In this first module, Tammy speaks with Sabrina N’Diaye, a healer and expert in working with cultural trauma. You’ll discover how generational and racial trauma can impact sex and intimacy in relationships and exactly what therapists can do to help. You’ll learn:

• What therapists need to know about the impact of generational and racial trauma on sex and intimacy
• How to approach relational work when working across cultural differences
• What you can do to help clients heal generational and racial trauma within the context of their relationships

Frank Anderson, MD, is a world-renowned expert in using Internal Family Systems therapy to heal trauma. In this discussion, he’ll share an IFS therapy on the impact of trauma on relationships and sex. He’ll also provide key insights about healing in the context of relationships including:  

• The role of trauma in partner selection
• Why trying to heal your own attachment wounds with your partner doesn’t work
• What IFS can teach us about working with sexual orientation and gender

The impact of narcissism on relationships can be devastating – and Ramani Durvasula, PhD, the foremost expert on narcissistic abuse, is sharing her knowledge with Tammy so therapists know how to approach this complicated situation when it appears in therapy. In this discussion, you’ll discover:

• How narcissistic traits impact intimate relationships and sexual dynamics
• The risks clients face when they’re in a relationship with a narcissist and what you can do to help
• Guidance for navigating the challenges of working with narcissists in individual and couple therapy

David Kessler, MA, RN, FACHE, is one of the most influential voices in the field of grief—and he is joining Tammy to discuss the many ways grief impacts relationships. They’ll go beyond traditional concepts of grief and discuss:

• How grief impacts intimacy and sex in relationships
• The process of grief following breakups, divorce, affairs, changes in intimacy, and more
• What therapists can do to help clients work through relationship grief and help them make meaning from loss

The field has taught us that our bodies store trauma -- and that deep healing is possible when we incorporate the body into treatment. Abi Blakeslee, SEP, CMT, MFT, PhD, is a world-renowned expert in somatic psychotherapy, and she joins Tammy to discuss how the body impacts intimacy and how body-based interventions can help relationships heal. You’ll discover:

• The impact of trauma on intimacy and sexual dynamics
• How to help clients work through barriers to sex and intimacy
• Somatic interventions for facilitating relationship repair and build trust

In this module, Tammy sits down with relationship expert, Alexandra Solomon, PhD, to talk about sex and dating among emerging adults. They’ll discuss what defines this unique age range and explore what impacts relationships at this time of life. You’ll discover:

• The most common relationship issues emerging adults bring into therapy
• The impact of macro systems, including erosion of reproductive justice, political polarization, epidemic of loneliness, economic instability – and how to navigate them
• What you can do to support emerging adults develop healthful emotional and relational skills

There is a full spectrum of sexual and romantic differences in relationships – and therapists need to be informed about these differences to be effective in helping their clients. Aubri Lancaster, BA, Certified Sexuality Educator, is an expert in Asexuality and Aromanticism, and she is joining Tammy to discuss what therapists need to know about working with this little-understood population. You’ll learn:

• Defining qualities of Asexuality and Aromanticism
• Affirmative ways to discuss and support sex and relationships
• How to approach desire discrepancies in therapy

Relationships and sex look different for Neurodivergent adults. Kory Andreas, LCSW-C, is an expert in providing psychotherapy to neurodivergent clients, and she is joining Tammy to provide the skills and insights therapists need to support this diverse group. You’ll discover:

• How relationships and sex differ for Neurodivergent adults
• Common relationship themes in therapy with Neurodivergent clients and how to address them
• What Autism descriptors to use (and which to avoid)

The relationship between religion and sex is complicated – and Reverend Beverly Dale, PhD, ordained minister and long-time LGBTQIA+ ally, is joining Tammy to provide the critical insights therapists need to navigate this complex issue. In this module, you’ll learn:

• The theological constructs upholding sex-negativity
• The origins of religious fear of the sexual body and pleasure
• A framework to help religious people get beyond their fears and embrace pleasure

Substance use impacts all aspects of relationships and is rarely straightforward to treat. Andrew Tatarksy, PhD, an expert in substance abuse, joins Tammy to discuss how to work with this difficult subject in the context of relationships. You’ll discover:

• The defining features of addiction and how they are most likely to impact relationships
• The impact of substance abuse on sexual dynamics
• Key interventions that can be used to reduce substance use concerns while improving relationship functioning