The Neurology of Sex: Understanding the Brain’s Role in Desire, Arousal, Orgasm, Love, Lust, and Attachment
3 Hours, 0 Minutes
Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 12:00 PM EDT -3:00 PM EDT Rivka Sidorsky
Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 12:00 PM EDT -3:00 PM EDT Rivka Sidorsky
3 CE Credits
Price
Paid
$59.99
Yahoo!
Description
This class provides IAPST credits which are eligible for credits toward Certification as a Sex Therapist. See iapst.org/certification
See complete list of certificates available in the Accreditation tab
This course provides an overview of the neurological and neurochemical foundations of human sexual behavior. Participants will explore the brain mechanisms that underlie sexual desire, arousal, infatuation, orgasm, love, lust, and long-term attachment. Emphasis will be placed on the interaction of limbic, cortical, and reward system structures, as well as the roles of key neurotransmitters and hormones such as dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and testosterone. The course integrates current findings from neuroscience and psychobiology to enhance clinicians’ understanding of how brain-based processes influence sexual functioning, relational bonding, and therapeutic outcomes.
To register or access the part 2 asynchronous/self study click -> HERE <-
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About the Presenter:
Rivka Sidorsky is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Supervisor, an IAPST Certified Psychosexual Therapist, an IAPST Certified Psychosexual Supervisor, a licensed clinical social worker, a Social Work Board Certified Supervisor, a Faculty Lecturer, a published author, a Harvard University research fellowship recipient, and an experienced lecturer. She is the owner and director of a group psychotherapy practice in Silver Spring, Maryland. She teaches sex therapy on topics such as female sexual dysfunction, sexual pain, vaginismus, sexual aversion, couples sexual issues, and performing sex therapy with diverse religions and cultures. She lives in Silver Spring with her husband and their five children.
Learning Objectives:
- 1. Identify major brain regions and neurochemical systems involved in sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm.
- 2. Differentiate the neurological correlates of lust, attraction, and attachment.
- 3. Describe how neural and hormonal processes contribute to the development and maintenance of romantic and sexual relationships.
Agenda:
Agenda:
12:00 – 12:10 | Introduction & Course Overview
- Welcome and objectives
- Overview of neuroscience and its relevance to sexual behavior and relationships
12:10 – 12:45 | Neurobiology of Sexual Desire and Arousal
- Key brain regions involved in sexual motivation (hypothalamus, limbic system, cortex)
- Role of neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, testosterone
- Clinical implications for understanding desire and arousal issues
12:45 – 1:15 | Lust, Infatuation, and Romantic Attraction
- Neural circuits of lust vs. attraction
- Neurochemical pathways of infatuation and “falling in love”
- How early attachment and reward systems influence partner choice
1:15- 1:30 CASE DISCUSSION
1:30 – 1:40 | Break (10 minutes)
1:40 – 2:15 | Orgasm and Reward Pathways
- Neurological mechanisms of orgasm
- Dopamine, oxytocin, and reward system interactions
- Clinical relevance for sexual dysfunction and pleasure disorders
2:15 – 2:45 | Love, Attachment, and Clinical Applications
- Neural basis of long-term attachment and pair bonding
- Oxytocin, vasopressin, and stress regulation
- Applying neuroscience to assessment and therapeutic interventions
2:45- 3 CASE DISCUSSION
Accreditation - This Webinar Offers 3 Live Interactive Continuing Education Credits
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed creative arts therapists. #CAT-0122.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0129.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0325.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0275.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0774.
- The American Psychological Association approves the School of Sex Therapy to sponsor continuing education for
psychologists. The School of Sex Therapy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
The School of Sex Therapy is an approved continued education provider for the International Association of Psychosexual Therapists. The School of Sex Therapy maintains responsibility for this program and its content. - CE You! is an approved sponsor of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for continuing education credits for licensed social workers in Maryland.
CE You! maintains responsibility for this program.
This presentation is open to:
- Behavior Analysts
- Social Workers
- Professional Counselors
- Therapists
- Psychologists
- Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
- Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
- Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
This online class is offered at an intermediate level, and is beneficial for an intermediate level clinician:
- New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
- Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
- Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
- Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives
Additional information
- Refunds: Registrants who are unable to attend a Talli Rosenbaum seminar or live webinars may ask for, and will receive, a credit or refund (your choice). Refund requests will be processed within 3 business days. When an attendee knows in advance that they are unable to attend we ask that they inform Talli Rosenbaum ahead of time by emailing TalliRosenbaum@TherapistExpress.com or by calling or texting 607-249-4585 (Webinar Support) this allows us to free up the spot in the training in the event that a training is at or near capacity.
- Disability Access: If you require ADA accommodations, please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification.
- Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often, and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly.
- The grievance policy for trainings provided by Talli Rosenbaum is available here
- Satisfactory Completion: Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion in your account or by clicking here
- Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.
- There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.
- System Requirements: Any device (such as a computer, tablet, or phone), Dual-Core 2 GHz or higher processor, and at least 4 GB of RAM capable of running a Zoom session, along with a stable internet connection.
- Although early registration is recommended for this class in order to ensure the best experience, attendees may register and join until the start of the program