Schedule & Sessions

Speaker: Omisade Burney-Scott, she/her
(Oh-me-Shah-Day)

CE Credit:

• 1.5 AASECT CE Credits

Description:

From menarche to menopause, the journey of a person who will experience menopause is filled with multiple sexual debuts—each shaped by shifts in identity, pleasure, intimacy, and embodiment. Yet, mainstream narratives on menopause often center loss rather than transformation, ignoring the expansive and evolving nature of sexual expression in midlife and beyond.

In this keynote, we will explore the menopausal multiverse—a rich terrain where pleasure, desire, and intimacy are continually redefined. We will examine who experiences menopause, the limitations of dominant menopause discourse, and the intersections of aging, sexuality, and liberation. Through storytelling and critical inquiry, we will also discuss how sex educators and therapists can deepen their understanding of menopausal sexual expression and better support their clients in navigating this stage with agency, curiosity, and joy.

Learning Objectives:

• Menopause is Not the End – It’s a Portal to New Sexual Possibilities
• Menopause is often framed as a decline, but in reality, it is a threshold into new ways of experiencing pleasure, desire, and intimacy. Just as we have multiple sexual debuts throughout our lives, menopause offers an opportunity to redefine our relationships with our bodies, partners, and erotic selves.
• Pleasure is Political: Challenging Menopause Myths & Expanding the Narrative
• Dominant narratives on menopause – rooted in ageism, white-centered frameworks, and medicalized deficit models – limit our understanding of what’s possible. We must center the diverse lived experiences of Black women, LGBTQIA+ folks, formerly incarcerated people, and other marginalized groups to create a more inclusive and liberatory approach to menopausal activity.
• Supporting Menopausal Clients Requires Ongoing Learning & Radical Curiosity
• As sex educators and therapists, it’s essential to move beyond outdated models of menopause and aging. By embracing a pleasure-centered, body-affirming, and culturally responsive approach, you can better support your clients in navigating this phase with empowerment, self-discovery, and joy.

AASECT Core Knowledge Areas:

B, D, E, G, H, I

Presenter: Dr. Shamyra Howard, LCSW, CST

CE Credit:

• 1.5 AASECT CE Credit

Description:

Menopause is often misunderstood in the realm of sexuality, but itdoesn’t have to mark the end of pleasure. This session will equip sex therapists with essential knowledge and practical tools to support clients navigating the menopausal transition. From hormonal shifts to relationship dynamics,we’ll explore strategies for enhancing intimacy, addressing sexual concerns, and shifting the narrative from loss to empowerment. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of menopause’s impact on sexuality and actionable approaches to help clients embrace this new phase with confidence and pleasure.�

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to identify and address the common sexual concerns that arise during menopause, including vaginal atrophy, decreased libido, and orgasmic changes.�
• Participants will learn how to incorporate practical tools and strategies, including lubrication, sexual aids, and communication techniques, to help clients navigate sexual changes and maintain intimacy.�
• Participants will develop a culturally responsive approach to menopause and sexuality, ensuring inclusive, trauma-informed, and affirming care for diverse populations.�

AASECT Core Knowledge Areas:

B, C, E, I, M

Speaker: Uchenna Ossai, she/her
Dr./Professor/Pelvic Health PT/AASECT Certified Sexuality Counselor®

CE Credit:

• 1.5 AASECT CE Credit

Description:

This presentation will focus around the psychosocial management and rehabilitation of sexual and pelvic floor dysfunction that is secondary to the menopause transition (perimenopause). The presentation will highlight some of the barriers to accessing information, education, care, as well as solutions for improved access and education (for both the community and care providers). The presentation will also highlight common issues that arise for patients and clients going through perimenopause, methods of screening for sexual and pelvic floor dysfunction, as well as provide intervention strategies centered around current research and the biopsychosocial and intersectional frameworks.

Learning Objectives:

• • Participants will be able to identify at least two barriers for patients/clients in accessing information/education as well as appropriate care for perimenopause.
  • Participants will be able to identify three intervention strategies to manage sexual and pelvic floor dysfunction secondary to perimenopause.
  • Participants will be able to verbalize two methods of assessment for sexual and pelvic floor dysfunction secondary to perimenopause.

AASECT Core Knowledge Areas:

C, E, H, I, O

Panelist:
Dr. Lynn Wang, MD, CSC,CSE,
Nisha McKenzie, PA-C, CSC, MSCP, IF,
Alycia Williams, MS, LPC
& Facilitator, De-Andrea Blaylock-Solar, LCSW-S, CST

CE Credit:

• 1.5 AASECT CE Credit

Description:

Menopause is a complex transition that impacts physical, emotional, and mental well-being, requiring a multifaceted approach to treatment. This panel discussion will present real-world case studies on treating menopause from a holistic perspective, featuring insights from a diverse team of practitioners. Each expert will share their approach to addressing the physiological, psychological, and lifestyle factors that influence menopause, demonstrating how an integrated care model can provide comprehensive support.�

The discussion will highlight the power of collaboration between professionals, offering the audience a deeper understanding of how coordinated care can enhance outcomes. Attendees will gain valuable insights into best practices for treating menopause holistically and learn how a team-based approach can improve the quality of care for individuals navigating this life stage.

AASECT Core Knowledge Areas:

B, E, G, H, I