Sex, Safety, & Power: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Intimacy in IPV Survivors
1.5 CE Training for Therapists On-Demand for $55
Approved CE Provider: NBCC & AASECT
Intimate partner violence can profoundly shape a survivor’s experience of consent, desire, pleasure, and connection—often in ways that continue long after the relationship has ended. This training explores the power and control dynamics of IPV, the emotional and physiological effects of trauma on intimacy, and the complex survival responses that may appear as avoidance, dissociation, numbness, or performative sexual behavior. Participants will learn to recognize these responses, understand the limitations of traditional consent models in abusive contexts, and use trauma-informed, non-shaming approaches to help survivors rebuild safety, autonomy, and connection with their bodies.
This course is taught by Courtney Harchaoui, LSW, MSW
This course is taught by Courtney Harchaoui, LSW, MSW
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Course Objectives
1. Identify core dynamics of IPV, including power and control
2. Describe how IPV impacts sexual autonomy, consent, and desire
3. Recognize trauma responses in intimate and sexual contexts
4. Use trauma-informed, non-shaming language when discussing sexuality
5. Apply foundational strategies for assessing intimacy and safety
2. Describe how IPV impacts sexual autonomy, consent, and desire
3. Recognize trauma responses in intimate and sexual contexts
4. Use trauma-informed, non-shaming language when discussing sexuality
5. Apply foundational strategies for assessing intimacy and safety
Why does inter partner violence training matter for therapists?
Intimate partner violence can affect far more than a survivor’s immediate physical safety—it can also shape their relationship with consent, desire, pleasure, their body, and future intimacy. Without a trauma-informed understanding of these effects, therapists may unintentionally overlook coercion, misinterpret survival responses, or reinforce shame. This training helps clinicians recognize the complex ways power, control, and trauma can appear in conversations about sex and relationships.
Who This Training is For
This training is designed for therapists, counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other helping professionals who support survivors of intimate partner violence or work with concerns related to trauma, relationships, sexuality, and intimacy. It is especially relevant for clinicians who want to feel more informed and confident when discussing consent, desire, sexual functioning, and safety with clients.
Why should therapists take this training?
Therapists who complete this training will gain practical language and clinical perspectives for approaching intimacy after IPV with greater sensitivity and nuance. Participants will be better equipped to identify trauma and survival responses, understand consent beyond a simple yes-or-no framework, avoid shaming or pathologizing clients, and support survivors as they work toward greater safety, sexual autonomy, and connection with their bodies.
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