Masterclass: Sexuality and intimacy in PTSD

€59,00

Date: October 26, 2026

Time: 7:30–9:30 PM CET

Location: Online

Information

Masterclass: Sexuality and intimacy in PTSD

Many clients with PTSD experience sexual problems in addition to their core symptoms, such as reduced desire, arousal disorders, pain during intercourse, and avoidance of intimacy (Bicanic et al., 2014; Bird et al., 2021). These complaints have a major impact on the quality of life, relational satisfaction and the general recovery process. Sexual problems can also increase feelings of shame, isolation and despair, which increases the risk of comorbid depression or anxiety disorders (Lewis et al., 2010; Rief et al., 2024).

Without explicit attention in treatment, these symptoms often persist, even when PTSD symptoms themselves have decreased (Walter et al., 2025). This can lead to relational tensions, recurring avoidance patterns and the risk of relapse into trauma-related complaints.

Current studies show that integration of sexual and relational interventions within PTSD treatment not only improves sexual function, but also enhances the treatment outcome for PTSD. For example, Knorr et al. (2023) show that intensive trauma-focused treatments with explicit attention to sexuality lead to significant improvement in sexual desire and satisfaction. Fredman et al. (2024) show that cognitive-behavioural partner interventions increase both intimacy and relationship quality.

What to expect:

• Evidence -based intervention for feelings of disgust after sexual violence
• Evidence-based interventions for intimacy/sexuality recovery

Learning objectives.

After this masterclass, participants will be able to:

• Recognizing sexual problems in PTSD and after sexual violence
• Recognizing disgust and knowing how to deal with it
• Involving the (partner) system in recovery and guidance

After the masterclass, you will have access to the recording for 3 months, ideal for revisiting the content or catching up if you were unable to attend live. The recording includes subtitles in English and Dutch.

You can find more information about refunds here.

Accreditation: None

Certificate: Yes

Presenters:

Jannetta Bos is a psychotherapist and registered sexologist. She worked at Arq Centre '45, a highly specialized psychotrauma treatment institute for victims of war, persecution, oppression, violence, and human trafficking. She worked for 44 years in the field of trauma. Jannetta is supervisor of the VGCT (Dutch organization for cognitive behavioural therapy), EMDR, NVVS (Dutch scientific association for sexology) and a certified psychotrauma therapist and supervisor of the NtVP (Dutch Association for Psychotrauma therapists). Member of the NVRG (Dutch Association for Relation- and Family Therapy). She is a trainer and supervisor in Brief Eclectic Psychotherapy for Posttraumatic stress disorder (BEPP) and Brief Eclectic Psychotherapy for Traumatic Grief (BEPTG). Beside her job, Jannetta works since 2004 on a voluntary basis for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in areas of armed conflict. Now she is providing psychological support to overseas MSF staff members. She provides community-based trauma healing at genocide survivors for A Cup for Humanity in Rwanda.

Suzy Matthijssen PhD. is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist. She is Director of the PSYTREC Academy (Research and Training Department) and Director of the Enhancing Trauma Treatment Institute. She is a CBT Supervisor & Trainer as well as an EMDR Europe Supervisor & EMDR Europe Trainer. Suzy obtained her PhD on innovations in trauma treatment and has extensive experience providing training in EMDR 2.0, (intensive) PTSD treatments, and anxiety disorders. She conducts research and publishes on advances in the treatment of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and trauma-related disorders. Suzy is in the board of the Dutch EMDR association, is a former member of the scientific committee of EMDR Europe, and is the former co-chair of the Council of Scholars; the Future of EMDR project.