Couples and Sexual Health Laboratory

Couples and Sexual Health Laboratory Research lab studying sexual and relationship well-being. Based in the department of Psychology & Ne Dr. Natalie O.

Rosen is the director of the Couples and Sexual Health Laboratory (CaSH). Dr. Rosen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University. She is also cross-appointed to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the IWK Health Centre. Dr. Rosen's current research interests focus on psychosocial factors affecting women’s sexual health and well-being, with an emphasis on vulvodynia (chronic vulvar pain in women) which causes dyspareunia (painful intercourse). She is especially interested in how features of the romantic relationship affect the adjustment of couples dealing with this condition, as well as the effects of genital pain on the sexual and relationship functioning of couples. Another line of research investigates psychosocial predictors of genital pain during and after childbirth. Her research and clinical practice is multidisciplinary in nature and she has ongoing collaborations with psychologists, obstetrician-gynaecologists, anesthesiologists, dermatologists, physical therapists, and nurses. As a registered clinical psychologist, she has also practiced sex and couple therapy for the past 8 years. Dr. Rosen's research has been recognized by awards from the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), the Canadian Sex Research Forum (CSRF), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). She recently received operating grants from the CIHR and the IWK Health Centre.

03/21/2026

👣Are you a couple expecting your first baby?

🔍 We are seeking couples from Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Ireland who are up to 26 weeks pregnant to participate in the STORK RCT: Supporting the Transition to Parenthood through Online S*x and Relationship Knowledge.

❓What is STORK: The first online couple-based program designed to enhance knowledge about changes to s*xuality during pregnancy and postpartum and skills to cope with these changes. STORK was designed to strengthen couples’ relationships across the transition to parenthood.

📅 What is involved: If you are eligible, after your initial survey, you and your partner will be randomized (like a coin flip) into either the Program or Waitlist conditions. Program couples will complete 5 online modules in pregnancy (1 per week) and a final module at 3 months postpartum. Couples in both conditions will also complete 5 surveys—the initial survey, then at 32-weeks pregnant, and 4-, 8-, and 12-month postpartum—that gather information about your relationship, your pregnancy experience, and your child. Couples in the Waitlist condition will receive access to the full STORK program after the study period is over.

💰 Compensation: As a thank you for your participation, you will receive compensation. Your time is valuable to us!

🌈 Inclusivity matters: STORK requires one member of the couple to be currently pregnant. Otherwise, STORK is open to individuals of all genders, bodies, and s*xual orientations.

💌 To participate in the STORK RCT study, please scan the QR code (you can take a screenshot of this post, open it in your photo app, and click the QR code to be re-directed to the contact form). For more information contact us at STORK@dal.ca

March is Women’s* Health Research Month 💜🩵When health research doesn’t include or account for women and gender diverse p...
03/17/2026

March is Women’s* Health Research Month 💜🩵

When health research doesn’t include or account for women and gender diverse people, it leads to real consequences in care, access, and diagnosis.

Health outcomes should be guided by research, not assumptions.

At the CaSH Lab, we’re working to change that!
Check out our current studies (HOLD + STORK) and lab director Dr. Natalie Rosen’s accomplishments!

*Inclusive of cis women, trans women, and gender diverse individuals who identify at least in part with womanhood or femininity

Come visit us at the Pregnancy & Parenting Expo on April 19 in Halifax! 👶✨ At the CaSH Lab booth, you can learn more abo...
03/13/2026

Come visit us at the Pregnancy & Parenting Expo on April 19 in Halifax! 👶✨

At the CaSH Lab booth, you can learn more about our current studies and ways to support our research on s*xual well-being in the transition to parenthood 👣

Scan the QR code or head to the link in our bio to learn more and to purchase tickets 🎟️

📍 The Westin Nova Scotian
📆 April 19, 2026
🕙 10 AM – 4 PM

Cognitive Behaviour Group Therapy (CBT) for Painful S*x is a scientifically-based treatment program for women and gender...
03/11/2026

Cognitive Behaviour Group Therapy (CBT) for Painful S*x is a scientifically-based treatment program for women and gender diverse individuals. CBT focuses on how thoughts, feelings, and behaviours influence your pain and s*xuality. This is an active therapy where you will be asked to complete at-home exercises to help you practice the skills you learn.

