Copeland Center Summit

Even though research has established that satisfying sexually intimate relationships are integral to overall health and well-being, persons with mental health conditions face considerable obstacles to the pursuit of such relations.  A main impediment is a global reluctance on the part of providers to discuss sexuality as part of the recovery process.  This missed opportunity has real consequences ranging from failure to address STDs and the frustrating sexual side effects of psychotropic medications to lost chances for enrichment of the therapeutic relationship toward more meaningful interaction on most topics. 

This workshop will provide a forum for participants to engage in a guided dialogue about role of intimacy and sexuality in wellness.  In the first half of the workshop, we will discuss why sexuality and intimacy are such difficult issues for consumers and providers.  The second part of the workshop will focus on identifying specific strategies that both consumers of mental health services and providers can use to improve sexuality-related communication toward creating milieus that are more inclusive and can provide more effective support to consumers.