Menopause, A New Beginning!: Strategies for Wellbeing and Sexual Health (2 CE Hours)

Description:

Menopause is a natural life transition that marks the end of ovarian function and the reproductive years. It is estimated that over one billion individuals worldwide will be experiencing menopause or the menopausal transition. While most people enter this stage between ages 45 and 55, the experience varies widely and can include physical, emotional, relational, and sexual changes.

This two-hour course provides an overview of menopause from a biopsychosocial perspective, with particular attention to sexual wellbeing and relationship dynamics. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of the physiological and hormonal changes associated with menopause and how these changes can influence mood, identity, sexual functioning, and intimate relationships.
The course will review common sexual concerns reported during menopause, including changes in sexual desire, vaginal discomfort, reduced arousal, and shifts in body image. Participants will also explore how these experiences may affect self-esteem, relational satisfaction, and overall wellbeing.
In addition, the course will address the relational impact of menopause and how changes in sexual functioning and emotional wellbeing can influence couple dynamics. Participants will learn how communication patterns, expectations around intimacy, and misunderstandings about menopause can create stress within relationships. The course will discuss ways therapists can support couples in navigating these changes with empathy, improved communication, and realistic expectations.

Finally, the course will provide practical guidance for clinicians working with clients experiencing menopause, including ways to normalize the transition, address stigma surrounding sexual health in midlife, and support individuals and couples in maintaining connection, wellbeing, and intimacy during this stage of life.

By the end of the session, participants will have a clearer understanding of the sexual and relational dimensions of menopause and will be better prepared to support clients and couples navigating this important life transition.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the physiological and hormonal changes associated with menopause and explain how these changes can influence sexual functioning, emotional wellbeing, and overall quality of life.
• Describe common sexual and relational challenges experienced during the menopausal transition, including changes in desire, arousal, body image, and couple dynamics.
• Explain how to apply practical strategies to support individuals and couples navigating menopause, including psychoeducation, normalization of sexual health concerns, and approaches to improving communication and relational understanding.

Speaker Bio:

Sandra E. Pascual, PhD, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia, and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist with over 18 years of clinical experience. She holds a PhD in Clinical Sexology and specializes in sexual wellbeing, menopause, and relationship dynamics. Born and raised in Argentina, Dr. Pascual has studied and worked in multiple countries and brings a strong multicultural perspective to her clinical and educational work. She is fully bilingual in English and Spanish and has extensive experience supporting culturally diverse populations.
Dr. Pascual is a trained instructor for the Gottman “7 Principles for Making Marriage Work” program, a Clinical Supervisor for counselors pursuing licensure, and a mentor and committee chair for doctoral candidates in Clinical Sexology. She is also a Subject Matter Expert for the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Dr. Pascual has been a guest speaker at state and national conferences and has been invited to discuss topics related to sexual health, intimacy, and relationships on several podcast platforms.

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Class originally recorded: 3/15/2026

Social workers completing this course receive 2 general continuing education credits.