Cultivating Aliveness:
Desire & Its Disruptions
- A two-day event with Esther Perel
- On Demand Tickets now available
- Access recordings until August 18, 2026
About the Event
Every day, we meet people stretched thin by the pace of contemporary life—partners who care for each other yet feel depleted, individuals navigating desire amid overwhelm, people trying to reconnect to themselves and others against a backdrop of pervasive uncertainty and disconnection.
Certain aspects of this landscape feel distinctly “of the now”; other aspects have been more or less the same since Esther Perel explored the paradoxes of modern love in her first book, Mating in Captivity, which this spring celebrates its twenty-year anniversary.
The questions that form the thesis of Mating are still as relevant today as they were then: Can we want what we already have? Why is the forbidden so erotic? When we love, how does it feel? When we desire, how is it different?
But new questions have emerged in the last two decades, chief among them: How do we cultivate aliveness in a time defined by disruptions?
Here, “disruption” holds a double meaning: the painful interruptions that drain connection, and the catalytic sparks—the moonshots—that push us to reimagine how we love.
Through clinical, cultural, and creative perspectives, Sessions Live 2026: Cultivating Aliveness: Desire & Its Disruptions explores how relationships are evolving, and how we can translate those insights into practice. Across two days, we examined frameworks and interventions, introduce tools and rituals, and strengthen the skills practitioners need to help people restore curiosity, connection, and vitality. We looked at what has endured, what is emerging, and what we hope to build next for the future of intimacy.
Whether you’re a practicing clinician or curious mind, you’ll discover fresh insights and takeaways to help you connect and thrive in modern times at Sessions Live 2026.
- Esther’s proven tools & strategies
- Invaluable networking opportunities
- Interactive workshops with leading experts
- Clinical supervision segments
Join us for
Join Us from Anywhere
On Demand Access
$175USD
Experience on demand access to the event recordings additional resources until August 18, 2026
- On-demand access to recordings and additional resources until August 18, 2026
- Exclusive discounts from event sponsors
- CE credit opportunities
Limited Availability
In-Person Ticket
$895USD
Experience the full two-day live event and enjoy extended access to additional resources for 90 days.
- In-person access to workshops, presentations, and more
- Exclusive discounts from event sponsors
- In-person networking opportunities
- On-demand access to recordings and additional resources for 90 days
- CE credit opportunities
“The amount of empathy, honesty, and illuminating perspectives floored me. Highly recommend.”
“I admire, respect, and appreciate the work of Esther and the amazing speakers she invites.”
“The insights shared during the event transformed my approach to collaboration and creativity.”
A Carefully Curated Experience
This unique experience — still available online — is specially designed to foster engagement, learning, and connection. Here are a few of the perks the attendees enjoyed.
Insights from Leading Experts
We learned practical tools and insights from Esther and her most trusted colleagues through talks, workshops, and a special live supervision segment.
Interactive Features
You shared your voices and helped shape the event in real time with live polling, Q&As, somatic experiences, and more.
Community Building
We connected with like-minded professionals during dedicated breakout sessions, networking moments, group experiences, and more.
Special Bonuses
We went deeper with an exclusive webinar with Esther before the event, on-demand access to recordings and resources, and discounts from event partners. Plus, we could log our CE credits from the comfort of our homes.
Add to your experience
Join the VIP Dinner with Esther Perel
Join Esther for a special evening experience hosted in Dustin Yellin’s studio. This VIP gathering includes food and drinks and offers the opportunity to connect with Esther in a more intimate, informal, off-stage setting as part of the Sessions Live event.
- Dustin Yellin Studio, Brooklyn (next to Pioneer Works)
- Friday, May 15 at 7PM
*Additional details will be shared closer to the event
Programme Schedule
We had two days of conversations, keynotes, panels, live case consultations, immersive workshops, and dedicated CE workshops with Esther Perel and leading voices in the field.
Schedule subject to change.
Meet the Experts
From psychologists and sociologists to tech experts and storytellers, we heared from some of the most well-respected thinkers across industries—and Esther’s most trusted colleagues. This year’s lineup included:
Diana Adams
International LGBTQIA+ Lawyer
Diana Adams (they/them) is an international legal advocate and thought leader on modern family forms beyond the romantic dyad.
