by jennbossio | Oct 1, 2024 | Consultation, Medicine, Sexual Health, Therapy, Training, Uncategorized
Six years. Wow. Looking back at when I first opened The Tri Health Clinic in 2018, I’m honestly overwhelmed with a mix of pride, gratitude, and excitement for what’s still to come.
It all started when I returned to Ontario after a few intense, transformative years in British Columbia. There, I had the absolute privilege of working with Dr. Lori Brotto and Dr. Rosemary Basson—two giants in the field of sex therapy. Their pioneering work, especially on the sexual response cycle, deeply shaped how I view sexual health, how I practice therapy, and how I train my clinicians today.
When I hired Tri Health’s first clinician, it felt like a huge leap. It wasn’t just about growing from being a solo practitioner to becoming a team—it was about creating a collective that would tackle sexual health in a way that hadn’t really been done before. Our goal was (and still is!) to remove the shame, the stigma, and the loneliness that so many people feel when it comes to their sex lives. We wanted to build a clinic that put evidence-based care at the forefront, and a place where people across Ontario could get the help they need.
By 2019, the clinic grew, and we needed more space. Moving into a larger office with four offices felt like a dream come true—but it didn’t stop there. Today, we’ve got six offices and a team of 15 clinicians, all working together to provide the best damn care we can. We’ve helped over a thousand people, and it’s surreal to think about the ripple effect that has on people’s lives. Sex and intimacy are often such isolating struggles, but every day, we get to remind people: you are not alone.
Looking ahead, our mission is clear. We want to keep growing, but not just for the sake of growth. We want to reach more people, help more individuals and couples, and most importantly, educate more medical professionals about how crucial sexual health is to overall well-being. We want to make sex therapy—and talking about sex—a normal part of healthcare in Ontario. Because sex is a part of life. It’s something we all deserve to feel good about.
The next six years? We’re just getting started.
We’re building something that, I hope, will make a lasting difference in this province. We’re not just a clinic; we’re becoming the go-to place for anyone in Ontario who needs support with sex or relationship issues. And I’m so damn excited for what’s to come.
Here’s to many more years of growth, learning, and—above all—helping people rediscover joy, connection, and pleasure in their intimate lives.
With gratitude,
– Jenn
by jennbossio | Aug 16, 2024 | Consultation, Training
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, many of us in Ontario, where bitter cold winters can seem to stretch endlessly, find our moods lifting. It’s not just anecdotal; research supports that people generally feel happier and more energetic during the summer months. This seasonal boost can often result in fewer people seeking support for sex or couples therapy during the summer.
Studies have shown that exposure to natural sunlight increases the brain’s release of a hormone called serotonin, which is associated with boosting mood and helping a person feel calm and focused. Conversely, the darker winter months can lead to a drop in serotonin levels, potentially leading to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or exacerbating existing mental health issues. This fluctuation is particularly noticeable in places like Ontario, where winter’s harshness is keenly felt.
During the warmer, sunnier months, couples might find themselves more engaged in outdoor activities, vacations, and social gatherings, which can serve as temporary distractions from ongoing relationship issues or sexual concerns. The natural improvement in mood can also make problems seem less pressing, leading to a decreased urgency in seeking therapy.
For therapists, this seasonal slowdown can actually be a blessing in disguise. Here’s why:
- Revitalize and Rest: Use this period to focus on self-care. Running a practice and providing constant support to clients can be draining. Take this time to recharge your batteries. Whether it’s taking a vacation, spending time outdoors, or engaging in hobbies, ensure you’re practicing what you preach about maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
- Continuing Education: Summer is a perfect time to enhance your skills. Engage in workshops, courses, or certifications that can enrich your practice. As a provider of consultation and supervision for sex and couples therapy, I offer a range of training programs. This is an excellent opportunity to dive deeper into specific areas of interest or to broaden your understanding of the latest therapeutic techniques.
- Reflect and Plan: Use the quieter months to reflect on your practice. What’s working well? What could be improved? Plan for the busy months ahead. Consider revising your marketing strategies, updating your website, or planning new workshops or group sessions for the fall.
- Connect with Peers: The summer slowdown can also be a good time to network with other professionals. Attend conferences, join professional groups, or simply catch up with colleagues. Sharing experiences and learning from others can provide fresh perspectives and new ideas for your practice.
- Prepare for the Fall Surge: Historically, the demand for therapy increases in the fall as routines normalize and the seasonal affective shifts begin to set in. Use the summer to prepare for this surge. Ensure your administrative processes are streamlined, and perhaps even consider hiring additional support if needed.
It’s essential to recognize that while the summer months may bring a temporary lull in appointments, the need for sex and couples therapy doesn’t diminish. As therapists, we must be ready to support our clients year-round, but also to take advantage of the natural ebbs and flows of the profession to ensure our own well-being and professional growth.
So, while you enjoy the sunshine and warmth of summer, remember that this is also a time for rejuvenation and growth. And if you’re interested in enhancing your skills in sex and couples therapy, consider reaching out for consultation and supervision. Together, we can continue to provide the highest quality care for our clients, no matter the season.
by jennbossio | Nov 8, 2023 | Sexual Health, Training
Introduction
As primary care physicians, you are often the first point of contact for patients seeking medical assistance. While you possess a wealth of knowledge and expertise, there are specific areas, such as sexual health, where additional Continuing Medical Education (CME) can significantly enhance the care you provide. Many patients may hesitate to discuss their sexual health concerns, leading to unaddressed issues that affect their overall well-being. In this blog, we delve into the importance of obtaining extra CME in sexual health, and how sex therapy can be the solution to better serve your patients. We will also highlight the exemplary work of Dr. Jenn Bossio and her team at the Tri Health clinic in Ontario, who specialize in sex and couple’s therapy, as well as their dedication to training healthcare providers in managing sexual dysfunction in a primary care setting.
