Working with Female Sexual Difficulties: A Comprehensive 5-Hour Workshop

Module 1: Female Sexual Pain – From Assessment to Recovery (2.5 hours)

This module provides a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for understanding and treating Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder (GPPPD), dyspareunia, vaginismus, and vulvodynia. We will explore the overlapping physical, psychological, and relational factors that maintain sexual pain and how to intervene effectively.

What You Will Learn:

1. Differentiate between GPPPD, dyspareunia, vaginismus, and vulvodynia using DSM-5 and clinical criteria
2. Understand the pain-fear cycle and its role in maintaining sexual pain
3. Conduct comprehensive assessments, including taking a sexual history and ruling out medical causes
4. Develop integrated treatment plans incorporating CBT, pelvic floor physiotherapy, dilator therapy, and medical interventions
5. Identify when and how to refer to multidisciplinary colleagues

Module 2: Low Desire, Arousal Difficulties, and Orgasmic Challenges (2.5 hours)

Low sexual desire, arousal difficulties, and orgasmic challenges affect over 40% of women, yet these difficulties are often poorly understood. This module offers a refreshing, evidence-based alternative to the male-derived linear model. We will explore Rosemary Basson’s Circular Model, which reframes female sexual response as motivation-driven, contextual, and responsive to intimacy needs.

What You Will Learn:

1. Understand the limitations of the linear model and apply Basson’s Circular Model in clinical practice
2. Differentiate between normal variations in sexual response and clinically significant difficulties using DSM-5 criteria
3. Identify the biopsychosocial contributors to low desire, arousal difficulties, and orgasmic challenges
4. Develop integrated treatment plans incorporating CBT, mindfulness, sensate focus, behavioural interventions, and relationship work
5. Address the role of the partner and work effectively with couples
6. Tailor interventions to the individual’s cultural and relational context

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for healthcare professionals who wish to develop or deepen their competency in working with female sexual difficulties, including:

1. Psychosexual therapists
2. Counsellors and psychologists
3. GPs and gynaecologists
4. Pelvic health physiotherapists
5. Relationship therapists
6. Any healthcare professional working with women’s sexual health

Key Themes Covered:

1. Classification and differentiation of female sexual disorders (DSM-5)
2. Biopsychosocial assessment and formulation (predisposing–precipitating–perpetuating–protective framework)
3. The pain-fear cycle and its role in sexual pain conditions
4. Rosemary Basson’s Circular Model of female sexual response
5. Integrated treatment planning: CBT, mindfulness, sensate focus, pelvic floor physiotherapy, dilator therapy, and medical interventions
6. Working with partners and couples
7. Multidisciplinary working and referral pathways
8. Cultural and relational considerations in tailoring interventions

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Differentiate between the range of female sexual difficulties, including sexual pain conditions, low desire, arousal difficulties, and orgasmic challenges
2. Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and construct dynamic formulations using the predisposing–precipitating–perpetuating–protective framework
3. Understand and apply contemporary models of female sexual response, including Basson’s Circular Model
4. Develop integrated, evidence-based treatment plans addressing the full range of female sexual difficulties
5. Make informed decisions about intervention, multidisciplinary referral, and further training needs

Delivery Style:

This interactive 5-hour workshop combines didactic teaching, clinical case studies, small-group formulation exercises, breakout discussions, and reflective practice. Participants are encouraged to bring questions from their own clinical work (anonymised) for group discussion.