PLEASE NOTE* All group programs in the SRTS are currently being conducted virtually, and are open to individuals currently residing in the province of Ontario.
There is strong evidence that group programs can be an effective way to provide therapy for a wide range of problems, including sexual concerns. Group programs also provide an opportunity to connect with others who may struggle with similar concerns as we do. Group therapy offered at the SRTS are mainly structured, skills-based groups, meaning that you and the other participants in the group will meet on a regular basis while the group is ongoing to learn new information and strategies to work toward your goals. Like individual therapy, group therapy requires an active effort on your part both during and outside of the group sessions. The group will follow a similar format each week, with specific goals and topics to be covered by the group leaders. Although there will be opportunities for group discussion, how much you share and participate in these discussions will be completely up to you.
Please see information below about our current and upcoming program offerings.
Men’s Sexual Health Group (next session Fall 2023)
This 4-week program is for men who are motivated to improve their experience of sexuality. The group is cognitive-behavioural, meaning that it involves learning specific skills—actions and ways of thinking—that have been shown through research to be effective for improving sexual function and satisfaction. Topics we will cover range from information about anatomy and sexual response, exploring barriers to sexual arousal, and learning strategies to increase sexual pleasure.
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy Group for Genital Pain (Spring 2023)
This 8-week cognitive-behavioural group is for women experiencing recurrent and persistent pain during sexual activity. The group will provide education about genital pain and its effects on sexuality, help identify factors that can influence the experience of chronic pain, and teach a variety of skills—actions and ways of thinking—to cope with pain and improve sexuality.
Women’s Sexual Pleasure Group (next session TBD)
This 6-week program is for women who want to learn about and improve their experience of sexual pleasure. The group is cognitive-behavioural, meaning that it involves learning specific skills—actions and ways of thinking—that have been shown through research to be effective for improving sexual function and satisfaction. Topics we will cover range from education about anatomy and sexual response, exploring barriers to sexual desire, and learning strategies to increase sexual pleasure.
Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder/Genito-Pelvic Dysesthesia (PGAD/GPD) Group (next session TBD)
This 8-week cognitive-behavioural group is for women experiencing persistent and unwanted genital arousal sensations in the absence of mental arousal and sexual desire. The group will provide education about our understanding of PGAD/GPD symptoms, help identify factors that can influence the experience of symptoms, and teach a variety of skills—actions and ways of thinking—to cope with symptoms and the distress and interference associated with them. For the time being, participation in this group coincides with participation in a research study examining the group’s effectiveness on a variety of outcomes, like symptom intensity. For more information about this study, please email SHRL@queensu.ca