AOTA

Program Description

This course will provide an overview of the role of occupational therapy in sexuality and intimacy assessment and intervention. A touch on the basics of what to know and how to begin to address sexuality in OT practice. The course reviews best-practice for healthcare providers who address sexuality and intimacy, which is to engage in self-reflection and cultural humility.

Learning Objectives

• Report an increase in comfort addressing sexual activity and intimate social participation with their clients from their pre-course assessment to post-course assessment.
• Identify 2-3 personal beliefs related to sexuality that could influence the therapeutic relationship.
• Identify 2 conversation starters for bringing up the topic of sex and intimacy with clients.
• Relate 3 pieces of information from the course into practice at their facility focusing on advocacy, education, and intervention for sex and intimacy occupations.

Speaker: Kathryn Ellis

Dr. Kathryn Ellis (she/her) is a change agent for sex and intimacy conversations in clinical settings. She is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy and an AASECT Certified Sexuality Counselor. Kathryn is the founder of The Institute for Sex & Occupational Therapy, a continuing education company which hosts the only sexuality certification within Occupational Therapy. Kathryn developed the United States’ military’s first Occupational Therapy Sexuality and Intimacy Clinic at Walter Reed National Military Medical. She is the co-editor of AOTA Press’ textbook “Sexuality and Intimacy: An Occupational Therapy Approach” and the Amputee Coalition and Veterans Health Administration workbook “Let’s Talk About It: Your Sex and Intimacy Guide.” Furthermore, she is a consultant on multiple sexuality and intimacy projects and initiatives for people with disabilities. Kathryn has a sexual wellness private practice based in Delaware. Her mission is to dismantle the restrictive norms related to sex that limit us as sexual beings and limit discussions of sex in healthcare settings.

Instagram @sexintimacyot

Website: www.sexintimacyot.com

Earn up to 1.25 contact hours.