Rivka Sidorsky & Associates
Call for your free 15 minute consultation 
(301) 244-8052
Maryland, Virginia, DC, and New Jersey

Therapist Trainings

LECTURES AND WORKSHOPS

I speak for groups in a variety of settings including women's groups, religious settings, classes, and universities.  I am a frequent guest lecturer at the University of Maryland, training both medical professionals and speaking for student groups. 

UPCOMING TRAININGS

Sex Therapy with Diverse Cultures and Female Sexuality Across the Lifespan (Virtual)

Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 10:00 AM EDT
Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 1:45 PM EDT

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST

CLASS 1

Female Sexuality Across the Lifespan

Individual therapists as well as couples therapists deal with women’s sexuality all the time.  However, most therapists have no education and training on how to help couples through their sexual concerns and issues during major life cycle events such as when they are trying to conceive, when she is pregnant, postpartum, and menopause.  Is what they are experiencing normal?  How do other couples cope with this sexual concern?  This course will explore the intricacies of sexual lifecycle events from preventing pregnancy, trying to conceive, pregnancy, postpartum, to menopause.  Participants will learn to identify medical, psychological, and socio-cultural factors which are playing a role in her concerns.  They will also learn ways to best support the couple as well as practical intervention techniques to help them through this time in their life. 

3 Hours

REGISTER HERE

1:45 PM - 4:45 PM EST

CLASS 2

Sex Therapy with Diverse Cultural and Religious Populations

About 70-80% of the American population identifies as religious and adhering to a faith. Additionally, America is becoming more diverse than ever before. Practicing any type of therapy requires understanding and knowledge of cultures and religions that impact our client’s worldviews.  Even more so, practicing good sex therapy must consider a client’s family system as well as cultural and religious notions, practices, and values as pertaining to relationships, sexuality, sex, gender, and family systems.  This course will take a sweeping tour around the world with most time spent on Asia and the Middle East and will explore some of the norms, customs, practices, specific challenges, and specific strengths of working with people from different cultures and religions.  We will explore working with East Asians, clients from the Indian sub-continent, Muslims, Arabs, Jews, Christians, Mormons, and others.  With some basic understanding of these cultures and religions, participants will learn how to provide culturally-sensitive therapy, use their clients’ religion and culture in a strength-based approach, and navigate some of the common challenges that arise along the way.

This One Day Seminar includes two excellent classes, a total of 6 CEs. The cost of the full day is $99.99. You may attend an individual class for $59.99.

Number of CEs in this bundle: 6

This program meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 1 CE credits. 

These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification.

Core Knowledge Area(s): B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I

REGISTER HERE


Brunch and Learn: Differentiating Pelvic Pain Concerns

March 27 11 AM - 12PM 

What a sex therapist needs to know about pelvic pain conditions. This 1 hour CEU will provide an overview of various pelvic pain conditions including multiple types of vestibulodynia, pelvic floor dysfunction, pudendal neuralgia, lichen sclerosus, etc. 


This program meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 1 CE credits. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification.

Core Knowledge Area(s): B, G, H, I


$30



Sex Therapy for the Non Sex Therapist and Sexual Desire in Couples Seminar (Virtual)

Wednesday, May 08, 2024, 10:00 AM America/New_York
Wednesday, May 08, 2024, 1:45 PM America/New_York

Class 1: 10:00AM -1:00PM EST

Sex Therapy for the Non-Sex Therapist: Helping clients with their sexual issues in individual therapy

Most clients will struggle with some aspect of their sex life, whether it is issues with sexual desire, sexual anxiety or aversion, sexual frustration, problems with arousal and orgasm, differences in desire between partners, or painful sex.  However, many clients go no further than their individual or couples therapist to work on their sexual concerns. This seminar introduces individual and couples therapists to the basics of helping their clients with their sexual concerns. This will give you the basic anatomy, physiology, and practices of sex therapy to have enough competence and confidence to both talk to and help many of your clients in your practice.   

Class 2: 1:45PM-4:45PM EST

Treating Differences in Sexual Desire in Couples Therapy

Many couples seek couples therapy. Most couples do not seek out a sex therapist for common sexual difficulties such as a presentation of “differences in desire.” It is essential that couples therapists have some necessary skills to address this very common sexual scenario. How do you help a couple when one person’s desire is so much higher than the other? How do you manage each of their needs without pressuring the lower desire spouse? How do you work with the couple without shaming the higher desire spouse? How can a couple get their “needs” and preferences met while committing to an exclusive and committed relationship? Is sexual desire a need or a want?

