Workshop Overview
When: July 18, 2025 12 to 1 PM PST
Presenter: Karah Charette, PT, DPT, RYT, and David F Khalili, LMFT
Organization: Rouse Relational Wellness
Continuing Education: 1 units
Cost: Free to attend. Add-on $10 after sign up for one CEU for California LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs.
Recording: Recording will be available shortly after the workshop to ticket holders only.
"Because talk therapy can only do so much..."
General Information
Description
Did you know the pelvic floor plays a vital role in everything from physical comfort to emotional regulation and even intimacy? This insightful workshop bridges the gap between mental health and pelvic health, offering mental health and couples therapists a practical understanding of pelvic floor function and dysfunction. Discover when and why to consider a referral to pelvic floor physical therapy, gain insight into your clients' potential emotional experiences during treatment, and learn concrete strategies for effective interdisciplinary collaboration. Elevate your practice and provide more holistic care—register today.
Instructor Information
Dr. Karah Charette is originally from Buffalo, NY and received a B.A. in Biology and Dance from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Columbia University. She co-owns a pelvic health practice in Oakland called Bodyful Physical Therapy and Wellness. A dancer for more than 20 years, Karah has an embodied sense of the wisdom of the body and non-verbal expression. Karah is also a 200 hour registered yoga teacher after training in Ashtanga Vinyasa style in Thailand. She is certified in classic and contemporary mat and reformer Pilates techniques. Karah is currently studying Body-Mind Centering® with Mary Lou Seereiter. She focuses on evidence based care that pulls from comprehensive pain science and polyvagal theory. Karah uses skilled manual therapy techniques as well as individualized and somatic-informed exercise during sessions to promote sustainable change from the level of the nervous system.
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.
Educational Goals
This workshop aims to provide mental health and couples therapists with an understanding of the pelvic floor's crucial functions and how its dysfunction can present in clients. Participants will learn about conditions commonly addressed by pelvic floor physical therapy and gain insight into when and why referrals are beneficial. The course will also explore the emotional experiences clients may have during pelvic floor treatment and strategies for effective collaboration between therapists and physical therapists.
This course is designed to appeal to clinicians at all levels of experience.
Measurable Learning Objectives
- Describe at least three key functions of the pelvic floor and two ways in which dysfunction in each area can manifest.
- List five specific conditions commonly treated by pelvic floor physical therapy.
- Explain two distinct scenarios where a mental health therapist should consider referring a client to a pelvic floor physical therapist, including at least one specific client complaint in each scenario.
- Identify three potential emotional responses a client might experience during pelvic floor physical therapy treatment that could impact their mental health therapy.
- Outline two concrete strategies for effective collaboration between a mental health therapist and a pelvic floor physical therapist, including at least one example of information each professional could share with the other.
Outline with Main Points
- I. Introduction & Welcome (5 min)
- Brief self-introduction
- Introduction to panelists
- Workshop objectives
- II. Demystifying Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy (15 min)
- What is the pelvic floor? (anatomy, key functions, dysfunction manifestations)
- What does a pelvic floor PT do? (evaluation, treatment techniques, focus)
- Conditions treated (pain, incontinence, prolapse, painful intercourse, ED, prenatal/postpartum, bowel issues)
- III. When to Refer to a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist (10 min)
- Identifying red flags/indicators in therapy sessions
- Specific client presentations for referral
- Understanding PF issues impacting MH symptoms
- Normalizing PF health & reducing stigma
- IV. What the Client May Bring to Therapy During PFPT Treatment (10 min)
- Emotional responses to physical changes/treatment
- Impact on body image, self-esteem, sexuality
- Relationship dynamics & intimacy challenges
- Experiences during PFPT sessions (pain, discomfort, embarrassment)
- Progress/setbacks & emotional correlates
- V. Collaboration Between Mental Health/Couples Therapists and Pelvic Floor PT (10 min)
- Importance of clear communication & shared goals
- Strategies for effective collaboration
- Respecting expertise & scope of practice
- Case examples of successful collaborations/outcomes
- Navigating differences in approach
- VI. Q&A (10 min)
- Open floor for questions
- Facilitate discussion
Suggested Reading/Supported Readings (optional)
Bridgeman, Michelle & Snyder, Kailey & Peterson, Julie. (2025). How Trauma-Informed Care Is Perceived and Delivered by Pelvic Health Physical Therapists. Journal of Women's & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. 49. 26-34. 10.1097/JWH.0000000000000322.
Peinado Molina RA, Martínez Vázquez S, Martínez Galiano JM, Rivera Izquierdo M, Khan KS, Cano-Ibáñez N. Prevalence of depression and anxiety in women with pelvic floor dysfunctions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Gynecol Obstet. 2024; 167: 507-528. doi:10.1002/ijgo.15719
Reed, P., Whittall, C. M., Emery, S., & Osborne, L. A. (2023). Relationship between depression, anxiety, and attendance at pelvic-floor muscle training sessions. Physiotherapy, 120, 10-16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2023.06.002
Tibaek S, Gard G, Dehlendorff C, Iversen HK, Biering-Soerensen F, Jensen R. Is Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Effective for Men With Poststroke Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms? A Single-Blinded Randomized, Controlled Trial. Am J Mens Health. 2017 Sep;11(5):1460-1471. doi: 10.1177/1557988315610816. Epub 2015 Oct 18. PMID: 26483291; PMCID: PMC5675201.
