Outline for Continuing Education Course: Integrating Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Sex Therapy for Women

Course Title: Bridging Hearts and Bodies: Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Integrating Sex Therapy for Women

Duration: 3 Hours

I. Introduction (15 minutes)

  • A. Overview of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)

    • History and development (Johnson, 2004)

    • Core principles of EFT (Johnson, 2008)

  • B. Importance of Addressing Sexuality in Couples Therapy

    • Context of sexual intimacy in relationships (Simpson & Rholes, 2012)

II. Foundations of Emotionally Focused Therapy (45 minutes)

  • A. Core Concepts of EFT

    • Attachment theory and its relevance (Sue Johnson, 2013)

    • The EFT three-stage model:

      1. De-escalation

      2. Restructuring interactions

      3. Consolidation (Johnson & Whiffen, 2003)

  • B. EFT Techniques and Interventions

    • Identifying negative interaction cycles (Johnson, 2019)

    • Creating emotional safety and openness (Johnson & Whiffen, 2003)

III. Understanding Sexuality and Its Impact on Relationships (30 minutes)

  • A. The Role of Sexuality in Couples' Relationship Satisfaction

    • Research findings on sexual satisfaction and emotional connection (Graham et al., 2004)

  • B. Female Sexuality: Unique Challenges and Experiences

    • Myths and realities of women's sexual health (Rosen et al., 2000)

    • Sociocultural factors influencing female sexuality (Murray et al., 2000)

IV. Integrating Sex Therapy into EFT for Women (1 hour)

  • A. Conceptual Framework for Integrating Therapies

    • Understanding the interplay between emotional intimacy and sexual intimacy (Miller et al., 2011)

  • B. Techniques for Addressing Sexual Concerns in EFT

    • Psychoeducation about sexual anatomy and response (Levin & Meston, 2006)

    • Cognitive-behavioral interventions to address sexual function and desire (Dawood et al., 2020)

  • C. Case Studies: Integrating Sex Therapy with EFT

    • Discuss examples of successful integration in practice (Bader & Pearson, 2003)

V. Practical Application: Role-Playing and Skills Practice (30 minutes)

  • A. Role-Playing Exercises

    • Pair participants to role-play EFT interventions with a focus on sexuality.

  • B. Skills Practice: Communication and Emotional Validation Techniques

    • Encourage participants to practice emotional validation while discussing sexual issues.

VI. Conclusion and Q&A (30 minutes)

  • A. Summary of Key Points

  • B. Open Floor for Questions

  • C. Resources for Further Learning

    • Recommended readings and professional organizations (American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, EFT Institute)

References:

  • Bader, H., & Pearson, J. (2003). In Each Other's Shoes: Creating a New Relationship for a New Age. New York: Wiley.

  • Dawood, M. Y., et al. (2020). Cognitive Behavioral Interventions and Sexual Function. Journal of Sexual Medicine.

  • Graham, C. A., et al. (2004). The Role of Sexual Satisfaction in Women's Sexual Function. Archives of Sexual Behavior.

  • Johnson, S. M. (2004). The Practice of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy: Creating Connection. New York: Brunner-Routledge.

  • Johnson, S. M. (2008). Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love. New York: Little, Brown and Company.

  • Johnson, S. M. (2013). Attachment Theory in Practice: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). New York: Guilford Press.

  • Johnson, S. M., & Whiffen, V. (2003). Therapist's Guide to Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy. Journal of Family Psychology.

  • Levin, R. J., & Meston, C. M. (2006). The Science of Human Sexuality: From the Lab to the Clinic. Journal of Sexual Medicine.

  • Miller, R., et al. (2011). Integrating Sexual and Emotional Intimacy in Couples. Family Relations.

  • Murray, S. H., et al. (2000). The Influence of Sex and Gender on Sexual Functioning. Sexual And Urology Journal.

  • Rosen, R. C., et al. (2000). Women's Sexual Function: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Sexual Medicine.

  • Simpson, J.