Spring Connection: Mix, Mingle, & Learn with Pelvic Floor Experts

Join Soleil Psychotherapy, Rachel Zar, and Karen Weeks for a spring mixer and free 1.5-hour CE training designed for therapists interested in the mind–body connection, pelvic health, and interdisciplinary care.

This event brings together mental health clinicians and pelvic health professionals for an afternoon of learning, connection, and collaboration—with appetizers and drinks served throughout the event.

Date and Time:

Saturday, April 25th, 2026: 3:00 PM-6:00 PM

LOCATION:

Ravenswood Loft

4437 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

Workshop Description:

This interdisciplinary training introduces clinicians to pelvic floor functioning, pelvic health physical therapy, and mind–body integration in clinical practice. Drawing from sex therapy and pelvic physical therapy perspectives, participants will learn how pelvic health intersects with emotional wellbeing, pain, and nervous system regulation.

Clinicians will gain practical insight into when to screen, how to refer, and how collaborative care can enhance therapeutic outcomes, expanding their clinical toolkit beyond traditional talk therapy.

The 1.5-hour training will take place from 4:00–5:30 PM and will include:

• A psychoeducational presentation by a sex therapist on pelvic floor health, sexual functioning, and the role of the body in psychotherapy

• An experiential and educational segment led by a pelvic floor physical therapist offering an inside look at what happens in pelvic floor therapy and how this work supports both physical and emotional healing

While pelvic floor therapy is often associated with sexual concerns, this training highlights how pelvic health and body-based approaches can support clients even when sexual issues are not the primary presenting concern, including those experiencing chronic pain, stress, or trauma-related symptoms.

Course Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

• Identify common presentations related to pelvic floor dysfunction and pelvic pain

• Understand basic pelvic floor anatomy and its role in pain, sexual functioning, and regulation

• Describe what pelvic floor physical therapy involves and how it complements psychotherapy

• Apply interdisciplinary screening and referral strategies in clinical practice

Audience:

• Professional Counselors

• Social Workers

• Marriage and Family Therapists

• Psychologists 

• Physical/Occupational Therapists

Presenters:

Rachel Zar, PhD, LMFT, CST-S
Rachel Zar is an AASECT-certified sex therapist and supervisor and the Clinical Director at Avid Intimacy in Chicago. She holds a PhD in Clinical Sexology and specializes in sexual functioning concerns, including painful sex (vulvodynia, vaginismus), difficulty with orgasm, and diminished libido. With five years of experience at Northwestern Medicine’s Center for Sexual Medicine, Rachel worked extensively alongside specialized physicians, providing sex-positive, trauma-informed, and LGBTQIA+/poly-/kink-affirmative care.

Karen S. Weeks, MPT
Karen S. Weeks is a Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a highly specialized Pelvic Health Rehabilitation Physical Therapist. She has focused exclusively on pelvic health since 2002 and was among the first clinicians to receive ABPTS Board Certification as a Clinical Specialist in Women’s Health Physical Therapy. Karen is a key member of Northwestern’s Integrated Pelvic Health Program, with special clinical interest in chronic pelvic pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, and vulvodynia.

Continuing Education Hours:

This program is recognized as providing 1.5 CE* Hours for:

• LPC/LCPC (IDFPR license # 197.000360)

• LSW/LCSW (IDFPR license # 159.001584)

• LMFT (IDFPR license #168.000268)

• Licensed Psychologist (IDFPR license # 268.000146)

Participants must be present from 4:00–5:30 PM to receive CE credit.