This past weekend Sexual Health Alliance hosted an amazing event, Treating Pelvic Pain: Vulva Edition! During this online Sexceptional Weekend event, SHA’s experts in sexual health and pelvic pain shared valuable insights, focusing on understanding and addressing pelvic pain from both physical and psychological perspectives. Event attendees experienced fun breakout sessions, an exciting social media giveaway, and lots of fun and engaging Q and A time! Participants were sent home with great slides and resources to use in their own practices to help clients.
Day 1: Pelvic Pain, Vulva Edition Event Recap
Nicoletta Heidegger, a licensed marriage and family therapist and sexologist, led sessions on key diagnoses in pelvic pain treatment, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care. Kayna Cassard, an experienced sex therapist and painful sex specialist, explored the bio-psycho-social approach to understanding painful sex, delving into vulvar anatomy, sexual functioning, and the unique mental health considerations in pelvic pain treatment.
The afternoon sessions deepened participants' understanding, featuring insights from Dr. Lisa Valle, an experienced OB/GYN, who discussed the importance of hormones beyond just estrogen, the anatomy of the vestibule, and the overlap of female sexual disorders.
Nicoletta Heidegger and Kanya Cassard continued with interactive presentations, where Nicoletta covered the topic of comprehensive pelvic pain assessments, and Kanya explored connections between sexual and pelvic pain disorders. This well-rounded approach provided sexual health providers with practical strategies for treating complex pelvic pain issues in a trauma-sensitive manner.
“I have really enjoyed this first day. So many new tools and information to use and share with my clients.”
Day 1: Pelvic Pain, Vulva Edition Presentation Topics
Nicoletta Heidegger is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Sexologist practicing in Los Angeles, California. She specializes in sex therapy for diverse populations as well as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
Kayna Cassard is a Painful Sex Specialist, Sex Therapist, LMFT and Certified Trauma Therapist. She has been working in the field of human sexuality since 2006.
Vulvar Anatomy + Sexual Functioning: What’s Important in Pelvic Pain Treatment as Mental Health Providers from Kayna Cassard, MA, LMFT
Some Diagnoses in Pelvic Pain Treatment from Nicoletta Heidegger, MA, MEd
Painful Sex Etiology: Bio-Psycho-Sexual-Social Approach & General Overview from Kayna Cassard, MA, LMFT
Trauma-Informed Care: Treating Pelvic Pain as a Trauma Response
Dr. Lisa Valle has been in practice for over 18 years and worked in private practice in Orange County and Los Angeles as a general obstetrician/gynecologist as well as in an acute care setting working as an ob/gyn hospitalist prior to opening up Oasis WSFC to solely focus on female sexual concerns.
What is the vestibule? Learning more about anatomy and why it’s important in relation to sexual pain
The importance of hormones - it’s not just estrogen!
The overlap of female sexual disorders
Afternoon presentations with Nicoletta and Kayna:
Pelvic Pain Assessment with Nicoletta Heidegger, MA, MEd.
Common Connections with Sexual Pain & Pelvic Pain Disorders with Kayna Cassard, MA, LMFT
“I feel so much more prepared to support the female population I work with…now they can have a touch point in me and I can help support them better.”
Day 2: Pelvic Pain, Vulva Edition Event Recap
During the beginning of day two, Nicoletta Heidegger, MA, LMFT guided participants through a hands-on activity, leading them to create a personalized “play/pleasure menu” to help clients explore enjoyable, pain-free experiences. A breakout session followed, where attendees practiced assessment techniques to improve their skills. Jillian Giannini, a pelvic health physical therapist, then explained the role of pelvic health physical therapy and how mental health professionals can collaborate with PTs to enhance outcomes. In the final sessions, Kayna shared insights on supporting couples struggling with pelvic pain, introducing her Arousal Architecture™ framework to help partners reconnect and adapt intimacy around physical limitations.
“I felt incredibly validated by all of the presenters in terms of my own experiences with medical professionals!”
Day 2: Pelvic Pain, Vulva Edition Presentation Topics
Our incredible presenters provided more inspiring and engaging content during day two of our Sexceptional Online Weekend. Here are a few of the topics they covered during their presentations.
How to Work With Individuals Struggling with Pelvic Pain with Nicoletta Heidegger, MA, LMFT
Activity! Let’s create a play/pleasure menu with Nicoletta Heidegger, MA, LMFT
Breakout session with assessment practice
Pelvic Pain: In the Eyes of a Pelvic Health Physical Therapist with Jillian Giannini, PT, DPT
Jillian Giannini is a passionate pelvic health physical therapist dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to wellness. Just recently she opened up her own practice, LIA Pelvic Health Physical Therapy located in North Hollywood, CA. Jillian's mission is to provide trauma-informed, patient-centered care to individuals experiencing pelvic pain, bladder, bowel and/or sexual dysfunction. She is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment where patients feel seen, heard, and empowered to take an active role in their healing journey.
Describe the function of pelvic health physical therapy and identify when a referral to pelvic physical therapy might be needed.
Identify ways to collaborate with a pelvic health physical therapist to help enhance client outcomes.
Kayna Cassard, MA, LMFT closed out the day by covering two interesting topics for those working with couples.
How to Work With Couples Struggling with Pelvic Pain with Kayna Cassard, MA, LMFT
Using the Arousal Architecture(™) with Couples Dealing with Pelvic Pain with Kayna Cassard, MA, LMFT
“My biggest takeaway was the excitement of being with other people as passionate about this stuff as I am!”
You’re not just a passive audience member at Sexual Health Alliance Events
Attending Sexual Health Alliance events is a unique blend of fun, education, and deep connection. These events offer an inviting space where learning feels fresh and interactive, far from a typical lecture. You’re not just a passive audience member—you’re encouraged to dive into hands-on activities, like creating personalized "pleasure menus," making learning both enjoyable and practical. Sessions are lively, with experts bringing valuable knowledge on topics like pelvic pain, trauma, and sexual wellness in ways that make complex topics easy to understand and apply.
One of the biggest perks of these events is the direct access to industry experts, which makes every session more engaging. Rather than just reading or hearing about the latest approaches, you get to ask questions, exchange ideas, and learn directly from specialists with years of experience. This level of access can be game-changing, especially when discussing sensitive and complex topics that benefit from an expert’s perspective. The breakout sessions and hands-on workshops provide a collaborative environment, making it easy to network and get inspired by other professionals who share the same passion for advancing sexual health.
Are you ready to attend a Sexual Health Alliance event? Get your ticket to an upcoming event now!
January 25th-26th, 2025 Live Weekend: This Girl is on Fire: Menopause Online Sexceptional Weekend
February 22nd-23rd, 2025 Live Weekend: Confronting The Unconventional: My Therapist is a Porn Star
October 8th-12th, 2025: Connect with your SHA Community, Dr Chris Donaghue, and 30+ leading sexual health experts IN-PERSON at SHA’s Annual Sexological Conference!