict
  • Communication difficulties and differences in sexual needs
  • Determining when and how to involve a partner in treatment
  • Building emotional safety, collaboration, and mutual understanding within the relationship

Module 6 — Assessment and Treatment Approaches

25 minutes

  • Assessing trauma symptoms, sexual functioning, intimacy concerns, and relationship dynamics
  • Identifying factors that should be addressed before or alongside sexual concerns
  • Cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, mindfulness-based, trauma-focused, and somatic approaches
  • Supporting emotional regulation and management of intimacy-related triggers
  • Determining when referral to a certified sex therapist or another qualified professional is appropriate

Module 7 — Clinical Application and Integration

5 minutes

  • Applying course concepts to individual and couples therapy
  • Selecting interventions based on safety, symptoms, readiness, and treatment needs
  • Review of key clinical principles and treatment considerations

This previously recorded self-study course offers 2.0 continuing education contact hours and does not qualify for live or live-interactive credit.

This workshop offers 2 Continuing Education Credits
This webinar is recorded and will not grant live credits.

This presentation is open to:
  • 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
Course Level: intermediate
Level of Clinician: intermediate
  • 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

Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.

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 to obtain a ruling. The grievance policy for trainings provided by NEFESH INTERNATIONAL is available here Satisfactory Completion Participants must have paid the tuition fee, logged in and out each day, attended the entire workshop, and completed an evaluation to receive a certificate (If this is a pre-recorded program, a post-test with a passing grade of 80% to receive a certificate.) Failure to log in or out will result in forfeiture of credit for the entire course. No exceptions will be made. Partial credit is not available. Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion by clicking here.
There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.
  • NEFESH International, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0116.
  • NEFESH International is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0046
  • NEFESH International is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for Mental Health Counselor #MHC-0082
  • NEFESH International is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0048.
  • This program meets the requirements for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification. AASECT Core Knowledge Areas: . May be used for Sex Therapy Area ST1, ST3, ST4, ST5, ST6.
Refund Policy:
Full Refund until 48 hours before scheduled date.
48 hours before: full refund less $5.00 processing fee. After event no refund will be given.
*exclusions apply for reasonable need and cause.