Working With Intimacy, Desire, and Shame (3 CEU's)

COUPLES, FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS

Working With Intimacy, Desire, and Shame 3 CEUs

Overview:

Concerns related to intimacy, desire, and shame are common in clinical practice, yet they are often underexplored due to discomfort, stigma, or lack of clinician training. Clients may present with issues such as low or mismatched desire, avoidance of intimacy, performance anxiety, or deeply rooted shame related to sexuality, relationships, or self-worth. Without a clear and confident approach, clinicians may unintentionally avoid these conversations, reinforce shame, or miss critical aspects of a client’s experience that are central to treatment.

In this presentation, Dr. Zairys Feliz, Ph.D., LCSW, will guide participants in understanding the complex interplay between intimacy, desire, and shame across individual and relational contexts. Attendees will explore how these themes are shaped by attachment patterns, cultural influences, past experiences, and relational dynamics. The course will address how shame impacts emotional expression, communication, and connection, as well as how desire fluctuates and is often misunderstood in both individuals and couples. Emphasis will be placed on developing comfort and competence in initiating conversations about intimacy, assessing underlying factors, and applying practical, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive interventions. Participants will leave with tools to support clients in reducing shame, improving communication, and fostering healthier, more connected relational experiences.

Objectives:

• Identify how intimacy, desire, and shame present in clinical work with individuals and couples.

• Explain the underlying factors that influence desire and the role of shame in emotional and relational functioning.

• Apply practical, trauma-informed strategies to address shame, improve communication, and support healthier intimacy and connection.

Scope and Limitations Disclosure

This course provides licensed mental health professionals with an overview of clinical approaches to working with intimacy, desire, and shame. Participants will learn to assess and address these concerns within the scope of general mental health practice. While foundational strategies are introduced, this training does not provide certification in sex therapy or specialized modalities and is not a substitute for advanced training in sexual health or trauma-focused interventions. Attendees are expected to practice within their professional scope, ethical guidelines, and licensure requirements, and to refer out when concerns exceed their level of competence.

Financial and Commercial Disclosure

The presenter has no relevant financial relationships or conflicts of interest to disclose. Any references to therapeutic models, interventions, or resources are provided solely for educational purposes. Participants are not required to purchase any additional materials to complete this course.

Refund Policy – Pre-Recorded (Self-Study) CE Courses

All purchases of pre-recorded (self-study) CE courses are subject to this refund policy. By enrolling, you agree to these terms. Participants who have not accessed any portion of the course may request a full refund within 7 days of purchase. Once a course has been accessed, streamed, or downloaded, refunds are no longer available due to immediate access to course materials. Refunds will also not be issued to participants who do not complete the course, fail the required post-test, or do not meet participation requirements, as certificates are only awarded upon successful completion. If you experience verified technical issues that prevent access, we will make reasonable efforts to resolve the problem; if it cannot be resolved, a full or partial refund may be issued. If you believe the course did not meet its stated learning objectives, you may submit a written complaint within 7 days of completion for review, and a partial or full refund may be granted at our discretion. All course purchases are non-transferable and may not be shared, resold, or assigned to another individual.