This program meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 1 CE credits. 

These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification.

Core Knowledge Area(s): B, C, D, E, G, H, I, M, N



PAST EVENTS AND TRAININGS: 

Sex Therapy for the Non-Sex Therapist: Helping clients with their sexual issues in couples and individual therapy

Wednesday, September 06, 2023, 10:00 AM EDT - 1:00 AM EDT

Most clients will struggle with some aspect of their sex life, whether it is issues with sexual desire, sexual anxiety or aversion, sexual frustration, problems with arousal and orgasm, differences in desire between partners, or painful sex. However, many clients go no further than their individual or couples therapist to work on their sexual concerns. This seminar introduces individual and couples therapists to the basics of helping their clients with their sexual concerns. This will give you the basic anatomy, physiology, and practices of sex therapy to have enough competence and confidence to both talk to and help many of your clients in your practice.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Individual and Couples Therapists will be able to identify main process of human sexual response from physiological, relational, and psychological perspectives
  2. They will be able to describe the major areas of sexual difficulties in male and female sexual dysfunction per DSM diagnoses of sexual dysfunctions.
  3. They will describe and utilize the techniques and therapeutic strategies to help clients with a wide variety of sexual concerns.
  4. Participants will be able to identify when a referral is needed for certified sex therapist, gynecologist, or other medical providers.

Treating Differences in Sexual Desire in Couples Therapy

Wednesday, September 06, 2023, 1:45 PM EDT - 4:45 PM EDT

Many couples seek couples therapy. Most couples do not seek out a sex therapist for common sexual difficulties such as a presentation of “differences in desire.” It is essential that couples therapists have some necessary skills to address this very common sexual scenario. How do you help a couple when one person’s desire is so much higher than the other? How do you manage each of their needs without pressuring the lower desire spouse? How do you work with the couple without shaming the higher desire spouse? How can a couple get their “needs” and preferences met while committing to an exclusive and committed relationship? Is sexual desire a need or a want?

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will be able to define the definition of desire and describe the process of sexual desire for male and female sexual response.
  2. Participants will be able to describe factors within the three major areas that increases, reduces, and changes sexual desire for both males and females (physiological, psychological, and relational).
  3. Participants will be able to utilize and implement 5 new tools that they can use in session with couples who experience a large difference in


NOVEMBER 8, 2022 NEFESH INTERNATIONAL WEBINAR
10-1 pm EST Sex Therapy for the Non-Sex Therapist: Helping clients with their sexual difficulties in individual and couples therapy

Most clients will struggle with some aspect of their sex life, whether it is issues with sexual desire, sexual anxiety or aversion, sexual frustration, problems with arousal and orgasm, differences in desire between partners, or painful sex.  However, many clients go no further than their individual or couples therapist to work on their sexual concerns. This seminar introduces individual and couples therapists to the basics of helping their clients with their sexual concerns. This will give you the basic anatomy, physiology, and practices of sex therapy to have enough competence and confidence to both talk to and help many of your clients in your practice.

1:45- 4:45 pm EST Treating Differences in Sexual Desire in Couples Therapy

Many couples seek couples therapy. Most couples do not seek out a sex therapist for common sexual difficulties such as a presentation of “differences in desire.” It is essential that couples therapists have some necessary skills to address this very common sexual scenario. How do you help a couple when one person’s desire is so much higher than the other? How do you manage each of their needs without pressuring the lower desire spouse? How do you work with the couple without shaming the higher desire spouse? How can a couple get their “needs” and preferences met while committing to an exclusive and committed relationship? Is sexual desire a need or a want?

REGISTER HERE


Advanced Topics in Sex Therapy, Physiology of Sex, Dating, November 16-19, 2022.

 
REGISTER HERE for one or more days and earn up to 28 CE credits. 
 
Courses include: 

  • Trauma and Desire
  • Treating Pelvic Pain Disorders - Rivka Sidorsky
  • Advanced Topics in Supervision 
  • Special Topics in Female Sexual Challenges 
  • The Dating Crucible – For Singles and Single Again

Experts in human sexuality and therapy return to ISTI including, 
✧ Rivka Sidorsky, LCSW-C
 ✧ Gail Guttman, LCSW
 ✧ Nan Wise, Ph.D.
 ✧ Alexandra H. Solomon, Ph.D.
 ✧ Tammy Nelson, Ph.D.

I look forward to seeing you there. 
 
Attendees must register for a full day. Attendees may register for one or multiple days. Courses and presenters may be adjusted periodically. For more information about pricing and our policies, contact ISTI via the Registrar or administrative staff:  [email protected].

This program meets the requirements for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 28 CE credits. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT Certification and renewal of certification. Integrative Sex and Couples Therapy, Provider # 10-102B. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT Certification. For further information please contact [email protected].
 
The Integrative Sex Therapy Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Integrative Sex Therapy Institute maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 

For questions regarding CE credits for APA, please contact the ISTI registrar at [email protected].
 
The mission of The Integrative Sex Therapy Institute (ISTI) is to provide accessible, cutting-edge training by the top leaders in the field of relationship-building; to provide students the skills needed to be informed and compassionate sex and couples therapists and coaches who can provide the inspiration, connection, and healing needed in the world today.
 
The Integrative Sex Therapy Institute actively seeks out experts in the field of psychotherapy and related disciplines to serve as instructors and guest speakers for our courses. Many of these experts regularly publish materials in magazines, books, and academic and professional journals. They and other instructors may utilize these materials for instruction or refer to them as sources, which may result in financial benefit for the author(s).

ONLINE WEBINAR: Treating Differences in Desire in Couples Therapy

Tuesday, May 19 and Wednesday, May 20, 2020 from 10:00 AM - 1:45 PM

University of Maryland School of Social Work Continuing Education

Many couples seek couples therapy. Most couples do not seek out a sex therapist for common sexual difficulties such as a presentation of “differences in desire.” It is essential that couples therapists have some necessary skills to address this very common sexual scenario. How do you help a couple when one person’s desire is so much higher than the other? How do you manage each of their needs without pressuring the lower desire spouse? How do you work with the couple without shaming the higher desire spouse? How can a couple get their “needs” and preferences met while committing to an exclusive and committed relationship? Is sexual desire a need or a want?



ONLINE WEBINARThe Basics of Sex Therapy for the Non-Sex Therapist: Helping Clients with Their Sexual Issues in Individual and Couples Therapy
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 from 9:00 am- 12:15 pm
University of Maryland School of Social Work Continuing Education ONLINE
3 Category 1 CEUs
Most clients will struggle with some aspect of their sex life, whether it is issues with sexual desire, sexual anxiety or aversion, sexual frustration, problems with arousal and orgasm, differences in desire between partners, or painful sex.  However, many clients go no further than their individual or couples therapist to work on their sexual concerns. This seminar introduces individual and couples therapists to the basics of helping their clients with their sexual concerns. This will give you the basic anatomy, physiology, and practices of sex therapy to have enough competence and confidence to both talk to and help many of your clients in your practice.
 
Learning Objectives:
1) Individual and Couples Therapists will have basic information on sexual functioning and human sexual response
2) They will have basic understanding of the major areas of sexual difficulties
3) They will have basic techniques and therapeutic strategies to help clients with a wide variety of sexual concerns.


Wednesday, July 19, 2017 9:00-4:30

Pain Pleasure, and Desire: A Holistic Assessment and Treatment of Female Sexual Dysfunction

The University of Maryland School of Social Work Continuing Professional Education, Baltimore Campus

Synopsis: This training will introduce therapists to the treatment of female sexual dysfunctions. Approximately 45% of women suffer from a sexual dysfunction during their lifetime, so it is imperative that therapists have the tools necessary to identify this need, diagnose the disorders, and have some idea as to the treatment of the major dysfunctions. The course will cover three important areas of multi-dimensional assessment of female sexual function including: introduction to female sexual response; introduction to the holistic approach to female sexual functioning, diagnostic criteria for the disorders, and introduction to the treatment of desire and pain. Using the diagnostic criteria in DSM-5 and tools for assessment, therapists will review and discuss 2-3 clinical case studies.
Learning objectives:
Upon completion of this workshop participants will:
1.  Learn about three multidimensional areas of assessment of female sexual functioning
2.  Learn the diagnostic criteria for female sexual dysfunctions
3.  Be introduced to the treatment of desire and pain disorders

