Events
Upcoming events
Exploring Consensual Non-Monogamy: A Workshop for Mental Health Professionals
Exploring Consensual Non-Monogamy:
A Workshop for Mental Health Professionals
As therapists, it’s essential to understand the nuances of consensual non-monogamy (CNM) to provide informed, affirming support to clients exploring or engaged in these relationships. This workshop offers a clinical framework for working with CNM clients, covering relationship structures, motivations, common challenges, and strategies for addressing communication breakdowns, jealousy, and boundary-setting. Attendees will gain practical tools to help clients navigate CNM with clarity, consent, and emotional well-being while integrating these dynamics into their broader relational and personal growth.
Colin Fyfe
LMFT, workshop presenter, celebrating his 2022 ALC Ride
Through engaging discussions and practical exercises, you will:
Define CNM and explore its various forms, including open relationships, polyamory, and relationship anarchy.
Identify common motivations and benefits associated with CNM, such as increased autonomy, personal growth, and relationship satisfaction.
Recognize potential challenges and develop strategies for addressing communication, jealousy, boundary setting, and societal stigma.
Learn how to assess client readiness for CNM and provide guidance on best practices for navigating these relationships.
By the end of this workshop, you will feel more confident and knowledgeable in your ability to support clients who are exploring or engaging in CNM. You will be equipped with the tools to help clients navigate the complexities of these relationships, while fostering open communication, mutual respect, and emotional well-being.
Join us for this essential training to enhance your clinical practice and better serve your clients.
Workshop Details
Date: April 10, 2025
Time: 6-7:30pm PST
Location: Online
Recording: Recording will be available
Cost: Donate $25 or more to Colin’s AIDS LifeCycle Ride and forward the receipt to admin@rousetherapy.com
Raffle: Each instance of a $25 donation counts as one raffle ticket! $25 = 1 ticket, $100 = 4 tickets, etc.
Continuing Education Information
Presentation description
As therapists, it’s essential to understand the nuances of consensual non-monogamy (CNM) to provide informed, affirming support to clients exploring or engaged in these relationships. This workshop offers a clinical framework for working with CNM clients, covering relationship structures, motivations, common challenges, and strategies for addressing communication breakdowns, jealousy, and boundary-setting. Attendees will gain practical tools to help clients navigate CNM with clarity, consent, and emotional well-being while integrating these dynamics into their broader relational and personal growth
Educational Goals
The workshop aims to educate participants on the fundamentals of consensual non-monogamy (CNM), including its structures, motivations, and challenges. It provides tools for effective communication, boundary-setting, and emotional management to foster healthy and fulfilling open relationships. The goal is to support individuals in navigating CNM with self-awareness, consent, and mutual respect.
Learning objectives
Define three types of consensual non-monogamous relationships
Describe three common reasons people choose CNM relationships
Learn three ways to assess for readiness for CNM
Detail four interventions and healthy CNM practices
Outline
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Setting the vibe
Going over : Ground Rules (Be respectful, mindful of language, ask questions, self-check-ins)
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Defining CNM – Umbrella term & various structures
Types of CNM (Open, Monogamish, Throuples, Relationship Anarchy, etc.)
Cultural & Social Perspectives – Stigma & Misconceptions
Quick Discussion – What biases exist in society and therapy?
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Common Reasons for CNM (Variety, Autonomy, Growth, Emotional/Physical Needs)
Benefits (Self-awareness, Strengthened Primary Relationship, Exploration)
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Common Challenges – Jealousy, Communication Breakdowns, Social Stigma
Managing Jealousy – Understanding Compersion
Boundary-Setting & Agreements – Emotional/Sexual Boundaries
Quick Discussion – Which challenge resonates most?
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Assessing Readiness – Differentiation, Communication, Stability
Evaluating Client Perspectives – Readiness Checklist for Therapists
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Communication Strategies – Active Listening, Conflict Resolution
Sexual Health Considerations – STIs, PrEP, Emotional Aftercare
Therapist’s Role – Providing Affirming, Bias-Free Support
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Key Takeaways – Summary of Learning Objectives
Resources & Further Reading
Final Q&A – Open Discussion
Exclusive Raffle Prizes!
Each ticket holder enters our raffle to win amazing prizes from local businesses!
Barry's
5-day class pass
Value: $180
Castro Yoga Room
5-day class pass (x2)
Value: $110 each
Welcome Castro Store
Gift card
Value: $50
Hot Cookie Gift Pack
$25 Gift Card and a 3Some Pack of ready-to-eat cookies
Value: $50
Shame Less, Love More Hoodie
From Rouse Relational Wellness
Value: $69
Mental Health Workbook for Men
By David F Khalili, LMFT
Value: $17
CAMFT Annual Conference
Find our table in the exhibition hall and say hi, win prizes and grab some goodies!
