EFT Masterclass: Bridging Emotion and Eroticism Part 2. Desire Discrepancy, Sexual Pain and Arousal Challenges

Building on the foundations established in Part 1, this masterclass will help therapists deepen their understanding of how to integrate sex therapy within the EFT model from Stage 1 through Stage 3. Participants will gain greater clarity in tracking both the emotional cycle and the sexual cycle, including common interactional patterns such as
pursue/withdraw and initiate/receive dynamics. Particular attention will be given to understanding how these cycles interact and how therapists can avoid the common mistake of assuming that the pursuer in the emotional cycle is necessarily the initiator in the sexual cycle, or that the withdrawer is always the receiver. Distinguishing between these patterns often provides important insight into the complexity of desire discrepancy and sexual disconnection.

This workshop will explore how therapists can confidently bring conversations about sex into couple therapy, assess and understand desire discrepancy, sexual pain, and arousal difficulties, and gather more detailed information about couples’ sexual experiences. Particular attention will be given to helping couples identify the
attachment-related meanings underlying their sexual interactions and understand how emotional safety, vulnerability, shame, and responsiveness influence sexual connection.
Participants will learn strategies for helping couples explore and share sexual shame both within and outside of therapy sessions, creating greater openness, empathy, and secure bonding. Clinical interventions such as Sensate Focus, Stop/Start techniques, and the thoughtful introduction of adaptive sexual aids and toys will be discussed as
tools to help couples better understand their sexual cycle, increase awareness, and create new experiences of connection.

The workshop will also address ways of discussing sexuality with sensitivity and respect for diverse cultural, spiritual, and religious perspectives, including considerations when working with multi-faith couples.
Through case examples, discussion, and practical application, therapists will leave with increased confidence and concrete interventions for integrating sex therapy and EFT in ways that support both emotional and sexual intimacy.
This workshop is suitable for therapists at all levels of EFT experience who are interested in deepening their understanding of sexuality and attachment within couple therapy. Attendance at Part 1 is not required. The session will include a live demonstration, offering participants an opportunity to observe EFT and sex therapy interventions in action and further develop their clinical skills.

Prerequisite: No previous EFT training is required. Everyone is welcome!

Refund and Cancellation: Cancellations made more than 30 days before training receive an 80% refund with 20% retained for admin work. No refund within 30 days.

The workshop begins at 11:00 am and ends at 2:00 pm (EST) on September 16th, 2026

Presenters Bio

Mary Jane Millar, MSW, RSW is a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist, Certified Sex Therapist, Approved Sex Therapy Supervisor, and EFT Supervisor. She is co-founder of EFT South-Western Ontario and has extensive experience working with couples struggling with attachment injuries, trauma, and intimacy concerns.
Her clinical specialties include working with military members, first responders, and individuals experiencing adrenalized anger, as well as families impacted by intergenerational trauma. Mary Jane integrates attachment science, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and sex therapy to help couples create greater emotional and sexual
connection while fostering lasting relational change.