Topic: Oncology & Intimacy: Brief Tools for Therapists

Sexual wellbeing is a quality-of-life domain that often goes unaddressed during and after cancer treatment, and most patients prefer their therapist to bring it up first. This one-hour session gives community LCSWs the language, structure, and confidence to do exactly that. Through a brief, oncology-aware lens, we’ll practice how to introduce the topic and deliver scope-appropriate, low-intensity interventions.

We’ll explore how to recognize the ways medical symptoms can impact intimacy, and introduce practical strategies to help individuals rekindle desire, enhance intimacy and pleasure, improve communication, and adapt to physiological changes. Interventions will include expanding the sexual script, normalizing grief and loss, assisting with safety and consent routines, and implementing values-based reconnection plans.

We’ll also clarify when to refer to resources such as the primary oncologist, pelvic floor physical therapy, sexual medicine, or sex therapy. This training is affirming, sex-positive, and inclusive of LGBTQIA+ clients, single clients, and diverse relationship structures. You’ll leave with increased comfort addressing this domain with your existing caseload.

Presenter: Caleb David Evington, LCSW

Caleb David Evington is a licensed clinical social worker with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, where he serves in the Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Psychosocial Oncology and Cancer Patient Support Programs.

He began his academic endeavors at Appalachian State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies with a minor in Not-for-Profit Management. He went on to receive his Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and he is a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience in trauma-informed care.
Over the course of his career, Caleb has worked in a wide range of settings, from foster care and schools to outpatient therapy, and now specializes in psychosocial oncology, working with individuals, couples, and families navigating life-limiting illness, survivorship, and complex emotional transitions.

In 2024, he co-founded the center’s Sexual Wellbeing Clinic, a dedicated space for addressing the social, emotional, and relational aspects of sexual wellbeing in cancer survivorship. He is currently pursuing certification through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT), with advanced training through the Modern Sex Therapy Institute.

Caleb brings a person-centered, narrative, and psychodynamic lens to his work, with a focus on meaning-making, resilience, and honoring the dignity of each patient’s lived experience.

Cost:

Students: Free

NASW Members: Free

Non-members: $15

Once you pay, your money cannot be refunded and it will be your responsibility to find someone to take your spot if you can no longer attend.

CE: 1 hour. Proof of attendance for CE will be distributed via email within 1 weeks after the event. Those registering as students will not receive CE for this event.

NASW-NC does not allow any AI notetaking tools to be utilized during Local Program Unit webinars. Any AI notetaking tools that are present in the Zoom room will be removed by moderators. Additionally, NASW-NC does not permit any unauthorized recording or distribution of any Local Program Unit webinars. NASW-NC reserves the right to remove or bar from future events any registrants and/or attendees who do not abide by these policies. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please contact membership.naswnc@socialworkers.org. We appreciate your understanding.

Zoom link will be emailed out to registrants the day before the meeting.

If you don't think you have received the Zoom link, please check your Spam folder. If not in your Spam, please email Seth Maid at smaid.naswnc@socialworkers.org or Mary Choe at mchoe.naswnc@socialworkers.org for assistance BEFORE the LPU event begins.

Ideas presented by speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and policies of NASW-NC.