Identifying And Comprehensively Treating PSB And Betrayal Through An Attachment Focused Lens, Individually And Relationally (4 CE hours)

Description:

This presentation provides an introduction to identifying and treating Problematic Sexual Behaviors (PSB), betrayal, and infidelity. These issues will be defined through the lens of personal values, belief systems, and relational contracts. Building on this foundation, participants will be introduced to the Connected Recovery® model—a comprehensive framework designed to support individuals and relationships impacted by PSB and betrayal, including clients across all genders, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds, and relational configurations. Integrating principles from Emotionally Focused Therapy, Sex Therapy, and trauma-informed care, this model connects the treatment of PSB and betrayal with relational healing. Connected Recovery® outlines a phased approach to recovery, including early, middle, and late recovery, each with specific concepts and tools that promote both individual and relational growth. Grounded in an attachment- and trauma-focused perspective, this sex-positive approach emphasizes reducing shame while fostering deeper connection to self and others.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Describe Problematic Sexual Behaviors (PSB), betrayal, and infidelity through the lens of individual values, belief systems, and relational contracts.
2. Apply tools and strategies to help clients establish emotional safety following identification of PSB and betrayal.
3. Demonstrate ways to integrate relational components into treatment planning for individuals and relationships recovering from PSB and betrayal.
4. Apply sex-positive principles and practices to support the development of healthy sexuality in the recovery process.

Activity Schedule

2 hours: Identifying and Understanding Infidelity, Problematic Sexual Behaviors, and Betrayal through the lens of relational contracts and attachment

A. Infidelity (Rokach & Chan, 2023)

1. General themes (Weiser et al., 2023)
2. Categories (Weiser et al., 2023)
3. Prevalence (Kňažko, 2022; Perel, 2017; Weiser et al., 2023

B. PSB

1. The Five PSB Frameworks (Braun-Harvey & Vigorito, 2016; Bőthe et al ., 2018; Bőthe et al., 2023; Briken et al., 2024; Carnes, 1983; Carnes, 2001; Grubbs et al., 2019; Grubbs et al., 2023; Herring, 2017; Herring, 2026; Hollenbeck, 2024; Kraus et al, 2018; Kraus et al., 2019; Sahithya & Kashyap, 2022; WHO 2019)
2. Defining PSB (Antons & Brand, 2021; Herring, 2026; Herring, 2017; Kowalewska and Lew-Starowicz, 2021; World Health Organization, n.d.)
3. Specific challenges related to sexual & relational orientation, culture, race, and ethnicity (Kňažko, 2022; Siegel, 2019; Weiser et al., 2023)

C. Betrayal

1. Defining Betrayal (March et al., 2024)
2. Betrayal Trauma (Hollenbeck & Steffens, 2024; Lonergan et al., 2020; Pandey & Vaish, 2022; Rokach & Chan, 2023; Steffens & Rennie, 2006; Tirone et al., 2021; Warach & Josephs, 2021)

D. Case Studies

1. Polyamorous relationship
2. A marriage between two gay males

2 hours: Treating PSB, Betrayal, and Infidelity 

A. Early Recovery – Creating Emotional Safety Through Truth

1. Trauma and Escape Cycles (Beierl et al., 2019/2020; Knowlton, 2024; Knowlton, Oct 2025; Knowlton, Sep 2025; Koob & Volkow, 2016; Kozlowska et al., 2015; Smith & Ehlers, 2023; Wang et al, 2024; Zalta, 2015)
2. Disclosure (Barraca & Polanski, 2021; Fox, 2020; Ghibellini & Meier, 2025; Gottman, 2011; Marín et al., 2014; Ovsiankina, 1928; Riordan, 2022; Wendsche et al., 2026; Ziegarnik, 1927)
3. Relational Accountability and Foundational Connection (Carnes, 2001; Caudill & Drake, 2020; Knowlton, 2024; Knowlton, Oct 2025; Knowlton, Sep 2025)

B. Middle Recovery – Building Empathy and Deepening Connection (Blunkosky-Shaikh, 2019; Greenman & Johnson, 2022; Heintzelman et al., 2014; O’Connor and Canevello, 2019)

1. Emotions and Needs (Caudill & Drake, 2020; Greenman & Johnson, 2022; Maslow, 1943; Tracy & Randles, 2011)
2. Family-of-Origin Dynamics (Allan et al., 2022; Bowlby, 1982; Felitti, 2019; Fraley et al., 2021; Fung et al., 2023; Gabbay & Lafontaine, 2017; Hazan & Shaver, 1987; Hazan & Shaver, 1990; Hoenicka et al., 2022; Klest et al., 2019; Schröder et al., 2019; Zeifman, 2019)

C. Late Recovery – Healthy Sexuality (McClain and Amlin, 2022; Nimbi et al., 2022; White et al., 2023)

1. Defining Healthy Sexuality (Janssen & Bancroft, 2007; Janssen & Bancroft, 2023; Nagoski, 2016; Nagoski, 2021)
2. Consent (Knowlton, Oct 2025; Nagoski, 2018; Nagoski, 2021; Pietrzykowski & Smilowska, 2021; Willis (Eds.), 2022; Willis & Smith, 2023)
3. Healthy Sexual Connection (Knowlton, Oct 2025; Nagoski, 2021; Nimbi et al., 2022; White et al., 2023)

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Laney Knowlton (she/her), LMFT-S, CST, CSAT-S, CPTT-S, CCPS, CCRDS-S, CCBRT, RAE, holds a master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy and a PhD in Clinical Sexology from Modern Sex Therapy Institutes. Having worked in the mental health field since 2009, she specializes in Problematic Sexual Behaviors (PSB), infidelity, betrayal, and sexual abuse. She is the creator of the Connected Recovery® model — an attachment-focused framework integrating PSB treatment, betrayal recovery, relational counseling through an EFT lens, and sex therapy. Dr. Knowlton has authored multiple books, most recently Healing from Betrayal, Infidelity, and Problematic Sexual Behaviors (Routledge, 2025), and contributed to edited volumes. She is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and the current President of the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH). An internationally recognized presenter and educator, she bridges clinical practice and professional development.

Class originally recorded: 7/18/2026.

Social workers completing this course receive 4 clinical continuing education credits.