Presentations 2009 - 2010

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Thursday, September 17, 2009

How to Talk to Your Clients About Sex So They Will Answer and How to Ask So They Will Talk

Contrary to what many of us have been taught, sexual issues in relationships do not always arise from dysfunction in the emotional relationship. Often it is the other way around with pre-existing sexual issues impacting the relationship. In this discussion, Marilee will give an overview of how to do a sexual assessment and discuss the major issues that are presented in therapy which affect individuals and couples. We will look at how to create a safe environment to discuss sexual issues with our clients and address our own reluctance to delve deeper into this area with our clients. We will also explore some of the unique issues facing women who experience painful intercourse and the implications for their relationships.

Presenter: Marilee Sigal, PsyD, RCC

Marilee Sigal, PsyD, RCC has been counselling individuals, couples and families for 25 years. She currently divides her time between her work at Vancouver Coastal Health’s efap program and her private practice, in which she specializes in relationships, sex, anxiety and depression. Marilee is an adjunct professor at the Adler School of Professional Psychology where she teaches marriage and family therapy. As well she has taught extensively in the areas of Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Family Systems and Ethics for the Justice Institute and UBC Continuing Studies.