Rivka is an IAPST Certified Psychosexual Therapist, an IAPST Certified Psychosexual Supervisor, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Supervisor, a licensed clinical social worker, a Social Work Board Certified Supervisor, a Faculty Lecturer, a published author, a Harvard University research fellowship recipient, and an experienced lecturer. She is the owner and director of a group psychotherapy practice in Silver Spring, Maryland. She was personally mentored and was trained in sexual dysfunction and sex therapy from internationally renowned Dr. Laura Berman, Oprah’s relationship and sex expert, at the Berman Center in Chicago. In addition to her private practice, Rivka is an invited guest to train doctors, nurses, faculty, fellow therapists, and students at The University of Maryland. She is a Faculty Lecturer at The Integrative Sex Therapy Institute on topics which include female sexual dysfunction, sexual pain, vaginismus, sexual aversion, couples sexual issues, and performing sex therapy with diverse religions and cultures. She lives in Silver Spring with her husband and their five children.

Module 1 — Sexuality, Disability, and Medical Conditions

5 minutes

• Sexuality as an important component of health, identity, relationships, and quality of life
• Common assumptions and barriers affecting clients with disabilities or medical conditions
• The therapist’s role in providing respectful, accessible, and non-assumptive care

Module 2 — Physical and Medical Influences on Sexual Functioning

10 minutes

• How pain, fatigue, mobility limitations, sensory changes, chronic illness, surgery, and medications may affect sexuality
• Potential effects on desire, arousal, orgasm, comfort, and sexual satisfaction
• Recognizing when medical consultation or interdisciplinary referral may be appropriate

Module 3 — Psychological, Emotional, and Relational Considerations

10 minutes

• Body image, self-esteem, grief, anxiety, stigma, and changes in sexual identity
• Effects on partners and couple relationships
• Communication, caregiving dynamics, privacy, autonomy, and consent

Module 4 — Inclusive Clinical Assessment

10 minutes

• Using respectful, person-centered language when discussing sexuality and disability
• Assessing sexual concerns, relationship needs, physical limitations, and treatment goals
• Identifying environmental, accessibility, cultural, and relational factors affecting sexual wellbeing
• Avoiding assumptions about clients’ sexual interests, abilities, or relationship status

Module 5 — Clinical Interventions and Adaptations

10 minutes

• Helping clients expand their understanding of intimacy, pleasure, and sexual expression
• Communication and intimacy-building interventions for individuals and couples
• Adapting activities to accommodate pain, fatigue, mobility, or sensory limitations
• Collaborating with medical providers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other professionals when appropriate

Module 6 — Case Application and Clinical Integration

5 minutes

• Application of assessment and intervention strategies to clinical examples
• Developing an individualized and strengths-based treatment approach
• Review of key clinical considerations

Required Post-Test

8 minutes

Course Evaluation and Completion

2 minutes

AASECT Knowledge Areas

This course addresses developmental sexuality; intimacy skills; sexual and reproductive anatomy; health and medical factors; the range of sexual functioning and behavior; pleasure-enhancement skills; and learning theory and its application.

May be applied toward applicable Sex Therapy Training competencies ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5, ST6, and ST7, subject to the requirements and approval of the relevant certification program.