Special Topics in Sex Therapy for Couples
Why This Training
Sexual concerns are among the most common — and most under-addressed — issues presenting in individual and couples therapy. Even highly skilled clinicians can feel unsure about how to ask about sex, make sense of what they are hearing, or integrate sexual concerns into relational formulations in a way that feels clinically grounded and ethically sound. This two-part training series is designed to support clinicians in building confidence, competence, and practical skill in addressing sexual concerns within therapy, without requiring formal sex therapy certification. Using a relational, biopsychosocial approach, the workshops focus on assessment, conceptualization, and intervention strategies that can be readily integrated into ongoing individual and couples work. Emphasis is placed on applied learning, case discussion, and concrete tools, with the goal of helping clinicians feel more comfortable, effective, and attuned when navigating sexual topics with diverse clients and relationship structures.
Brief Description
Building on the foundational assessment and conceptualization skills introduced in Workshop 1, this advanced workshop focuses on applied sex therapy topics frequently encountered in couples therapy. The emphasis is on translating sex therapy principles into practical, relationally attuned interventions that can be integrated into ongoing couples work.
Participants will deepen their understanding of treatment strategies for sexual difficulties and learn how to work effectively with complex, emotionally charged sexual dynamics. Particular attention will be given to discrepant desire, sexual avoidance and shutdown, and the ways sexual concerns often become entangled with conflict, rupture, trauma histories, and power dynamics within relationships.
The workshop will introduce and apply sex therapy interventions commonly used in couples work, including sensate focus, mindfulness-based practices, and pleasure-focused approaches aimed at restoring erotic connection and intimacy. Participants will also explore how to provide clients with clear, developmentally appropriate psychoeducation, structured exercises, and between-session practices.
Additional topics will be tailored to participant interest and timing, and may include working with pornography use in couples, supporting clients exploring kink and BDSM communities, sexuality following infidelity or trauma, the impact of medical conditions, disability, aging, perinatal and postpartum sexuality, asexuality, and the intersection of OCD and sexuality.
This workshop is designed to help clinicians feel more confident, creative, and grounded when navigating sexual topics that fall outside “the basics,” while maintaining a strong relational and systemic lens.
In this training, you will learn to:
- Apply sex therapy interventions within couples therapy, including sensate focus and mindfulness-based practices
- Work effectively with discrepant desire, sexual avoidance, and erotic disconnection
- Integrate pleasure-focused and intimacy-enhancing approaches into relational treatment
- Address complex sexual topics (e.g., pornography use, kink, trauma, medical or life-stage changes) with confidence and clarity
- Provide clients with practical exercises, psychoeducation, and resources to support change