About Course
Whether you work in mental health services, or as a member of clergy, or simply as someone struggling, this workshop will focus on the relationship between attachment disruptions and the development of same-sex attraction as a symptom. Participants will explore how unmet attachment needs, unresolved attachment wounds, and attachment deficits can become sexualized, leading to a symptom of same-sex attraction or sexual confusion.
We will discuss the concept of attachment theory, emphasizing how early relational experiences with primary caregivers shape an individual’s emotional and psychological development. Participants will learn that when these attachment needs are not met—whether due to neglect, abandonment, or inconsistent caregiving—individuals may experience deep emotional wounds that carry into adulthood. The workshop will discuss how these attachment wounds can manifest as a longing for connection and intimacy, which, when unaddressed, can become sexualized.
Next, the workshop will explore the role of attachment deficits, where individuals may not have received sufficient emotional support, validation, or affection during crucial developmental stages. These deficits, when left unresolved, will create an attachment hunger that pursues fulfillment through various means, including sexual activity. We will discuss how these unmet needs can drive individuals to seek out same-sex activity relationships as a way to fulfill the emotional intimacy and connection they lacked during their formative years.
Additionally, the workshop will address how attachment needs themselves can become sexualized when individuals confuse emotional intimacy with sexual urges. We will discuss how the desire for closeness and connection is misinterpreted or unmet, and can lead to the development of same-sex attraction as a way to meet those underlying needs. The workshop will explore how this fusion occurs and how it can become an entrenched pattern of behavior over time.
Throughout the workshop, participants will be introduced to therapeutic approaches that will address these underlying attachment issues. Techniques such as attachment-based therapy, trauma-informed care, and cognitive-behavioral strategies will be discussed as ways to help individuals heal from their attachment wounds and deficits. The workshop will emphasize the importance of addressing these emotional and psychological needs in a non-judgmental and supportive environment to promote healthier relationships and personal growth.
By understanding the connection between attachment disruptions and the development of same-sex attraction, participants will be better equipped to guide individuals through their healing journey. The workshop will offer valuable insights into how to help clients break free from the patterns of sexualized attachment needs and work toward fulfilling their genuine emotional and relational needs in healthier ways.