10 weekly 1.5 hour group sessions held at Coastal Psychology located in 5991 Spring Garden Road in Halifax. Sessions will begin in Spring 2026!

Session topics include:
📚Education about conditions that cause painful in*******se
🛠️ Tools to reduce pain and its negative impact on life
💋 Materials to facilitate the experience of s*xual desire and arousal
💬 Skills training on communication with your romantic/s*xual partners
🔥 Help wth restoring s*xual pleasure and intimacy

Facilitated by Dr. Natalie Rosen, a Registered Clinical Psychologist and Professor of Psychology and Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Dalhousie University. Dr. Rosen specializes in s*x therapy with over 20 years of experience, including developing and testing many of the treatment techniques used in this program.

Self and clinician-referrals can be sent directly to Dr. Rosen at natalie.rosen@coastalpsych.ca

The fee for this program is $1200 (~$120/session, which is less than 50% of the cost of individual therapy). You will be provided a receipt for your records and to be submitted to private insurance.

👣Are you a couple expecting your first baby? 🔍 We are seeking couples from Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, the U...
02/27/2026

👣Are you a couple expecting your first baby?

🔍 We are seeking couples from Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Ireland who are up to 26 weeks pregnant to participate in the STORK RCT: Supporting the Transition to Parenthood through Online S*x and Relationship Knowledge.

❓What is STORK: The first online couple-based program designed to enhance knowledge about changes to s*xuality during pregnancy and postpartum and skills to cope with these changes. STORK was designed to strengthen couples’ relationships across the transition to parenthood.

📅 What is involved: If you are eligible, after your initial survey, you and your partner will be randomized (like a coin flip) into either the Program or Waitlist conditions. Program couples will complete 5 online modules in pregnancy (1 per week) and a final module at 3 months postpartum. Couples in both conditions will also complete 5 surveys—the initial survey, then at 32-weeks pregnant, and 4-, 8-, and 12-month postpartum—that gather information about your relationship, your pregnancy experience, and your child. Couples in the Waitlist condition will receive access to the full STORK program after the study period is over.

💰 Compensation: As a thank you for your participation, you will receive compensation. Your time is valuable to us!

🌈 Inclusivity matters: STORK requires one member of the couple to be currently pregnant. Otherwise, STORK is open to individuals of all genders, bodies, and s*xual orientations.

💌 To participate in the STORK RCT study, please scan the QR code (you can take a screenshot of this post, open it in your photo app, and click the QR code to be re-directed to the contact form). For more information contact us at STORK@dal.ca

Do you currently experience distressing low s*xual desire? We’re inviting 2SLGBTQIA+ couples in Nova Scotia, New Brunswi...
02/12/2026

Do you currently experience distressing low s*xual desire? We’re inviting 2SLGBTQIA+ couples in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, British Columbia, and Quebec to take part in a new couples therapy study designed to support relationships where one partner is experiencing distressing low s*xual desire and/or arousal.

✨ What’s involved?
• Online surveys over 12 months
• Random assignment to either:
💙 16 sessions of online Cognitive Behavioural Couple Therapy (CBCT)
⏳ or a waitlist (you’ll still receive the CBCT therapy after the waiting period!)

Compensation is provided, and treatment is offered free-of-charge.

We’re looking for couples who:
🌈 Are 18+
🌈 Are fluent in English or French
🌈 Have been in a committed, cohabiting relationship for 1+ year
🌈 Include one partner who is a cis or trans woman, or an AFAB gender-diverse person experiencing low desire
(other criteria may apply)

*Non-monogamous couples are welcome!

💞 To participate, please contact us at HOLD@dal.ca

Please note: If you choose to like or comment on this post, you will be publicly identified with the study.

👣Are you a couple expecting your first baby? 🔍 We are seeking couples from Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, the ...
02/06/2026

👣Are you a couple expecting your first baby?

🔍 We are seeking couples from Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Ireland who are up to 26 weeks pregnant to participate in the STORK RCT: Supporting the Transition to Parenthood through Online S*x and Relationship Knowledge.