Sensual Literacy for Couples
Sensual Literacy for Couples
Through guided exercises, conscious touch, and mindfulness practices, you and your partner will embark on a journey of sensory awakening in this immersive workshop for couples.
In this workshop, you will
Learn to communicate desire
Explore sensory play with touch, scent, sound, and movement.
Practice intentional touch and nonverbal communication to enhance intimacy.
Learn how to create a safe, open space for vulnerability and connection.
Discover techniques to heighten pleasure through mindfulness and presence.
Deepen your emotional and physical bond in a playful and pressure-free environment.
This workshop is open to all couples, and is designed to be experiential (cameras off). Whether you're looking to rekindle passion, strengthen your emotional connection, or simply explore new ways to enjoy intimacy, this experience will leave you feeling more in tune, empowered, and connected with your partner.
Join us for this transformative journey and rediscover the power of touch, presence, and connection.
Sensual Literacy is coined by Lui Gervais, a Portland-based teacher for Body Electric and the author of The Nipple Whisperer
Event Details
When: Thursday March 13th, 7-8:30 pm PST
Where: Online - secure Zoom room. Cameras off.
How Much: Free! Registration required.
Sign Up: Sign up on Zoom
Instructor Bio
Philip Huang
is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist is a Staff Therapist at Rouse Relational Wellness, utilizing somatic practices with a foundation in Buddhist psychology and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Philip is also a writer and avid swimmer. Learn more about Philip and his work below.
Castro Night Market
Join us at Castro Night Market!
We will be with the Castro Psychotherapy Network handing out goodies of all types!
Support the Castro, check out the amazing local vendors and stop by our booth for one of our giveaways.
Location and Details coming!
Court Vox In-Service Training
For Rouse Providers only to ensure excellent services to our clients.
Court Vox joins our monthly team training, leading our providers on somatic and embodied erotic practices to offer our clients to try in between sessions.
About Court Vox:
Court Vox is a Somatic Sex & Intimacy Coach, Surrogate Partner, and the Founder of The BodyVox. Through his courses, workshops, retreats, and private immersions, he helps clients overcome limitations and shame, fostering deeper intimacy and connection with their whole selves.
While traditional therapy often relies solely on talk, somatic coaching integrates body-based exercises, experiential learning, and touch within comfortable, judgment-free environments. Vox addresses areas such as body shame, boundary-setting, communication, deepening individuals’ connection to sensations and desires (including learning how to ask for what they want), and building intimacy and healthy boundaries.
Vox’s expertise draws from disciplines including somatics, sexological bodywork, tantra, BDSM, and shadow work. Certified through governing organizations such as the Somatic Sex Education Association (SSEA), the Association of Sexological Bodyworkers (ACSB), the International Professional Surrogate Association (IPSA), and Urban Tantra, he combines his certifications with ongoing studies in rope bondage, modern hypnotherapy, breathwork, and movement practices.
At The BodyVox, Court Vox offers 1:1 sessions, workshops, and retreats worldwide, including specialized programs for GBTQ men. His online course and community, Invitations to Intimacy, provides a framework for erotic embodiment alongside a supportive network of like-minded individuals. He is also part of the celebrated program for women, Back to the Body, where he collaborates with an elite team of sex educators to guide transformative experiences for women.
As a sex educator, Vox has worked with clients of all sexualities and genders. His work has been featured in AskMen.com, Cosmopolitan, and Well & Good. For more information, visit www.thebodyvox.com.
SELECT PODCAST APPEARANCES
The Trauma Therapist: Reclaiming Our Sexual Wellness with Court Vox
Sex with Emily: Arousal and Erotic Energy featuring Court Vox
40 Plus: Gay Men. Gay Talk Podcast: Connecting Deeper Bodily Pleasure With Court Vox
Find Your Light: Finding Your Fantasy with Court Vox
Modern Intimacy: Connecting to Your Sexual Freedom with Court Vox
Bedside Podcast: Intimacy Beyond Sex
The Sex Reimagined Podcast: Exploring Primal Sexuality
Luvbites Podcast: The Somatic Sexual Wellness Episode
Open Deeply: Shadow Work in BDSM, Psychedelics & Somatics with Court Vox
HIGHLIGHTED MEDIA FEATURES
New York Times: 5 Vacations That Could Improve Your Sex Life
Instinct Magazine: What is Somatic Sex Education? Let This Superbly Gorgeous Man Explain
Well+Good: The 12 Best Anal Beads for Bumping Up the Pleasure of Your Butt Play
Grindr: My Visit with a Sex Coach
Kinkly: The Importance of Aftercare
AskMen: Understanding Erotic Blueprints and How It Could Completely Alter Your Sexual Habits
LINKS
Website: https://thebodyvox.com/
Instagram: @thebodyvox
If you’d like to apply to lead a training during one of our monthly in-service trainings, please follow this link.
