Building Emotional Intelligence and Intimacy

This workshop is being hosted live online only and will not be recorded to maintain the privacy of all attendees. Instructions on how to join will be emailed to registrants shortly before the workshop start date.

If you need to request accessibility accommodations, please email publicprograms@ciis.edu at least one week prior to the workshop start date. For more information, explore our Frequently Asked Questions.

Our relationships are reflections of our emotional world and last year was full of BIG feelings. When our inner lives are disrupted, our relationships are disrupted as well. As we reflect on last year and our emotions then, and now, what has been the impact on our relationships? 

In the midst of ever-escalating stresses, it is easy to get overwhelmed, to get numb, to burn out, or to act like we don't care. This can lead us into disruptive or destructive relationship patterns: we shut down, we bicker, we return to old unhelpful habits. Maybe we cross boundaries, drift farther apart, or cling desperately to one another for safety and security. We might become people pleasers, invalidate, or deny our own needs. We may even avoid others, telling ourselves that we are the only ones we can count on. 

Whatever your relationship stress strategy is, psychologist and author Shadeen Francis invites you to consider that these behaviors are byproducts of your emotional world. Navigating big emotions is tough. Most of us have not had the opportunity to rest or reset, or to step outside capitalist pressures for productivity long enough to build skill in feeling. 

Join Shadeen for an illuminating workshop exploring emotional intelligence and intimacy. Even though emotions can seem at times feel like obstacles, what if we could experience them as opportunities? Emotions provide a map for us to build better relationships, heal from past traumas, and take better care of ourselves.  
 
In this workshop, participants examine what to do with their most intense feelings, and how to build and maintain emotional intimacy in the midst of disruption. Gain new perspectives on misunderstood emotions, learn techniques to increase acuity, and most importantly, leave with tools to help you feel better.  

Shadeen Francis (she/her) is a licensed marriage and family therapist, educator, and author that specializes in demystifying pleasure, building emotional intelligence, and the intersection between sexual wellness and social justice.  

A sought-after speaker passionate about honest dialogue, Shadeen has made featured expert appearances everywhere from national platforms like ABC and The New York Times to internationally recognized brands like Playboy and Teen Vogue. Shadeen is an avid writer and has authored several chapters on topics ranging from sexual fluidity to community leadership. She also holds an adjunct faculty position at Jefferson University in Philadelphia where she teaches Psychosocial Genetics, Advanced Research Methods, and Social Responsibility. 

Shadeen loves taking her audiences deep into the heart of their desires, and with a background in Neuroscience and radio hosting, she easily transforms difficult subjects into actionable and engaging conversations. Known for her signature brand of warmth and humor, Shadeen’s work is always inspired by her commitment to helping people live lives full of peace and pleasure.  

CIIS students, staff, and faculty receive discounts on all events. CIIS Public Programs Members receive a 20% discount on all events. Contact us for more information at publicprograms@ciis.edu.