SEX AND THE BONDS OF LOVE: WHAT WE KNOW – WHAT WE CAN DO, WITH DR. SUE JOHNSON – SUSAN JOHNSON
Mating and bonding go together and shape each other. Body synchrony and oxytocin release characterize mammals who protect, groom and rear their young together. Placing sex in the relational context of bonding and attachment fosters the integration of couple and sex therapy interventions. Optimal sexuality occurs in a secure bond; such a bond facilitates relaxed, open and confidant engagement in the bedroom. This workshop will present the new research on attachment and sexuality, outline how attachment styles and strategies define sexuality and describe the principles of an attachment oriented approach to sexual problems.
- Attachment interactions and emotions shape sexual responses
- Intervention in an attachment oriented couple therapy addresses sexual problems
- The creation of a safe haven fosters open responsiveness in sexuality
- Describe the links between attachment and sexuality outlined in attachment research
- Outline the principles of an attachment oriented, EFCT approach to sex in couple therapy
- Describe specific interventions the EFCT therapist uses to address sexual problems
- Attachment and sexuality research
- Attachment styles and strategies
- Principles of attachment oriented approach