Reigniting the Flame: Helping Couples Reconnect Sexually in Couples Therapy

This program offers a comprehensive and enriching exploration of sexual intimacy in couples therapy, designed to equip therapists with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively address sexual challenges and help couples reconnect on a deeper level. Grounded in evidence-based models and theories, this training will provide a multifaceted understanding of the factors that contribute to sexual disconnection, as well as practical strategies for fostering intimacy and reigniting passion in long-term relationships.

Participants will delve into the biopsychosocial model of sexual functioning, gaining a nuanced understanding of how biological, psychological, and social factors intertwine to influence sexual desire and response. Through discussions and case studies, therapists will learn to identify the causes of sexual disconnection in couples, including individual concerns, relationship dynamics, and societal influences. Low sexual desire in couples will be conceptualized through the lens of evidence-based practices, like Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method. Program participants will learn how to integrate these models with sex therapy interventions and be provided with strategies for treating low sexual desire within the relational framework.

This program is designed to empower practitioners to create a safe and supportive space for couples to explore their sexual needs, enhance their communication, and cultivate a more fulfilling and passionate connection.

After attending this intermediate-level program, participants will be able to:

• Identify and explain the biological, psychological, relational, and social factors that contribute to sexual disconnection in couples, providing at least three examples for each dimension.
• Demonstrate the use of assessment tools and techniques (e.g., interviews, questionnaires) to identify the root causes of low sexual desire in couples.
• Apply evidence-based interventions from EFT, the Gottman Method, and sex therapy to help couples reconnect sexually, demonstrating at least two specific interventions from each model.
• Demonstrate a non-judgmental and sex-positive attitude when working with couples on sexual concerns, demonstrating respect for diverse sexual expressions and experiences.

This program meets APA’s continuing education STANDARD 1.1: Program content focuses on application of psychological assessment and/or intervention methods that have overall consistent and credible empirical support in the contemporary peer reviewed scientific literature beyond those publications and other types of communications devoted primarily to the promotion of the approach.

This program meets APA’s continuing education GOAL 3: Program will allow psychologists to maintain, develop, and increase competencies in order to improve services to the public and enhance contributions to the profession.

General Admission: $30

The Chicago School Faculty/Staff/Alumni/Site Supervisors: $20*

The Chicago School Students: $15*

(*Please email [email protected] for coupon code)

Refund Policy: 100% of tuition is refundable up to 48 hours before the program. Within 48 hours of the program, and at any point in Homestudy format, tuition is nonrefundable.

F. Targol Hasankhani LMFT, Founder and Therapist at Gol Relational Center

F. Targol Hasankhani (she/her) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Founder of Gol Relational Center. Targol has extensive experience working with couples, families, and individuals from a relational model. Her work specializes in the complex and sometimes cross-cultural relationships between individuals as they relate to their environment and each other.

Emond, M., Byers, E. S., Brassard, A., Tremblay, N., & Péloquin, K. (2021). Addressing sexual issues in couples seeking relationship therapy. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 39(1), 115–130. https://doi.org/10.1080/14681994.2021.1969546

McCabe, M. P., & Christensen, A. (2012). Cultural considerations in the treatment of sexual dysfunction. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 38(2), 135-155.

Rokach A, Chan SH. Love and Infidelity: Causes and Consequences. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Feb 22;20(5):3904. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20053904. PMID: 36900915; PMCID: PMC10002055.

Target Audience: Psychologists, marriage and family therapists, counselors, social workers, and sex therapists.

Psychologists. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.0 continuing education credits. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in its continuing education activities. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is also committed to conducting all activities in conformity with the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles for Psychologists. Participants are asked to be aware of the need for privacy and confidentiality throughout the program. If program content becomes stressful, participants are encouraged to process these feelings during discussion periods. 

Counselors/Clinical Counselors. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.0 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for counselors and clinical counselors. License Number: 197.000159

Social Workers. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.0 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for social workers. License Number: 159.001036

MFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs. Course meets the qualifications for 2.0 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. If you are licensed outside of California please check with your local licensing agency to to determine if they will accept these CEUs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to offer continuing education programming for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is an accredited or approved postsecondary institution that meets the requirements set forth in Sections 4980.54(f)(1), 4989.34, 4996.22(d)(1), or 4999.76(d) of the Code.

Non-Psychologists. Most licensing boards accept Continuing Education Credits sponsored by the American Psychological Association but non-psychologists are recommended to consult with their specific state-licensing board to ensure that APA-sponsored CE is acceptable.

*Participants must attend 100% of the program in order to obtain a Certificate of Attendance.

If participants have special needs, we will attempt to accommodate them. Please address questions, concerns and any complaints to [email protected]. There is no commercial support for this program nor are there any relationships between the CE Sponsor, presenting organization, presenter, program content, research, grants, or other funding that could reasonably be construed as conflicts of interest.