INTIMACY AFTER CHANGE: Stress, Trauma, and Long-Term Relationships
Presented by Dr. Jacqui Williams & Zac Dodson
An insightful lecture presented by experienced therapists who understand how real life can quietly reshape connection over time. Stress, illness, trauma, parenting, loss, and major transitions often affect intimacy in ways couples don’t anticipate, leaving partners feeling confused, disconnected, or unsure how to talk about what’s changed.
This session explores how couples can communicate with honesty and compassion through periods of stress and long-term relational shifts. Participants will be invited to expand their understanding of intimacy beyond sex alone, recognizing emotional, physical, and relational closeness as interconnected experiences. The presenters will address how capacity and limits change across seasons of life, and how to engage in respectful, non-blaming conversations that foster safety and understanding rather than distance.
LOVE IN PRACTICE
Love in Practice is a dynamic lecture series led by qualified local therapists who explore meaningful topics around relationships, intimacy, sex, boundaries, and authentic connection. Each session offers practical insight and real-world tools designed to strengthen emotional and relational health, all building toward an immersive couples retreat on February 21st at Center Street. Lectures for the Love in Practice Series are held from 7:00–8:00 PM. We look forward to connecting with you as we put love into practice together.
Dr. Jacqui Williams
She is a highly experienced Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Qualified Supervisor with nearly 20 years of clinical expertise across private practice, residential treatment, and community mental health settings. She is known for her warm, approachable style and her ability to guide couples through complex relationship challenges with clarity and compassion.
Specializing in couples therapy, Dr. Williams has helped hundreds of partners reconnect, rebuild trust, and communicate more effectively. Her approach blends evidence-based practices with real-life strategies that empower couples to grow together—even in the face of high stress, life transitions, or longstanding conflict. Drawing from her background as a professor and clinical supervisor, Dr. Williams also brings a strong foundation of relational science and practical wisdom to every interaction.
Dr. Kelsey Evans-Amalu
Currently is based in the greater Central Florida area bringing holistic healing services to people in need. Dr. K. is a small business owner and serves as researcher, yoga and meditation instructor, and somatic educator to private clients, corporate offices, and k-12 schools and universities. She is experienced with working with varied clientele including past instruction of high-performance athletes (the WWE, Orlando City Soccer, Orlando Pride, etc.) to mental health providers and services (National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Eating Disorder Awareness, etc.).
PhD in Education, Masters in Education, 500 Hour E-RYT, Kids Yoga Certified, Trauma Yoga Certified, Certified Meditation Teacher, Reiki Certified, Hypnosis Certified., Certified Professional Life Coach.
Zac Dodson
He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MH11867). He completed an undergraduate degree in Social Studies Education in Texas before continuing his Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Webster University in Geneva, Switzerland. Zac’s philosophy was heavily influenced by Carl Jung in Switzerland. Zac is not the typical psychotherapist though. He has a track record of being both pragmatic and person centered. The goals of the client are always the highest priority. Zac has experience helping people work through many difficult issues, but he has most of his experience and training in the areas of Trauma/PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Anxiety/Stress, HIV/AIDS, ADHD, Substance use, and other Addictions.
Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Mindfulness Based Techniques, Couples Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Counseling Children and Adults with ADHD, HIV/AIDS Counseling, Techniques of Crisis Intervention, The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: PTSD and Substance use course & PTSD and Military Sexual Trauma course.