The First Step in Patient Care
As primary care physicians, you play a crucial role in patient care. You are often the initial healthcare professional patients turn to with concerns, including those related to sexual health. However, studies have shown that sexual health issues are frequently underreported or avoided during medical consultations. Patients may feel embarrassed or believe that their concerns are not physician-related, leading to unresolved problems that can impact their physical and emotional well-being.
Going Beyond Traditional Referrals
While traditional referrals to urologists or gynecologists can be beneficial for certain cases, they may fall short when addressing various sexual health issues. Many sexual health concerns involve psychological, emotional, or relational aspects that require a more comprehensive approach. This is where sex therapy comes into play. Sex therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that addresses a wide range of sexual concerns, including sexual dysfunction, relationship issues, and intimacy challenges.
The Tri Health Clinic: Expertise in Sexual Health
Led by Dr. Jenn Bossio, the Tri Health Clinic is an interdisciplinary group practice based in Ontario that focuses on sex and couple’s therapy. Dr. Bossio and her team are passionate about providing comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and emotional components of sexual health. With their expertise in sex therapy, they offer patients a safe and confidential space to explore and resolve their sexual concerns.
Empowering Primary Care Physicians through CME
Dr. Bossio’s dedication goes beyond her clinical practice. She is passionate about training healthcare providers, particularly primary care physicians, in managing sexual dysfunction within their own setting. By attending extra CME sessions focused on sexual health, primary care physicians can gain valuable insights and practical tools to address sexual concerns effectively during routine medical consultations.
Conclusion
As primary care physicians, your commitment to providing comprehensive care for your patients is commendable. By recognizing the importance of obtaining extra CME in sexual health, you can bridge the gap and offer much-needed support to patients facing sexual concerns. Incorporating sex therapy into your practice can transform the quality of care you provide, addressing not only physical aspects but also the psychological and emotional well-being of your patients.
Dr. Jenn Bossio and her team at the Tri Health clinic in Ontario stand as exemplary advocates for sexual health, offering specialized care and training to empower primary care physicians in this essential area. By working together and embracing continuous education, we can foster a healthcare environment that prioritizes sexual health and provides comprehensive, patient-centered care for all.
by jennbossio | Oct 19, 2023 | Sexual Health, Training
Introduction
I am incredibly humbled and honored to share some exciting news with all of you. Recently, I was named one of Kingston’s Top 40 under 40, an award that celebrates the achievements of young leaders who are making a significant impact in their fields and communities. This recognition is not just a personal milestone, but a testament to the power of dedicated work in the field of sexual health.
From Humble Beginnings to a Pioneering Practice
My journey into the world of sexual health began with a determination to break barriers. Raised in a family where higher education seemed like a distant dream, I defied expectations and earned a Master’s and PhD in clinical psychology from Queen’s University. This laid the foundation for a career dedicated to advancing sexual health and therapy.
Today, I stand as the founder and director of the Tri Health Clinic, a multidisciplinary practice right here in Kingston. Our focus is on providing comprehensive sexual health services, and it’s been heartwarming to see the impact we’ve had on so many lives.
Championing Sexual Health
Sexual health is a vital component of overall well-being, yet it often remains an unaddressed need. Through relentless commitment over the course of my career, I’ve helped secure over $400,000 in research and clinical funding. Some of that funding has gone to create and evaluate treatment programs for men with erectile dysfunction, as well as prostate cancer survivors. We’ve also secured funds that allowed us to create a comprehensive resource page on the Tri Health Clinic website for individuals facing a whole host of sexual difficulties. This is a testament to the need for accessible and compassionate sexual health care.
Beyond the Clinic: Impact in Education and Research
I am privileged to serve as Adjunct Faculty at Queen’s University in the Departments of Urology, Gynecology, and Psychology. These roles allow me to train the next generation of clinicians and push the boundaries of sexual health care. It’s not just about providing therapy; it’s about shaping the future of sexual health practice and education.
I am deeply passionate about imparting the crucial knowledge of sexual health evaluation, assessment, and treatment to the next generation of healthcare providers. It is an area of healthcare that often goes overlooked or is met with discomfort, yet it holds immense significance for individuals’ overall well-being.
Through education and mentorship, I aim to instill in budding healthcare professionals the understanding that sexual health is an integral component of comprehensive care. By equipping them with the skills and confidence to address these sensitive issues, we empower them to offer a higher standard of care, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare landscape for all. This advocacy for sexual health education is not just a professional mission, but a personal belief in the transformative power of informed and empathetic healthcare practices.
A Community-Driven Vision
None of this would be possible without the support of our incredible community here in Kingston. The Tri Health Clinic has grown from a small dream, started in 2018, to a thriving practice. Our expansive reach across all of Ontario for sex and couples therapy is a testament to the indispensable role we play in supporting individuals and relationships. Our explosive growth over the past 5 years underscores the pressing demand for specialized sexual health care, not only in Kingston but throughout the entirety of Ontario.
Looking Ahead
Receiving the Kingston’s Top 40 under 40 award is not just a personal achievement; it’s a recognition of the importance of sexual health advocacy and therapy. It fuels my commitment to making a lasting positive impact on our community, because I believe that everyone deserves access to compassionate and effective care for a healthier and happier life.
Thank you all for your support on this journey. I look forward to continuing this work and reaching even more individuals in Kingston and beyond. Together, we can break down barriers and empower others to overcome challenges in their own lives.
– Dr. Jenn Bossio, C.Psych
