Taking An Attachment-Informed Sexual History (3 CE Hours)

Description

This 4-hour advanced training is designed to deepen clinicians’ understanding of the intersection between attachment history and sexual development. Using a structured framework for taking an attachment-informed sexual history—including the use of a sexual genogram—participants will learn how to explore clients’ early caregiving relationships, attachment strategies, and sexual histories in ways that illuminate present-day relational and sexual patterns.

Drawing on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), attachment theory, and sex therapy models, the course provides clinicians with practical tools for assessment and intervention. Participants will practice asking targeted questions to uncover attachment wounds, family-of-origin dynamics, sexual self-esteem, cultural influences, and relational scripts that shape adult sexual experiences. Special attention will be given to inclusive practices that honor diverse identities, orientations, and relational structures.

Through lecture, clinical examples, and case discussion, this training highlights the therapist’s role in fostering safety, curiosity, and cultural humility while helping clients organize their sexual narratives. By integrating attachment and sexual assessment into practice, clinicians can more effectively support individuals and couples in building secure, resilient, and fulfilling sexual connections.

This course satisfies AASECT continuing education requirements in sexuality and assessment, and is appropriate for licensed clinicians, sex therapists, and professionals in training.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the role of attachment history in shaping adult sexual development.
2. Utilize structured sexual history questions to assess attachment and sexual dynamics.
3. Construct and interpret a sexual genogram to identify intergenerational patterns.
4. Apply EFT and attachment-informed frameworks to sexual assessment.
5. Integrate cultural humility, PRI, and ORCA frameworks into sexual history-taking.
6. Identify strategies for addressing shame, trauma, and attachment injuries in sexual narratives.
7. Distinguish between sexual pursuer and withdrawer dynamics within couple cycles.
8. Demonstrate skills for building therapeutic alliance while assessing sexual histories.

Activity Schedule

Hour 1: Foundations

• Introduction & overview of attachment-informed sexual history
• Why attachment matters in sexual assessment
• Core questions for exploring comfort, caregivers, and attachment wounds

Hour 2: Sexual History Structure

• Sexual debut, self-esteem, fantasies, and relational scripts
• Incorporating cultural, familial, and religious messages into assessment
• Introduction to the sexual genogram

Hour 3: Clinical Application

• Couple dynamics and conjoint session assessment
• Pursuer/withdrawer sexual cycles & amygdala triggers
• EFT interventions for building safety and trust

Hour 4: Integration & Cultural Humility

• ORCA & PRI frameworks in assessment
• Working with marginalized identities (LGBTQIA2S+, BIPOC, disability, fat community)
• Case discussion, role play, Q&A
• Closing reflections & key takeaways

Speaker Bio

Michael Moran, PhD, LCSW, CST-S is the Founder and Director of The Center for Relational Fulfillment in New York, NY where he specializes at the intersection of relational and sexual challenges. He is a Certified Emotionally Focused Couple Therapist (EFT) & Supervisor as well as an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Supervisor. He was Sr. Faculty in the Sex Therapy division at The Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy (ICP), has taught graduate courses in Marriage and Family therapy and LGBTQ Issues in Contemporary Society at Rutgers University and was interviewed by Esther Perel on her “Sessions” platform on the integration of EFT and sex therapy. Additionally, he is currently a PhD candidate in Clinical Sexology at Modern Sex Therapy Institute. Mike presents internationally training therapists to effectively address sexual issues in couples therapy and gives workshops to couples geared to generate greater relational and erotic satisfaction. His website is www.fulfilledcouples.com.

Dr. Kimberly Castelo specializes in sex and attachment.  Dr. Castelo is certified and is a supervisor in all the EFT modalities and as a Sex Therapist. She brings a wealth of experience, practical interventions and invaluable information about the power of attachment in sex therapy.  Over the years she has heard sex therapists say – “I love attachment, but I am not sure how it fits into sex therapy” OR “I love attachment work, but not sure how to bring up sex!”  Attachment theory joined with sex therapy can foster the secondary change we are hoping occurs with our clients regardless of their presenting concern! Kimberly will help you learn and thrive as you become a Certified Sex Attachment Therapist (CAST). Let’s begin to learn to hear the heart (attachment longing) of our clients.

Class originally recorded: 11/10/2025.

Social workers completing this course receive 3 clinical continuing education credits.