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Thursday, February 2, 2017 Sex Therapy University at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Anatomy and Physiology of Sexual Pain and Pelvic Floor Pain: Treatment of Pain Disorders (1p-5p) with Rivka Sidorsky, LCSW-C, CST

  • Meets Requirements for AASECT Core Knowledge Areas: Sex Ed: E, G, H, I, M, N;  Sex Therapy: B, C, D
  • This training will introduce therapists to medical and psychological realities of pelvic pain disorders. According to leading research, the prevalence of women who experience vaginal pain is 9.3%, but the figure is even higher (up to 13%) for women between the ages of 20 and 30. For some, this will be a temporary gripe. For others, it may be a longer-lasting condition. It is imperative that therapists have the tools necessary to identify this need, diagnose the disorders, and have treatment interventions for these conditions. The course will cover the biological mechanisms of sexual functioning, sexual pain, and penetration problems. It will also introduce practical tools and intervention techniques for treatment of genital pain disorders.

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September 24- 2015 Annual Clinical Conference- National Association of Social Workers
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM


Pain, Pleasure, and Desire: A Holistic Approach to Female Sexual Dysfunction
Mieke Rivka Sidorsky, LCSW-C
Psychotherapist, Rivka Sidorsky, LLC
Synopsis: This training will introduce therapists to the treatment of female sexual dysfunctions. Approximately 45% of women suffer from a sexual dysfunction during their lifetime, so it is imperative that therapists have the tools necessary to identify this need, diagnose the disorders, and have some idea as to the treatment of the major dysfunctions. The course will cover three important areas of multi-dimensional assessment of female sexual function including: introduction to female sexual response; introduction to the holistic approach to female sexual functioning, diagnostic criteria for the disorders, and introduction to the treatment of desire and pain. Using the diagnostic criteria in DSM-5 and tools for assessment, therapists will review and discuss 2-3 clinical case studies.
Learning objectives:
Upon completion of this workshop participants will:
1.  Learn about three multidimensional areas of assessment of female sexual functioning
2.  Learn the diagnostic criteria for female sexual dysfunctions
3.  Be introduced to the treatment of desire and pain disorders

REGISTER HERE for the conference

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Understanding Female Sexuality:

An In-Depth Look at Assessment and Treatment of Female Sexual Dysfunction

Date: Thursday, October 8, 2015 – 8:30am-4:00pm

Location: 8605 Cameron Street, Suite 500, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Cost: $99 early registration through Oct 1, $115 after Oct 1

Presenters: Mieke Rivka Sidorsky, LCSW-C

CEU Credits: 6 Social Work Category 1 CEUs**

Overview of Training:

This in-depth six-hour training will introduce therapists to all three female sexual functions as described in DSM-5.  Approximately 45%-75% of women suffer from a sexual dysfunction during her lifetime, so it is imperative that therapists have the tools necessary to identify this need, diagnose the disorders, and have some knowledge as to the treatment of the major dysfunctions.  The course will cover the key aspects of a multi-dimensional assessment of female sexual function including introduction to female sexual response and an introduction to the biological mechanisms of sexual functioning.  Therapists will learn how to do a comprehensive assessment of female sexual disorders and how to take a sexual history.  The second portion of the course will cover the three main female sexual dysfunctions: Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder, Genito-Pelvic Pain Disorders, and Female Orgasmic Disorder.  Therapists will learn practical tools and intervention techniques for treatment of each disorder for both individual and couples therapy.  Therapists will review and discuss 4 clinical case studies.

Register Here

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13th Annual Spa for the Soul: A day of relaxation, depth, beauty, and spirituality for Jewish Women
January 11th, 2015 9:30-2pm
Register here !

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Pain, Pleasure, and Desire:A Holistic Approach to Female Sexual Dysfunction

Date: Friday, Nov 14, 2014, 9:00am-12:00pm

Cost: $55 early registration through Nov 14, $65 after Nov 14

Presenter: Rivka Sidorsky, LCSW-C – Expert in female sexual dysfunction – trained under the famous Dr. Laura Berman!

