Society of Australian Sexologists Ltd upcoming events

When Trauma Affects Sex: Practical Tools and the SHIFT Model for Integrating Sexual Wellbeing into Trauma-Informed Practice with Dr Sarah Ashton (15 Oct 2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 09:30:00 GMT

About

Sexual concerns are among the most common and enduring impacts of trauma, yet they are often overlooked or treated separately from broader therapeutic work. Many clinicians feel uncertain about how to raise conversations about sex, respond to disclosures, or integrate sexual wellbeing into trauma-informed care.

Drawing on current research, clinical experience, and the themes explored in her newly published book When Trauma Affects Sex, Dr Sarah Ashton will introduce the SHIFT Model—an integrative framework for understanding how trauma can shape sexual wellbeing across the lifespan. Participants will explore how sexual concerns can be understood within their broader developmental, relational, and biopsychosocial context, rather than as isolated symptoms. Using a clinical case study, Sarah will demonstrate how a trauma-informed formulation can guide assessment, therapeutic conversations, and intervention, helping clinicians

feel more confident incorporating sexual wellbeing into their existing practice. The session will also explore practical strategies for initiating conversations about sex, reducing shame, recognising when interdisciplinary collaboration may be beneficial, and supporting clients experiencing trauma-related sexual concerns.

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Recognise the common ways trauma can affect sexual wellbeing and understand why sexual concerns are often overlooked in trauma-informed practice.
Apply the SHIFT Model to conceptualise sexual concerns within their broader developmental, relational, and biopsychosocial context.
Develop a trauma-informed formulation that integrates sexual wellbeing into assessment and intervention.
Increase confidence initiating conversations about sexual wellbeing, responding to disclosures, and reducing shame in clinical practice.
Identify practical therapeutic strategies and recognise when interdisciplinary collaboration or referral may enhance client care.

Presenter

Dr Sarah Ashton is a sexual health psychologist, board-approved supervisor, educator, and founder of Sexual Health and Intimacy Psychological Services (SHIPS) and the Institute of Sexual Health Psychology Australia (ISHPA).

With over 17 years of clinical experience, Sarah is passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-informed care and advancing the integration of sexual wellbeing into mainstream psychological practice. Through her clinical work, education, supervision, and advocacy, she has dedicated her career to increasing confidence and capability among health professionals to address sexual wellbeing as an essential component of holistic healthcare.

Sarah has lectured at universities across Australia, delivered professional development workshops nationally, advised organisations including the Australian Psychological Society (APS), the Society of Australian Sexologists (SAS), and Labia Library, and developed more than 28 online professional training programs in sexual health psychology.

She is the author of the newly published book When Trauma Affects Sex, which introduces the SHIFT Model - an integrative framework for understanding and treating the impact of trauma on sexual wellbeing.

SAS National Book Club - Oct 2026 (26 Oct 2026)

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 08:30:00 GMT

ABOUT THE BOOK

What does it really take to create lasting sexual connections in long-term relationships? Most couples struggle at some point to maintain their sexual connection. But a lot of the advice we are given on sex is either not very good or steeped in cultural assumptions and expectations that can end up hurting us.

In Come Together, leading sexual wellness educator, Dr Emily Nagoski, takes on one of the most misunderstood subjects of all time - good sex - and shows us that most of what we've been taught about enjoying sex is wrong.

Featuring inclusive stories and examples from a wide range of couples and individuals, you'll find out what great sex really looks like and the best way to overcome obstacles - including relationship conflicts, gendered beliefs about how sex 'should be' and body image worries.

With insight, humour and empathy, Come Together will radically transform the way you approach sex and desire, and empower you to create long-term, fulfilling sexual connections.

ABOUT THE BOOK CLUB

The SAS National Book Club brings together professionals to explore influential books in clinical sexology through discussion, reflection and shared professional development.

Each session explores how the book’s ideas can be applied to contemporary clinical sexology practice, supporting evidence-informed care and professional reflection. You don’t need to have finished the book, but reading it beforehand will help you get the most from the discussion.

Participants may claim professional development with SAS. Some external professional bodies may recognise attendance for continuing professional development (CPD).

The Book Club meetings are facilitated by Martin Gladman (Clinical Sexologist, Relationships Counsellor and Accredited Mental Health Social Worker) and Deborah Vanderwerp (Educator and Counsellor), both of whom are SAS members from Victoria.

A SAS book list is available here. Please also check out our live Book Club picks and latest recommendations as they get added on Goodreads!

Sexual Rehabilitation After Prostatectomy: Pumps, Tablets and the Needle with Brad Butt (11 Nov 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 08:30:00 GMT

About

Join us in exploring the road to recovery post prostate cancer. In this webinar, Brad will explore the unspoken truths of life following prostate surgery and the different options available for penile rehabilitation from a pharmacist’s perspective.

Presenter

ACT pharmacist, Brad Butt, established Men's Health Downunder in 2013 in his pharmacy at Cooleman Court in Canberra, to address the growing need for men in Canberra to have access to professional expertise about their specific health issues, without any embarrassment or privacy concerns. Men's Health Downunder has grown to be the largest men's health pharmacy clinic in Australia and many of their patients are referred to them from GPs, Urologists, and sexual health clinics.