Thursday, September 10th, 2026 10:00 AM EDT -1:00 AM EDT Rivka Sidorsky, LCSW-C, CST,C-PST
Yahoo!
Description
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.
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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:
Module 1 — Introduction and Course Overview
10 minutes
- Welcome and review of learning objectives
- Overview of neuroscience and its relevance to sexual behavior, sexual functioning, and relationships
Module 2 — Neurobiology of Sexual Desire and Arousal
35 minutes
- Major brain regions involved in sexual motivation, including the hypothalamus, limbic system, and cerebral cortex
- Roles of neurotransmitters and hormones, including dopamine, serotonin, and testosterone
- Clinical implications for understanding concerns related to sexual desire and arousal
Module 3 — Lust, Infatuation, and Romantic Attraction
30 minutes
- Differences between the neural processes associated with lust and romantic attraction
- Neurochemical pathways involved in infatuation and “falling in love”
- How attachment experiences and reward systems may influence attraction and partner selection
Module 4 — Clinical Case Discussion
15 minutes
- Application of neuropsychological concepts to a clinical case
- Identification of biological, psychological, and relational factors affecting sexual desire and attraction
- Review of clinical implications and possible treatment considerations
Optional Break
10 minutes — not included in instructional time
Module 5 — Orgasm and Reward Pathways
35 minutes
- Neurological mechanisms involved in orgasm
- Interactions among dopamine, oxytocin, and the brain’s reward system
- Clinical relevance for sexual dysfunction, pleasure concerns, and orgasm-related difficulties
Module 6 — Love, Attachment, and Clinical Applications
30 minutes
- Neural foundations of long-term attachment and pair bonding
- Roles of oxytocin, vasopressin, and stress-regulation systems
- Application of neuroscience concepts to clinical assessment and therapeutic interventions
Module 7 — Case Application and Integration
15 minutes
- Application of attachment, reward, and neurochemical concepts to a second clinical case
- Implications for clinical work with individuals and couples
- Review of key concepts and clinical takeaways