Speaker
Shelia Silver

Speaker Bio
Dr. Silver is a board-certified clinical sexologist in private practice in Portland, Oregon, USA. She has a Master’s degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy, and earned her Doctorate in Human Sexuality. She is a trained sex counselor, group facilitator, sex educator, and has worked as a psychotherapist since 1988. In addition to her private practice, Dr. Silver acts a consultant to mental health professionals, medical doctors, and physical therapists on their cases relating to sexuality. She presents nationally at professional conferences on the topic of improving physical and emotional intimacy, with a specific expertise in Parkinson’s Disease.

Course Description 
Patients who have a history of ongoing pelvic pain, dyspareunia, vaginismus, or have experienced some degree of sexual trauma are often disassociated from their bodies. They come into appointments often emotionally afraid, physically guarded and potentially resistant to internal exams. This webinar will explore ways to decrease patient anxiety and provide ways midwives can help patients be present in their bodies. It will also give participants some tools in helping patients navigate sexual challenges in general.

Learning Objectives
1. Understand the psychosocial profile of a sexual trauma survivor.
2. Demonstrate the essential components in creating a "climate of safety" before an internal exam.
3. Outline the five stages of emotions and how to work with flashbacks and disassociation.
4. List ways to help sexual trauma survivors be fully present and embodied during an exam.
5. Describe common sexual challenges patients experience and ways of navigating these challenges.
6. Relate how our own comfort level with the topic of sexuality can impact our effectiveness and ability to create safety for the patient.
7. Explore ways midwives can refresh and re-energize themselves after working with patients with a history of sexual trauma.

CEUs Offered: 1 CE

Course Expiration: November 9, 2024