ABOUT THE EVENT:
A couple presents to a sex therapist, one complaining their partners low libido is the problem; their partner is never in the mood, never initiates sexual touch. The other partner claims they are blamed for the distress in their relationship yet they complain their partner is constantly 'whinging' and putting pressure on them for sex.
Join 4 Accredited Clinical Psychosexual Therapists as they describe their therapeutic approach to this very common presentation of mismatched libido. We will explore the Gottman Method, Internal Family Systems, Relational Life Therapy and Emotion Focussed Couples Therapy.
ABOUT THE PANEL:
Kate Dempsey is an Accredited Clinical Psychosexual Therapist, Clinical Sexuality Educator and a Certified IFS Clinical Consultant on Gurambilbarra country. She is part of the teaching team at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Medicine and Health, within the Postgraduate Program for Psychosexual Therapy. Since 2020, Kate has been an embedded contractor at a psychiatric hospital where she facilitates an inpatient program on “Sexual Function and Mental Health” and facilitates sessions within an outpatient Trauma Recovery Program on “Sexual Function and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder” for veterans and first responders. In her international private practice, Sexology North Queensland, Kate sees adult individuals, couples and other relationship styles from around the world. She is an approved counselling supervisor with SAS and ACA, and is on staff to support international trainings of relationship therapists at the IFS Level 2 trainings.
Andrew Everingham is a lecturer for the Psychosexual Therapy pathway, in the Sexual and Reproductive Health Postgraduate Program, at the University of Sydney. Andrew is an accredited psychosexual therapist with the Society of Australian Sexologists and has fifteen years experience as a clinical Social Worker in the sexual health field. Currently Andrew works part time as the Senior Social Worker at Nepean Sexual Health and HIV Clinic and in his private practice (Staghorn Sexology) in the Blue Mountains. Andrew has completed Level 1 and 2 of Gottman Method training with the Gottman Institute, as well as their additional training on:
- Treating Affairs and Trauma: Helping Couples Heal and Rebuild Trust
- Couples and Addiction Recovery
- The Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work (Leader Training)
Andrew has an interest in male sexual dysfunction, sexual health/HIV, sexual health anxiety and sexual trauma
Karen Triggs is a neurodivergent, big-hearted therapist who’s all about helping people heal, connect, and improve their relationships and sex lives. As an accredited psycho-sexual therapist, relationship counsellor, and trauma-focused art therapist, she blends creativity, compassion, and neuroscience-informed therapy to support her clients on their healing journeys.
Karen holds multiple postgraduate qualifications, including a Master’s degree in Art Psychotherapy. She’s a registered member of the Australian & New Zealand Creative Art Therapists Association (ANZACATA), the Society of Australian Sexologists (SAS), and EMDRAA, and she’s also part of the ACA College of Supervisors, On top of that, she’s an active member of the SAS NSW committee, a past president of the NSW Society of Australian Sexologists, and a dedicated advocate in her local Domestic Violence committee.
Born in Zimbabwe and having lived in South Africa and Botswana, Karen lives and works in Southwest Sydney. When she’s not guiding clients through their healing journeys, you’ll find her in her art studio, playing on Procreate, camping under the stars, or making magical memories with her grand-daughters.
Karen’s therapeutic style is collaborative, creative, and informed by approaches like EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Relational Life Therapy (RLT), attachment theory, neuroscience, creative therapies, and the Safe & Together program. She specializes in working with couples, clients struggling with pelvic pain, and survivors of sexual violence.
Passionate, creative, and always learning, Karen is dedicated to helping people build healthier, more fulfilling relationships—with themselves and others and to share her knowledge and experience with other practitioners.
Kristen Campbell is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker & Clinical Psychosexual Therapist, working in Private Practice on the South Coast of NSW. Kristen's background is in working with people who have experienced interpersonal trauma and she is passionate about supporting people in their sexual and relational goals. Kristen is trained in a range of modalities but loves to use Emotion Focussed Couples Therapy when seeing couples. Kristen is a Unit Coordinator at the University of Sydney, within the faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Health and loves to teach and learn with other health professionals.
