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 — Introduction to Pelvic and Genital Pain

5 minutes

• Overview of pelvic and genital pain concerns encountered in sex therapy
• The importance of differentiating among pain conditions when conducting a psychosocial and sexual-health assessment
• The role and scope of the sex therapist within an interdisciplinary treatment team

Module 2 — Sexual Pain and Penetration Difficulties

8 minutes

• Biological and psychological mechanisms that may contribute to sexual pain
• Common presentations of pain associated with penetration, touch, arousal, and sexual activity
• Distinguishing pain symptoms from fear, avoidance, and pelvic-floor guarding

Module 3 — Vestibulodynia and Vulvar Pain Conditions

10 minutes

• Overview of localized and generalized vestibulodynia
• Provoked and unprovoked pain presentations
• Common symptoms, contributing factors, and effects on sexual functioning and relationships

Module 4 — Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Pudendal Neuralgia

10 minutes

• Pelvic-floor muscle tension, weakness, and coordination difficulties
• Symptoms associated with pelvic-floor dysfunction
• Overview of pudendal neuralgia and neuropathic pelvic pain
• Clinical indicators that may warrant referral for medical or pelvic-floor evaluation

Module 5 — Additional Pelvic and Genital Pain Conditions

7 minutes

• Overview of lichen sclerosus and other dermatological or medical conditions associated with genital pain
• Differentiating surface pain, muscular pain, nerve-related pain, and deeper pelvic pain
• Recognizing symptoms that require evaluation by an appropriate medical professional

Module 6 — Comprehensive Clinical Assessment and Referral

10 minutes

• Key questions for assessing pain location, onset, duration, intensity, and triggers
• Assessing the effects of pain on sexual functioning, emotional wellbeing, intimacy, and relationships
• Reviewing medical history, previous treatment, medication use, and psychosocial factors
• Coordinating care with physicians, pelvic-floor physical therapists, and other qualified providers
• Maintaining appropriate professional scope while supporting clients in sex therapy

Required Post-Test

8 minutes

Course Evaluation and Completion

2 minutes

AASECT Knowledge Areas

This course addresses developmental sexuality; health and medical factors that influence sexuality; intimacy skills; learning theory and its application; the range of sexual functioning and behavior; sexual and reproductive anatomy; and sociocultural and familial factors.

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.