❓What is STORK: The first online couple-based program designed to enhance knowledge about changes to s*xuality during pregnancy and postpartum and skills to cope with these changes. STORK was designed to strengthen couples’ relationships across the transition to parenthood.

📅 What is involved: If you are eligible, after your initial survey, you and your partner will be randomized (like a coin flip) into either the Program or Waitlist conditions. Program couples will complete 5 online modules in pregnancy (1 per week) and a final module at 3 months postpartum. Couples in both conditions will also complete 5 surveys—the initial survey, then at 32-weeks pregnant, and 4-, 8-, and 12-month postpartum—that gather information about your relationship, your pregnancy experience, and your child. Couples in the Waitlist condition will receive access to the full STORK program after the study period is over.

💰 Compensation: As a thank you for your participation, you can receive $105 CAD or currency equivalent each ($210 CAD or currency equivalent per couple). Your time is valuable to us!

🌈 Inclusivity matters: STORK requires one member of the couple to be currently pregnant. Otherwise, STORK is open to individuals of all genders, bodies, and s*xual orientations.

💌 To participate in the STORK RCT study, please scan the QR code (you can take a screenshot of this post, open it in your photo app, and click the QR code to be re-directed to the contact form). For more information contact us at STORK@dal.ca

Happy Spouses Day 💜 Spouses are central to so much of our research, and we’re incredibly grateful to those who share the...
01/26/2026

Happy Spouses Day 💜

Spouses are central to so much of our research, and we’re incredibly grateful to those who share their experiences with us.

Take a moment today to appreciate the people and partnerships that matter most to you. ✨

January is all about self-love! Scroll through to learn what self-love actually means, ways you can actively practice it...
01/23/2026

January is all about self-love! Scroll through to learn what self-love actually means, ways you can actively practice it, and a connection to the research we have done in our lab! 💜 🌸

👣Are you a couple expecting your first baby? 🔍 We are seeking couples from Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, the ...
01/07/2026

👣Are you a couple expecting your first baby?

🔍 We are seeking couples from Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Ireland who are up to 26 weeks pregnant to participate in the STORK RCT: Supporting the Transition to Parenthood through Online S*x and Relationship Knowledge.

❓What is STORK: The first online couple-based program designed to enhance knowledge about changes to s*xuality during pregnancy and postpartum and skills to cope with these changes. STORK was designed to strengthen couples’ relationships across the transition to parenthood.

📅 What is involved: If you are eligible, after your initial survey, you and your partner will be randomized (like a coin flip) into either the Program or Waitlist conditions. Program couples will complete 5 online modules in pregnancy (1 per week) and a final module at 3 months postpartum. Couples in both conditions will also complete 5 surveys—the initial survey, then at 32-weeks pregnant, and 4-, 8-, and 12-month postpartum—that gather information about your relationship, your pregnancy experience, and your child. Couples in the Waitlist condition will receive access to the full STORK program after the study period is over.

💰 Compensation: As a thank you for your participation, you can receive $105 CAD or currency equivalent each ($210 CAD or currency equivalent per couple). Your time is valuable to us!

🌈 Inclusivity matters: STORK requires one member of the couple to be currently pregnant. Otherwise, STORK is open to individuals of all genders, bodies, and s*xual orientations.

💌 To participate in the STORK RCT study, please contact us at STORK@dal.ca.

✨New Infographic and Blog Post Alert✨ Check out this infographic by Kaitlin Myers, Grace Wang and Olivia Kempster. Visit...
12/29/2025

✨New Infographic and Blog Post Alert✨ Check out this infographic by Kaitlin Myers, Grace Wang and Olivia Kempster. Visit the link in our bio to read the full blog post!

ROSE study recruitment has officially ended!A massive thank you to everyone involved and to those who took an interest i...
12/19/2025

ROSE study recruitment has officially ended!
A massive thank you to everyone involved and to those who took an interest in our research! 💜

Still interested in participating in low desire/arousal couples research?

We are still recruiting for our HOLD study! 🧡
📧 Reach out to HOLD@dal.ca for more information.

Address

1355 Oxford Street
Halifax, NS
B3H4R2

Telephone

+19024944223

Website

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