WC25 Program_LR 8

TRACK WORKSHOPS

206. Deepening Intimacy: Teaching Couples to Talk About Sex 1.25 credit hours Continuing Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop: APA, ASWB, NBCC, IBCC, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling Level: Intermediate Michael Sytsma, Ph.D. Building Intimate Marriages, Inc.

Current research demonstrates that couples who commu nicate effectively about sexual matters experience greater relationship satisfaction, increased sexual fulfillment, and reduced conflict. Participants will gain practical strategies and clinical insights to support couples in initiating mean ingful conversations about their desires, challenges, and ex pectations, ultimately fostering deeper emotional and physi cal intimacy. Using the Intimacy Cycle framework (Sytsma, 2020), attendees will learn how to empower couples to build healthier, more fulfilling relationships through intentional communication techniques. This workshop emphasizes the integration of research-based interventions and clinical ap plications to equip professionals working with couples in diverse settings. Learning Objectives 1. Analyze the latest research on sexual communication, fo cusing on empirically supported techniques and the impact of open dialogue on relational and sexual satisfaction. 2. Identify and apply key elements of sexual communication within the Intimacy Cycle framework, using practical inter ventions to enhance connection and intimacy. 3. Utilize case studies and clinical modeling to demonstrate effective strategies for guiding couples in strengthening inti macy through communication techniques.

Kimberly Lee, M.A. The Center for Sexual and Relational Healing

Summary Effective sexual communication is a cornerstone of strong, intimate relationships, yet many couples struggle to navigate these conversations (Blunt-Vinti et al., 2019). This workshop, designed for psychologists, licensed mental health profes sionals, and ministry leaders, provides evidence-based tools to help couples overcome barriers to open sexual dialogue.

What if the men you counsel could stop pretending — and still belong?

The Samson Society is a brotherhood of Christian men choosing honesty over hiding. In a world full of masks and isolation, Samson offers a place where men can show up as they are — no pretending, no shame. It’s a a powerful complement to the work you’re already doing in your office. FREE. CONFIDENTIAL. CHRIST-CENTERED.

2025 AACC UNITED WORLD CONFERENCE

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