"Womb of Their Own" Screening and Discussion
Rouse Movie Club
A Womb of Their Own
Join us for a screening of A Womb of Their Own, a touching and informative documentary about the diverse experiences within trans masc and non-binary fertility and pregnancy journeys.
The documentary will be screened in our Zoom room, and we will end with a clinical discussion by Lisette Lahana, LCSW from Authentic Alliance. The director, Cyn Lubow, will also be in attendance to answer questions about the filmmaking process!
When - Friday March 7th, 5-7pm PST
Where - Online via password-protected Zoom room
Cost - $20, a portion of the proceeds goes to the filmmaker
Continuing Education - $15 extra for two CEUs for California Masters Level Therapists (please check with your governing board for other states and licenses)
(CE info below)
Recording - No recording will be available for this event.
Instructor Bios
Cyn Lubow, LMFT
Cyn Lubow, LMFT (#23666), the director of A Womb of Their Own, is a genderqueer filmmaker and psychotherapist, as well as the birthing parent of two adult sons. This is Cyn’s second film, which initially grew out of her desire to explore her own gender complexity and to help expand culture-bound binary beliefs about gender.
Cyn and the film have been invited to numerous film festivals around the US, Europe, Canada, Australia and Asia as well as medical and birth professionals’ communities, queer communities, and academic communities. Viewers have included both people who identify with the subjects, and those who don’t, but want to learn about gender diversity. A license for the film is now owned by dozens of academic institutions including Yale, Brown, Johns Hopkins, University of Pennsylvania, University of Washington, University of Massachusetts and UC Davis.
Cyn also recently published a mystery novel with a queer psychotherapist as protagonist, called Dying of Curiosity.
Lisette Lahana, LCSW
Lisette Lahana, LCSW (#23663) is a seasoned therapist with over 25 years of licensure as well as experience as a Gender Therapist. She graduated from UC San Diego with a B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Critical Gender Studies. She obtained her MSW at Smith College School for Social Work. Lisette is a bilingual trauma therapist and EMDR practitioner. She is a World Professional Association for Transgender Health (since 2022) Member, a Certified WPATH Member and Certified WPATH Mentor.
Since 2003 Ms. Lahana has been providing individual and group consultation to therapists building their gender competence and clinical skills. She is working towards mental health certification within the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Lisette is the owner of Authentic Alliance, an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy practice. Lisette is cisgender, queer-identified, and part of the Latine community. Her practice is located on unceded Ohlone land.
Continuing Education FAQs
Format and Length:
Total running time 120 minutes.
Completion Requirements:
Live viewers must complete an online evaluation at the end of the course to obtain their CE certificate via email.
Course Date:
March 7, 2025
Topic Area:
Clinical practice, Theoretical Foundations
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 polyamorous and ethically non-monogamous couples. CEs available for Masters level therapists in California. Providers with other licenses and/or from states should check the syllabus to ensure it matches with their board’s guidelines.
Conflict of Interest Statement:
This course has no potential conflict of interest or outside commercial support.
Instructional Level:
All levels
Contact Information:
For any inquiries related to subject matter guidance, correction, grading, comments, or problem resolution please contact us at info@rousetherapy.com
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.
Refund Grievance Policy:
Click here for the full refund and grievance policy.
Ask a Kink Educator - (Therapist & Coach consult group)
Join other therapists, coaches and wellness providers to sharpen & improve your approaches to kink and poly.
Ask Midori any burning questions and get a unique perspective in your line of work.
When: Friday March 7th, 1pm, PST (Limited space available)
Where: Rouse Relational Wellness, 4124 18th St, San Francisco, CA. 94114
For Who: Therapists, coaches, and wellness providers
Cost: Totally free
Join us for our first in-person consultation group with Midori. Midori is an award-winning sex & kink educator who will be there to discuss and answer any of your questions related to this subject.
We’re doing this on site at Rouse Relational Wellness, so spaces are limited.
"What Now?!" Navigating Political Anxiety and Anger
“What Now?!”
Navigating Political Anxiety and Anger
Feeling overwhelmed by political anxiety and anger? Join us for a free 45-minute workshop where you'll learn practical skills to navigate these emotions and find inner peace.
Our multidisciplinary workshop is co-led by Praveena Selvaduray, PhD, MD, from Castro Direct Primary Care, and Rosalie Del Toro, MA, and David Khalili, LMFT from Rouse Relational Wellness.