Tova Feigenbaum. (2022). Physical Therapy in the Treatment and Prevention of Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions in Women. The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences, 16(1), 44-49. Retrieved from https://touroscholar.touro.edu/sjlcas/vol16/iss1/8
Yaacov, D., Nelinger, G., & Kalichman, L. (2022). The effect of pelvic floor rehabilitation on males with sexual dysfunction: A narrative review. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 10(1), 162-167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2021.02.001
CA BBS CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM POLICIES
David F Khalili, LMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for MFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs licensed through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. CEPA Provider # 1000132. David F Khalili, LMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content. Contact him at www.rouseacademy.com, phone 415-448-6743, 4124 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, or [email protected].
To receive your CE certificate: Pay the add-on fee, complete a brief post-test that will be sent to you in an online link after the course, followed by completing an evaluation. Please note, you must complete both the quiz AND evaluation. A SCORE OF 70% OR MORE ON THIS TEST IS REQUIRED FOR CE CREDIT. After passing your quiz, you will receive your certificate within five business days.
Grievance Policy: For this course, “Instructor” refers to Karah Charette and David Khalili Marriage and Family Therapy, Inc.
- If there is a grievance, the participants will be asked to put their concerns in writing to David Khalili [email protected].
- If the grievance concerns the instructor, the content presented by the instructor, or the style of presentation, the individual filing the grievance will be asked to put his/her comments in written format. The participant will receive a written response in 1-2 business days. When necessary, the participant will receive a full refund.
- If the grievance concerns a workshop offering, its content, level of presentation, or the facilities in which the workshop was offered, the instructor will mediate and will be the final arbitrator. If the participant requests action, the instructor:
a. attempt to move the participant to another workshop or
b. provide a credit for a subsequent year's workshop or
c. provide a full refund of the workshop fee.
Actions 4b and 4c will require a written note, documenting the grievance, for record keeping purposes. The grieved individual need not sign the note.
Refund Policy: Refunds are not available on all items, especially live webinars (see individual promotional materials). Refunds are always available if CE item was purchased in error. Full refunds for CE test payment itself will be granted when the request is submitted in writing and a post-test has not been submitted and graded. Refunds will be issued within 7 days of request to the payment method used to pay for the original purchase.
Disability Accommodations: Arrangements can be made for those with disabilities or special needs; please contact David F Khalili, LMFT at 415-448-6743, [email protected] or the address above.
One continuing education unit available for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs in California. Outside of California, check with your states licensing board.
Continuing Education Units: 1.5 Unist.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Describe at least three key functions of the pelvic floor and two ways in which dysfunction in each area can manifest.
- List five specific conditions commonly treated by pelvic floor physical therapy.
- Explain two distinct scenarios where a mental health therapist should consider referring a client to a pelvic floor physical therapist, including at least one specific client complaint in each scenario.
- Identify three potential emotional responses a client might experience during pelvic floor physical therapy treatment that could impact their mental health therapy.
- Outline two concrete strategies for effective collaboration between a mental health therapist and a pelvic floor physical therapist, including at least one example of information each professional could share with the other.
About the presenter:
Dr. Karah Charette is originally from Buffalo, NY and received a B.A. in Biology and Dance from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Columbia University. She co-owns a pelvic health practice in Oakland called Bodyful Physical Therapy and Wellness. A dancer for more than 20 years, Karah has an embodied sense of the wisdom of the body and non-verbal expression. Karah is also a 200 hour registered yoga teacher after training in Ashtanga Vinyasa style in Thailand. She is certified in classic and contemporary mat and reformer Pilates techniques. Karah is currently studying Body-Mind Centering® with Mary Lou Seereiter. She focuses on evidence based care that pulls from comprehensive pain science and polyvagal theory. Karah uses skilled manual therapy techniques as well as individualized and somatic-informed exercise during sessions to promote sustainable change from the level of the nervous system.
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.
Format and Length:
Live zoom meeting. Total running time 90 minutes.
Topic Area:
Clinical practice, Theoretical Foundations
Instructional Level:
All levels
Completion Requirements:
Live viewers must complete an online evaluation at the end of the course to obtain their CE certificate via email. Those viewing the recording must watch the entire workshop, complete an evaluation, and obtain a score of 70% or higher on a course completion quiz. You are allowed to take the quiz as many times as you need.
Completion Quiz and Course Evaluation:
After the workshop, the course completion quiz will be available to complete, followed by the course evaluation.
Who Should Attend:
Counselors, masters or doctoral level clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and licensed professional counselors. Other wellness providers who work with couples, especially queer couples.
Course Date:
July 17, 2025
Conflict of Interest Statement:
There is no potential conflict of interest or outside commercial support for this course.
Refund Grievance Policy:
Click here for the full refund and grievance policy.
Contact Information:
For any inquiries related to subject matter guidance, correction, grading, comments, or problem resolution please contact us at [email protected]
David F Khalili, LMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for MFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs licensed through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. CEPA Provider # 1000132.