The Intimacy Model in Clinical Practice featuring Dr. Michael Sytsma

All counselors and therapists working with romantic relationships need basic models and skills to help couples enrich and problem-solve sexual issues. The Intimacy Model provides a clinical road map guiding counselors and therapists in helping couples improve sexual intimacy.

After establishing an ethical foundation for working with sexual issues in couple relationships, attendees will be guided through each segment of the Intimacy Model. In addition to defining the segment, research on current norms will be presented with a discussion on clinically recognized dysfunctions for each segment. Recommendations for clinical exploration and effective interventions for each segment will be presented. Finally, applicability to diverse individuals and couples and to various counseling theories will be addressed.

This 6-hour CEU workshop includes on-site workshop materials, continental breakfast, catered lunch, and snacks provided. CEU Eligibility: 6 Hours approved with LPCA-GA, GAMFT; NASW-GA application to be submitted.

Licensed Professional Counselors, Clinical Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists, Psychologists, clinical mental health counselors, individuals working with couples & families, and graduate students in these fields. Clinical teams are encouraged to attend together.

Event registration open through August 16, 2023 or until capacity reached. No late registrations.

Dr. Michael Sytsma is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Sex Therapist, Certified Professional Counseling Supervisor, Ordained Minister, professor, and national speaker. He has over 30 years of clinical experience in sex therapy and is the founder and Senior Therapist at Building Intimate Marriages, Inc. and co-founder of Sexual Wholeness, Inc. He is a professor of sex therapy at 5 graduate schools and a frequent speaker at professional conferences. He is co-author of Secrets of Sex & Marriage: 8 Surprises that Make all the Difference, with Shaunti Feldhahn and contributor to several other works. More information about Dr. Sytsma can be found at IntimateMarriage.org.

Cancellations received before August 10 are eligible for a full refund minus EventBrite fees. Cancellations received August 10-16 will receive a 50% refund minus EventBrite fees. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made on August 17 or 18.

Attendees with special dietary needs are encouraged to bring their own lunch and snacks. A gluten-free option is available; however, if you have a severe gluten allergy that may be triggered by food in proximity to gluten, please bring your own lunch and snacks.

Note: You must attend all sessions to earn CEU hours

• Attendees please bring license number to ensure we have it correctly listed.

• Introduction to the Intimacy Model
• Preparing Yourself for the Work
• Helping Couples Establish a Healthy Setting

• Energizing the process (Sexual Desire)
• Enhancing Seduction – helping clients explore and embrace self with their spouse

• Sparking a Sexual Event – Problem-solving Initiation
• Enriching Sensations in Sexual Play
• Surrender as a Climax to the Sexual Encounter

• The Critical Role of Reflection in Sexual Events
• Adaptations to the Intimacy Model (Diversity/Disability/Theories)
• Wrap-up and Conclusion

• Participants trade evaluations for program certificates
• Eagle Ranch tours

Host or Publisher Eagle Ranch