Diana is the Executive Director of Chosen Family Law Center, a nonprofit advocating for LGBTQIA+ and non-nuclear families through legislative drafting and direct services, & runs a boutique law firm providing mediation services nationwide for those hoping to negotiate intentional families.
Diana’s TED talk ‘Why US Laws Must Expand Beyond the Nuclear Family’ explains their expansive vision of family. Find them on all socials @DianaAdamsEsq.
Dr. Malika Bhowmik
Clinical Psychologist
Malika Bhowmik, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist, licensed mental health counselor, and certified Emotionally Focused Couples therapist. She provides individual therapy to adults and dyadic couples therapy for romantic partners, professional partners, and family members. She is in private practice.
Aniko Benedek
Founder of Sound Ceremony
Aniko Benedek, AMSW, is an associate clinical social worker, psychedelic integration facilitator, and founder of Sound Ceremony. She holds an MSW from Columbia University has been working in the psychedelic space for almost a decade. Aniko offers EMDR, KAP, and psychedelic integration and weaves her clinical training with the healing power of sound. She is the founder of Sound Ceremony has been facilitating sound ceremonies since 2018.
Kati Bird
Shibari Artist, Healer, and Educator
Kati Bird is an internationally acclaimed Shibari Sensualist and leader in Creative Intimacy.
Through rope, sacred kink, and somatic awareness, she guides people into deeper relationship with their bodies, their desire, and their truth.
Her work is rooted in attunement, boundary-conscious play, trauma awareness, and embodied presence. Known for her refined rope artistry and grounded leadership, Kati weaves ritual, touch, and nervous system intelligence into spaces that are both exquisitely held and wildly alive.
Paul Browde
Psychiatrist
Paul Browde is a psychiatrist, storyteller, and couples’ guide. He has been in practice in New York City for more than thirty years. As co-founder of Narativ Inc. and faculty in Narrative Medicine at Columbia University, he has designed and led storytelling projects in the US, Europe, and Africa.
He is co-author and performer of Two Men Talking, an acclaimed storytelling performance, which played on the West End of London and Off Broadway in New York.
In February 2025, he co-led with Esther Perel a weeklong retreat at Blue Spirit in Costa Rica entitled Erotic Intelligence: Cultivating Desire and Aliveness in Your Relationship.
Ruth Cohn
Psychotherapist
Ruth Cohn, MFT, is a psychotherapist living and practicing in the San Francisco Bay area.
She has been specializing in work with survivors of trauma and neglect, their intimate partners, and families since 1988. She is a Certified Sex Therapist, certified in Neurofeedback, EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Imago Relationship Therapy.
Ruth is also the author of numerous articles on sexuality, trauma, and neglect and three books: Working With the Developmental Trauma of Childhood Neglect: Using Psychotherapy and Attachment Theory Techniques in Clinical Practice, Coming Home to Passion: Restoring Loving Sexuality in Couples With Histories of Childhood Trauma and Neglect, and Out of My Mind: Late Night Contemplations About Trauma and Neglect.
Learn more at https://ruthcohnmft.com/
George Faller, LMFT
ICEEFT Trainer, AAMFT supervisor, Founder NY Center for EFT, Retired Lt. NYC Fire Dept.
George Faller is a retired Lieutenant of the NYC Fire Department who served during 9/11, and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both New York and Connecticut. His unique background and dynamic teaching style make him a highly sought-after speaker around the world.
George is an ICEEFT Trainer in EFT, the founder of the New York Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy, an AAMFT-approved supervisor, teaches at the Ackerman Institute for the Family, serves as the Director of Training at Greenwich Advanced Counseling Center, and sits on the Board of the Tulane School of Social Work. Through his books—True Connection, Sacred Stress, Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, and Brave Love/ Great Sex)—along with his popular podcast Brave Love/ Great Sex and therapist training platform www.SuccessInVulnerability.com, George is committed to the mission of building a more emotionally secure world.
Dr. