Central Coast–CAMFT

Presents:
Overcoming Sexual Shame and Anxiety:
A Sex Therapy Toolkit for Connection 

Presented By: 
David F. Khalili, LMFT 

Friday,  September 25th, 2026, 9:30 am-11:30 am 

*This event is offered via Zoom-- event will be live on zoom 
and recorded.  Register here if you wish to watch the recorded version and receive CEs*

Number of CEs: 2 

Presentation Overview:

This workshop delves into the intricate dynamics of shame and anxiety and their influence on sex therapy practices across diverse genders, with a special focus on working with men, including trans men. By addressing these critical issues, therapists can empower their clients to tackle sexual and relational challenges more effectively. Guided by David F. Khalili, LMFT, from Rouse Relational Wellness and Rouse Academy, and author of The Mental Health Workbook for Men, this session promises engaging discussions, vivid vignettes, and practical tools for addressing sexual shame and anxiety in men. Whether you are an experienced sex therapist or don’t know how to talk about sex with clients, this training offers valuable insights and strategies to enhance your practice.  

Educational Goals:

The program focuses on helping clients reduce anxiety and shame related to sex. Participants will acquire skills in utilizing practical assessment tools and techniques to effectively understand the impact of shame and anxiety on sexual concerns, leading to increased comfort discussing sex in therapy. Participants will also learn techniques to help clients address sexual anxiety and shame, and improve confidence in their sexual selves. 

Learning Objectives:

a. Participants will be able to identify four key principles of the biopsychosocial approach to sex therapy.

b. Participants will be able to name four techniques to help clients address sexual anxiety and shame.

c. Participants will be able to state five reasons shame and anxiety impact sexual functioning.

d. Participants will be able to identify four strategies to empower clients to improve confidence in communicating about sex.

Presentation by:

David F. Khalili, LMFT

David F Khalili is a licensed marriage and family therapist, board-certified sexologist, and founder of Rouse Relational Wellness, a boutique couples and sex therapy center in San Francisco, and authored Mental Health Workbook for Men and Sex Worriers: A Mindfully Queer Guide for Men’s Anxiety to Sex and Dating. David pulls from many influences in the world of mental health and sexual wellness, as well as cultural and spiritual influences from his heritage from Iran. David aims to help those in the margins feel less lonely and more connected with their communities. Specializing in couples and sex therapy, David draws from his diverse background, which includes peer sex education, work in adult boutiques, and a Master's degree in Sexuality Studies from San Francisco State University. For more information about David's practice, visit rousetherapy.com.

Grievances

While the Central Coast Chapter of CAMFT makes every effort to assure fair treatment for all participants and attempts to anticipate problems, there may be occasional issues with regard to presentations/workshops which will require intervention and/or action on the part of the board. This procedural description serves as a guideline for handling such grievances.

When a participant files a grievance and expects action on the complaint, the following actions will be taken:

1. The participant(s) will be asked to put concerns in writing (this can be in electronic form, such as an email).

1. If the grievance concerns a presenter, the content presented by the speaker, or the style of presentation, the individual filing the grievance will be asked to put their comments in written format. The Board will then pass on the comments to the speaker, assuring the confidentiality of the grieved individual.

1. If the grievance concerns a presentation/workshop offering, its content, level of presentation, or the facilities in which the workshop was offered, the Board will mediate and will be the final arbitrator. If the participant requests action, the Board will:

• provide a credit for a subsequent presentation/workshop or

• provide a partial or full refund of the presentation/workshop fee

Refund policy:

Registrants must cancel their registration within 10 days of the event to receive a refund minus a $5 administrative fee.  Exceptions can be made for 48-hour notices in case of an emergency.  If you need to cancel, please contact Event Chair, Kim Richards: richardskimlmft@gmail.com. 

Special Accommodations

If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any of our events, please contact Event Chair Kim Richards within 10 days of the upcoming event at 805.458.8063 or email Kim Richards at richardskimlmft@gmail.com.