Sexuality: Essential to a couple’s relationship and client wellbeing: A two-day institute on attachment theory, sex therapy using the lens of EFT w/ Dr. Laurie Watson

Let’s talk about sex! Research shows that sexual attachment is as imperative to a couple’s bond as emotional connection. Even in individual therapy, we have to understand how our client feels about their sexuality and sexual relationships to understand their world. And yet, even in couples therapy, seventy percent of therapists do not address sex or sexuality.

Sexuality may not even be a part of our intake. Why? Perhaps because we’ve been taught that sex is a specialty. Perhaps we feel anxious that we won’t have the answers necessary to deal with the problems. Perhaps we feel somewhat awkward or voyeuristic to even ask about it.

Discover why sexuality is too important to not talk about it. Learn why you should bring it up and how to become more comfortable with the subject. Use an assessment for whole-person sexuality to include: the mind, emotions, spirit, body, specific dysfunctions, and trauma. Understand the sexual response cycle. Participants will learn strategies to work with client experiences by addressing sexual-emotional attachment cycles and common pursue-withdraw dynamics that can lead to disconnection. Discover how to hold two truths with disparate sexual desires in order to resolve a couple’s negative sexual cycle. Gain understanding of several common sexual dysfunctions.

Throughout this two-day workshop, Dr. Watson will be drawing from emotionally focused therapy (EFT), which is specifically attuned to attachment and relationship dynamics, to make sense of and address common patterns that interfere with intimacy. Participants will learn through a mix of didactic material, case examples, and small group practices.

Dates:

1. Thursday, January 25, 2024 and
2. Friday, January 26, 2024

Times:
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST both days.
Sign-in and coffee opens at 8:30 a.m.

Format: Hybrid

• Livestream via Zoom, or
•  In person: UNC School of Social Work, 325 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

CE Credit: 12 CEs, read for full information on credit types awarded.
Fees: $180

Clinical Institute Series trainings are for students, professionals, and community members interested in therapeutic practices that are anti-oppressive, intersectional, and centered on self-determination. 

Free of charge for UNC School of Social Work students, faculty, staff, and practicum instructors. 

Scholarships: Click here for a scholarship / discount to attend a program.

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