CEU Credits: 3 Social Work Category 1 CEUs

Workshop Overview: This three hour training will introduce therapists to the treatment of female sexual dysfunctions.  Approximately 45% of women suffer from a sexual dysfunction during her lifetime.  It is imperative that therapists have the tools necessary to identify this need, diagnose the disorders, and have general knowledge of the major dysfunctions.  The course will cover three important areas of multi-dimensional assessment of female sexual function including introduction to female sexual response, introduction to the holistic approach to female sexual functioning, diagnostic criteria for the disorders, and introduction to the treatment of desire and pain.  Using the diagnostic criteria in DSM 5 and tools for assessment, therapists will review and discuss 2-3 clinical case studies.

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October 21, 2014 9-10 AM

Overview of Sexual Disorders and Treatments for Young Women

LOCATION: ____University of Maryland Health Center______________

LIST OF OBJECTIVES:  PARTICIPANTS WILL

1) Participants will have introduction to multi-dimensional assessment of female sexual function including introduction to female sexual response.  They will learn what types of questions to ask in a medical setting in order to assess for disorders most effectively.

2) Participants will learn the diagnostic criteria for the DSM 5 Female Sexual Disorders including various types of gynecological pain disorders.

3) Participants will be given an introduction to the holistic treatment of gynecological pain disorders (psychological, physiological, and medical approaches).

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Pain, Pleasure, and Desire: A Holistic Approach to Female Sexual Dysfunction

Date: Friday, Aug 1, 2014, 9:00am-12:00pm

Cost: $55 early registration through July 25, $65 after July 25 - SIGN UP FOR THE WHOLE DAY FOR JUST $95 AND EARN 6 CEU CREDITS!

Presenter: Rivka Sidorsky, LCSW-C – Expert in female sexual dysfunction – trained under the famous Dr. Laura Berman!

CEU Credits: 3 Social Work Category 1 CEUs

Workshop Overview: This three hour training will introduce therapists to the treatment of female sexual dysfunctions.  Approximately 45% of women suffer from a sexual dysfunction during her lifetime.  It is imperative that therapists have the tools necessary to identify this need, diagnose the disorders, and have general knowledge of the major dysfunctions.  The course will cover three important areas of multi-dimensional assessment of female sexual function including introduction to female sexual response, introduction to the holistic approach to female sexual functioning, diagnostic criteria for the disorders, and introduction to the treatment of desire and pain.  Using the diagnostic criteria in DSM 5 and tools for assessment, therapists will review and discuss 2-3 clinical case studies.

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Thursday, May 1, 2014 at the University of Maryland MEOR
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Tuesday, January 28 , 2014 from 8:00 - 9:00 PM Online Webinar for Jewish Women: Know Your Body

Do you want to understand how your body works?

Do you want to gain information about desire, arousal, and pain?

Back by popular demand… This online webinar will provide you with practical sexual health information, which will help you gain more satisfaction with intimacy. You will learn the physiological as well as psychological aspects of desire and the process of arousal.  You will be more informed and will have the tools to feel more comfortable, more relaxed, and more in control of achieving pleasure in intimacy.  This class is particularly appropriate with those who had minimal sexual education or those who have concerns about lack of pleasure or suffer with sexual pain.

This class will be anonymous. Feel free to submit a question through the website. Share with your friends

Free Admission.  Register Today!

https://www.anymeeting.com/AccountManager/RegEv.aspx?PIID=EA51D88582463F

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Monday, December 23, 2013 at 8:30 pm *FREE* live webinar on Intimacy and Sexuality/Sexual Health

Do you had a question about intimacy and do not know who to ask?
Do you feel too embarrassed to ask?
Do you think you're the only one with this question?

Now is your chance to have your questions answered by a professional and licensed therapist.  Even if you don't have your own questions, you could enjoy learning from my insight and responses to the questions.

Register for this FREE live Q&A webinar where I will be answering your pre-submitted questions in addition to live questions.  Submit questions through my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RivkaSidorskyLLC , email [email protected] , or confidentially through my website

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Office Hours

Primary

Monday:

9:00 am-8:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-8:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-8:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-8:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-7:00 pm

Saturday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Sunday:

10:00 AM-8:00 PM