Ronnie Burke
MSW C-PST (Israel)
Social Worker
Ronnie Burke, MSW, is a certified sex therapist, sex therapy supervisor, social worker, and group facilitator based in Israel. He specializes in individual and couples therapy, sexual difficulties, intimacy, and relationship challenges. His work focuses particularly on the often-overlooked experiences of partners in sexless relationships and relationships affected by sexual pain. He facilitates men's support groups, creating safe spaces to explore emotional disconnection, rejection, desire, vulnerability, and intimacy. Ronnie advocates for a more inclusive, partner-centered approach to psychosexual therapy, recognizing that sexual difficulties affect both partners, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. His clinical work also includes LGBTQ+ individuals and sexuality education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through his clinical practice, group work, and educational initiatives, Ronnie aims to give voice to partners whose emotional and sexual experiences are often left unspoken.
Sessions
Israel · Thu 5 Nov · 8:10pm–8:45pm (Israel time - Asia/Jerusalem)
The Missing Partner: From Disconnection to Connection — Giving Voice to Partners in Sexless Relationships and Relationships Affected by Sexual Pain
When sex becomes painful or absent in a relationship, attention often focuses on the person experiencing the sexual difficulty, while the emotional and sexual experiences of their partner may remain overlooked. This presentation explores the often-unspoken experiences of partners navigating rejection, loneliness, frustration, guilt, loss of intimacy, and emotional disconnection. Drawing on clinical practice and men's support groups, Ronnie Burke will share insights into how partners experience these challenges and how creating a safe space for their voices can foster understanding, communication, and connection. Although the clinical examples draw primarily from men's experiences, these challenges are not gender-specific and can affect partners in heterosexual, gay, and lesbian relationships. The presentation will highlight practical approaches to partner-inclusive psychosexual care, emphasizing the importance of recognizing both partners' needs, respecting sexual boundaries and consent, and rebuilding emotional and physical intimacy beyond sexual intercourse.