"Making Love Better"

Twice a year, usually in October and February, we offer a psychoeducational couples' group called "Making Love Better". This group is designed for couples in good relationships who want to make them even better. The format usually includes 2 psychologists-group leaders and 8-10 couples. A wide variety of topics are typically discussed including, but not limited to, communication, intimacy and sexuality. The next couples' group is to be determined. Please call Caroline at 514-398-5323 for more information.

These groups have been very popular and often fill up early. The cost is $­­­­­­­­450 per couple.

To read more about the couples' groups, click the following link: Montreal Gazette, 25/02/06 (PDF 256 Mb)






 

"Women's Group for Pain During Intercourse"

The aims of our 10-session Pain Relief Therapy group are to:

1. Reduce pain during intercourse
2. Improve sexual functioning (e.g. arousal and desire)
3. Identify the different thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and couple interactions that are associated with increased pain for each participant.

The Pain Relief Therapy program is given in a group format (approximately 10 women per group) and consists of 10 one and a half hour sessions spanning a 13-week period. All sessions take place at the Sex and Couple Therapy Service at the Allan Memorial Institute. The treatment includes the following elements:

1. Education and information about painful intercourse (dyspareunia) and its impact on sexual desire, arousal, frequency of intercourse and the ability to reach orgasm.
2. Education about a multifactorial model of pain, relaxation techniques, vaginal dilation exercises (insertion in the vagina of increasingly larger probes when in a state of relaxation) and cognitive restructuring exercises (replacing catastrophic thoughts about pain and sexuality by more realistic ones which will cause less pain and distress)
3. Distraction techniques inspired by sexual imagery, self-assertion exercises, communication skills training.

The use of these techniques involves weekly homework assignments (approximately 20 minutes per day). Partners are invited to join for one session.

Our former group participants’ feedback has always been very positive: they appreciate the social support provided by the group and the opportunity to share their experience with others.

"Sexual Health Program for Men"

Although a variety of medications such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra have "revolutionized" the treatment of erection problems, up to 50% of men who try these medications never fill a second prescription. The reason is obvious: it takes more than a rigid penis to have a pleasurable sex life. Unless you are "in tune" with your partner or comfortable about your own sexuality, drugs are not likely to be the answer. Our Sexual Health Program for Men combines expertise from urology and psychology to help individuals enjoy their sexual lives. Please make an assessment appointment with our secretary Judi (514) 398-6094 or contact Julie Larouche for more information.






 

"Men's Group for Pelvic Pain"

5-15% of men worldwide suffer pelvic pain, and many also struggle with sexual dysfunction as a result. Unfortunately, the medical treatments that are available may not entirely cure symptoms for these men. The group program aims to help participants acquire a variety of physical and psychological strategies that could enable them to better cope with their pain. This will be accomplished by providing information and a supportive group environment. Male sexuality, and male sexual function and dysfunction will also be discussed. Special sessions will involve guest lectures by both an experienced urologist, and a pelvic floor physical therapist.

The format of the group will be 6-8 men and will last for 10, hour-and-a-half sessions, one evening per week. The group will begin in early March 2009. Cost will be $100 for all 10 sessions. Please make an assessment appointment with our secretary Judi (514) 398-6094