Understand the connection between politics and your emotional well-being.
Learn how anxiety and anger manifest in your body and mind.
Discover effective grounding and somatic techniques for releasing tension.
Develop strategies to regulate your nervous system and find calm amidst political unrest.
Gain valuable insights and tools to manage political anxiety and anger in your daily life.
Don't let political events control your emotions. Take the first step towards inner peace and emotional well-being.
Looking for more support? Check out our upcoming Finding Calm in Chaos group, led by Rosalie Del Toro, MA.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, March 4th
Time: 6-6:45pm PST
Cost: Free (Pre-registration required)
Location: Zoom
No CEs are available for this workshop
Recording available one week after event
Sign up today and reclaim your power!
About presenters
Dr. Selvaduray
Praveena Selvaduray, PhD, MD, has practiced medicine for the last 10 years, initially at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego, and for the previous five years at One Medical in the Castro District of San Francisco.
Dr. Selvaduray’s favorite part of her job is getting to build long lasting relationships with her patients while partnering with them in their healthcare journey. She is dedicated to delivering high-quality evidence-based medicine compassionately.
Dr. Selvaduray completed a basic science PhD in Immunology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center before attending medical school at the University of California, San Diego. She completed her Family Medicine residency at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego. Dr. Selvaduray is Board Certified in Family Medicine with the American Board of Family Medicine and an HIV Specialist with the American Academy of HIV Medicine.
Dr Selvaduray enjoys cooking, exploring local art and music, reading and trying new restaurants in her free time.
Learn more about Dr. Selvaduray at her practice, Castro Direct Primary Care
Rosalie Del Toro, MA
Rosalie Del Toro, MA is our intimacy and relationship coach at Rouse Relational Wellness. She is devoted to helping women in their 20s to 40s, including those who identify as queer, navigate the journey to fulfilling and pleasurable sexual experiences. With a Master's degree in Sexuality Studies from San Francisco State University, she has delved deep into the importance of sexual pleasure and the innovative ways sex educators teach this crucial element of intimacy.
Rosalie will lead the Finding Calm in Chaos: Political Anxiety and Anger group, starting in April
David F Khalili
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. He’s authored Mental Health Workbook for Men and Sex Worriers: A Mindfully Queer Guide for Men’s Anxiety to Sex and Dating to enhance men's relationships with themselves and others.
David aims to help men 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.
“Take A Walk on the Wild Side” The Nuances of Kink, w/Special Focus on Black Women
This workshop explores kink culture for mental health therapists. Led by Tijanna Eaton, it covers physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects, emphasizing negotiation, consent, and aftercare. The session highlights the experiences of Black women in kink communities. It is designed for mental health professionals aiming to enhance their understanding and support for clients involved in kink practices.
Event Five
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Event Four
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Midori: Ask a Sex Educator
Ask a Sex Educator: For Therapists, Coaches & Wellness Providers
When: Friday February 16th, 12pm, PST
Where: Rouse Relational Wellness, 4124 18th St, San Francisco, CA. 94114
For Who: Therapists, coaches, and wellness providers
Cost: Totally free
Join us for our first in-person consultation group with Midori. Midori is an award-winning sex & kink educator who will be there to discuss and answer any of your questions related to this subject.
We’re doing this on-site at Rouse Relational Wellness, so spaces are limited.
Queer Couples Communication Workshop
Queer Couples Communication Workshop
Yelling, shutting down, passive-aggressive remarks, and defensiveness, shows up in so many relationships.
But how do you work through it and past it?
How do you, as a provider, offer support to couples struggling to communicate?
How do you as a partner, slow yourself down to actually listen?
You’ll Leave With:
Understanding common concerns in queer relationships
Helpful communication tips
Actionable steps to bring back the connection
Staff Therapists Colin Fyfe, AMFT, and Marjorie Boggs Vazquez, AMFT, will share research by The Gottman Institute and findings from our work at Rouse Relational Wellness in our free streaming event.
QuellSF: Castro Community Care
Rouse Relational Wellness is proud to present QuellSF, an event in San Francisco's Castro neighborhood with the goal of empowering community members to take charge of their wellness. On Saturday, November 11th from 12-5 pm at 18th and Castro St., join us for a day full of seminars, workshops and live demos from local wellness providers. Learn about ways to practice self-care like couples communication, mental health tips & tricks, yoga, natural skincare solutions and more! N/A drinks will be available onsite as a way to refresh and revive. With something for everyone, this FREE event is not one you want to miss. Make sure to RSVP online today so you can come recharge your spirit in the Castro!
Upcoming events.
Come learn and play with the Rouse community.
Check out our calendar and sign up for our next event!