Working with LGBTQIA+ Sexuality Through the Attachment Lens (3.5 CE Hours)

Description

While the LGBTQIA+ community has come a long way since the sexual revolution in the ‘60s, this demographic is still a minority population and needs to be recognized as such, with rampant discrimination occurring regularly throughout the world.  Indeed, there are still countries where homosexuality is punishable by death.  In this webinar, we’ll explore how attachment theory can be applied to understanding how minority stress impacts LGBTQIA+ people and impacts identity development.  We’ll look at the intersection of sexual orientation and gender identity through the attachment lens, explore the similarities and differences of the various sub-groups of this population with developing a keener sense of how attachment theory can be particularly helpful when working with LGBTQIA+ sexuality.

Learning Objectives

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

1. Describe core principles of adult attachment theory as they relate to LGBTQIA+ sexuality
2. Identify the impact of minority stress and internalized stigma on attachment and sexual expression
3. Formulate presenting concerns using an attachment + minority stress lens 
4. Differentiate sexual and relational patterns across LGBTQIA+ subgroups

Activity Schedule

10 minutes: Minority Stress, Identity Development & Attachment

20 minutes: LGBTQIA Attachment & Sexuality

1 hour: Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity

1 hour: Population-Specific Clinical Work

1 hour: Integration

Speaker Bios

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.

Class originally recorded: 1/12/2026.

Social workers completing this course receive 3.5 clinical continuing education credits.