This course will explore ways to support couples who are seeking intimacy in the context of a history of sexual trauma.

We’ll explore the impact of sexual trauma on relationships, from both the survivor and partner’s perspectives. Then, we’ll focus on building a toolbox of skills that are trauma-informed, to help you normalize talking about sex and sexuality with clients, help survivors and partners to support each other, develop coping skills, and improve communication.

Case Example Demonstration: This course includes a detailed case example where the instructor, Ben Kudler, explores skills for talking with a couple who are seeking intimacy in the context of a partner’s history of sexual abuse.

Course curriculum

    1. Welcome to the Course!

    2. Our Plan

    1. Overview

    2. Defining Trauma

    3. Responses to Traumatic Events

    4. Diagnostic Criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

    5. Overview: Trauma & the Brain

    1. Overview

    2. The Survivor's Perspective

    3. The Partner's Perspective

    1. Overview

    2. Trauma-informed Principles

    3. Building a Toolbox of Coping Strategies

    4. Demonstration: Coping Strategies

    5. Starting conversations: where couples are at and what they need

    6. Grounding for Couples

    1. Overview

    2. PLISSIT Model Overview

    3. Permission

    4. Limited Information

    5. Specific Suggestions

    6. Intensive Therapy

    7. Summary

    1. Overview

    2. PLISSIT Model: Skills Demonstration

    3. Keeping the conversation going

About this course

  • $29.00
  • 2 CE Credits (Clinical)
  • Online, self-paced, noninteractive course

Meet the Instructor

Ben Kudler

Ben Kudler, LICSW, CST-S is a clinical social worker and AASECT certified sex therapist in private practice in Boston who works with both individuals and folks in relationships, specializing in issues involving identity, sexuality, and trauma recovery with a commitment to LGBTQIA+ community and marginalized folks.

Course Details

Credits: This course offers 2 clinical continuing education credits.

Cost: $29

Format: This is an online, self-paced, noninteractive course that includes reading and recorded videos (asynchronous hybrid course).

Registration: To register for this course, click the "Buy Now" button. This course is self-paced, so you can join at any time after completing your registration and payment.

Practice Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: Clinical social workers

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, you will learn to:

  • Identify common symptoms of PTSD and describe the impact of sexual trauma on relationships, including intimacy and sexual functioning.

  • Apply specific skills for facilitating conversations with couples impacted by sexual trauma, including skills for increasing trust and safety and building communication around intimacy and sex.

  • Analyze the couple’s current needs related to intimacy and sex, and choose additional resources and referrals, as needed.

Additional Information

Refund & Cancellation Policy: GetPractice will fully refund requests from learners who have not completed a course. If a learner has completed all requirements of a course and received their certificate of completion, they are no longer eligible for a refund. 

Accessibility: Please email [email protected] to discuss any questions or requests regarding accessibility & accommodations. 

System Requirements: This course is hosted on the GetPractice site. To complete the course and all required course materials, learners will login to the GetPractice course site. Learners will need a computer or smartphone and an internet connection to complete the course.

Course Completion Requirements: To complete the course and receive their certificate of credit, learners will complete all online lessons in the course, a posttest (a passing score of 80% is required, learners can retake the test if needed), and a course evaluation. Once these components are successfully completed, the learner’s certificate of credit will be available immediately on the course page and in their learner account.

Availability Notice: This course is currently available to customers located in the United States.

Questions or Concerns: Please reach out to [email protected] 

Course Creation Date: January 15, 2026

GetPractice LLC, provider #2517, is approved as an ACE provider 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:11/14/25-11/14/26. Social workers completing this course receive 2 clinical continuing education credits.