SHCP Alumni Weekend 2026 | The Impact of Medical Conditions & Chronic Illness on Sexuality

Saturday, September 26, 2026, 9:00 AM–1:15 PM ET

Online via Zoom

Continuing Education Offered

• 4 hours social work general synchronous interactive online
• 4 hours AASECT synchronous interactive online

Description

This seminar is specifically designed for behavioral health providers seeking to enhance and broaden their knowledge and understanding of the impact of ill-health on sexual engagement, interest, and function. A biopsychosocial model of care will be applied throughout the seminar. A foundational review of the locations and definitions of major bodily systems and the most common chronic illnesses patients are diagnosed with related to these systems will be presented. Basic anatomy and human physiology will be included in the curriculum. Additionally, general pharmacology including a review of pharmacokinetics and pharmacokinetics for the purpose of gaining a more sophisticated and useful understanding of the complexities, nuances, and imperfect science behind prescribing and using medication will be discussed. A broad review of drug categories, common side-effects associated with many medications most often prescribed and the goals of anticipatory guidance for patients using medications will be explained. Counseling strategies and interventions for the relief and improvement of sexual distress in patients living with chronic illnesses and disease will be discussed at length. Specific examples of questions, inquiries, and recommendations that social workers and other health care providers can implement to assist patients in the reduction of sexual distress and enhance engagement of satisfying sex will be offered. Case examples/studies will be used to illustrate these techniques. Clarification exercises to illuminate participants existing knowledge as well as their knowledge gaps will be utilized throughout the seminar and an interactive facilitated discussion style will be utilized by the presenter.

Objectives

1. Name a minimum of four body-systems that are commonly impacted by chronic health problems.
2. List at least 3 common side-effects of pharmaceutical agents used to manage chronic health problems.
3. Define iatrogenic trauma.
4. Explain a minimum of 3 strategies mental health providers can use with patients facing chronic health problems to assist them in regaining feelings of sexual satisfaction.
5. Demonstrate basic knowledge of the canon on ableism and its application to patients across the life-span.

Agenda

Saturday, September 26, 2026

• 9:00am–10:00am Review of Body Systems and the Most Common Conditions Encountered in Practice
• 10:00am–11:00am Physical Impacts of Chronic Illness on Sexual Function
• 11:00am–11:15am BREAK
• 11:15am–12:15pm General Concepts to be Aware of
• 12:15pm–1:15pm Specific Strategies for Assisting clients

Instructor

Evelyn Resh has been a Certified Nurse-Midwife/CNM for over 30 years and has worked in the fields of OB/GYN, reproductive and sexual health, and general medicine during this time. Evelyn has also had the privilege of practicing in a variety of settings including private OB/GYN practices, the Navajo Reservation in Kayenta, Arizona, Canyon Ranch destination wellness resort in Lenox, MA and for Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. Her experience caring for disparate populations is broad and in every case she strives to provide the best care to her patients. Her goal is to provide the information patients need to make informed decisions about their health that best suite their personal needs and beliefs about health and wellness.

Her work in the filed of sexuality has expanded since her affiliation with AASECT and her certification as a Sexuality Counselor Supervisor. She enjoys working with supervisees and has also launched a new initiative of educational seminars designed specifically for her Sex Therapist colleagues. The goal of her educational programming is to broaden colleague's knowledge of medical issues impacting sexual health and foster collaboration between medically informed sex counselors and sex therapists.

CE Approval Statement

The University of Michigan School of Social Work, provider #1212, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 5/15/2026–5/15/2029. Social workers completing this course receive 4 continuing education credits.

This program meets the requirements for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for up to 4 CE credits. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification. University of Michigan Sexual Health Program, Provider #06-104D. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. For further information please visit http://www.aasect.org/

Please see the CE Policies page for more information about continuing education.