The Evolution of Desire: Clinical Perspectives on Attraction, Seduction, and Erotic Intelligence (2 CE Hours)
$80.00
Presented by: Anna Elton, Ph.D., LMFT
2 CE Hours
Recorded workshop available via video on demand
AASECT Category: Human Sexuality Education, Section B
Description
This training explores the biological, neurological, and psychological roots of desire and attraction. Clinicians will learn how erotic templates form, why desire often diminishes in long-term relationships, and how to restore erotic intelligence using research-based tools and techniques. With an emphasis on seduction, fantasy, and individual erotic identity, this course equips therapists to better assess and support couples experiencing disconnection.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the evolutionary, neurobiological, and cultural factors that shape human desire, attraction, and erotic behavior.
- Apply clinical tools to assess desire patterns and support clients in restoring erotic connection through interventions focused on seduction, fantasy, and sexual disconnection.
Speaker Bio
Anna Elton, PhD, LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist, certified sex therapist, and clinical sexologist specializing in intimacy, infidelity, and the impact of technology on modern relationships. She is the author of the upcoming books The Formula of Desire and Couples Therapy in the Digital Age. Dr. Elton is the host of Life, Love, Etc., a nationally streamed relationship show, and a contributing writer for Psychology Today, where she explores themes of emotional connection and relational repair. Her work has been featured on PBS, ABC, NBC, and FOX.
Activity Schedule
I. The Evolution of Desire: From Survival to Seduction (25 minutes)
• Desire as reproduction, bonding, group cohesion
• Sexual selection and attraction signals
• Ornamentation and cultural courtship shifts
II. The Neurobiology of Erotic Activation (30 minutes)
• Seduction as signaling
• Scent, symmetry, movement, novelty
• Early imprinting and arousal templates
III. From Instinct to Intimacy: Why Desire Diminishes (25 minutes)
• Limerence vs. bonding
• Erotic vs. attachment love
• Fantasy, imagination, and distance
IV. Clinical Applications (30 minutes)
• Case vignette
Q&A or Wrap-Up (10 minutes)
Class originally recorded: 10/19/2025.
Social workers completing this course receive 2 clinical continuing education credits.
MSTI is an approved CE organizational provider for IBOSP, AASECT, and ASWB. Modern Sex Therapy Institutes is part of the Advanced Mental Health Training Institute. The Advanced Mental Health Training Institute has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No.6901. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The Advanced Mental Health Training Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
MSTI is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for Psychologists. The Modern Sex Therapy Institutes maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Modern Sex Therapy Institutes (MSTI), provider #1787, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: [1/7/22-1/7/26].
Attendees must attend the entire course and complete a course evaluation to be eligible for CE credit
For Live Courses: To obtain CE credits, attendees must attend the entire course and complete an evaluation to receive credit.
For asynchronous/recorded courses, Attendees must pass the multiple choice posttest with a minimum score of 80% in 3 attempts to be eligible for CE credit.
Certificates of completion can be downloaded immediately upon course completion.