Training

Working with Lesbian Couples: Special Issues Related to Attachment

Event Information

Presenter: Robin Sesan, Ph.D. Certified EFT Therapist and Supervisor
Date: Friday, January 19, 2024
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm CST
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: $40 / $30 for ChicagoEFT members (log in for member pricing)

About the Workshop

Being a well-trained couples’ therapist is of course necessary to provide our couples with the best possible care. When working with lesbian couples, this is also necessary, but not sufficient. Lesbian couples may present unique challenges to therapists who lack the knowledge or sensitivity to address the intricacies associated with sexual minority stress, traumatic attachment histories, coming out experiences, internal and external homophobia, as well as the negative interactional cycles that can develop when two women are partnered.

In this workshop, Robin will discuss these issues, heightening our awareness of the specific needs and dynamics present in lesbian couples, which may differ from those encountered in heterosexual relationships. Additionally, she will guide each of us in identifying areas of bias, often seen in acts of omission or lack of attunement, when working with lesbian couples. It’s important to note that many of the concepts discussed will be applicable to all same-sex couples. There will be ample time for questions and answers to foster a deeper understanding of these critical topics.

Learning Objectives

Participants will learn to:

1. Understand the possible negative impact of sexual minority on attachment in lesbian couples
2. Take an attachment history that includes coming out narratives
3. Identify myths about lesbian couples
4. Begin to explore personal experiences related to heterosexual privilege or lack thereof

About the Presenter

Robin Sesan, Ph.D.

Robin Sesan, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and a certified EFT therapist and supervisor. She specializes in couples therapy with lesbian couples. Because there is very little information about couples therapy with same sex couples, she has educated herself and sought out supervision and additional training in working with sexual minorities. As a “later in life” lesbian, in a long term relationship, she brings both knowledge and lived experience to her work with lesbian couples. She recently assisted in the first LGBTQ+ focused Externship. Robin is passionate about helping all couples create closeness, intimacy, and a secure bond.

More Details

• • Registration will close Thursday, January 18th, 6:00 pm CST.
  • Zoom details will be sent out to all registrants after registration closes. Please add info@chicagoEFT.com to your contacts to avoid having this email sent to your spam folder.
  • Participants attending the seminar will earn 2 CE credit for attending the entire program. Partial credits will not be offered.
  • ChicagoEFT is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs (#168.000220), Psychologists (#268.000137) and for LCSWs and LCPCs (#159.000961). ChicagoEFT maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • The training will be recorded and will be available for 7 days maximum. Participants must be present for the live event to earn CEs.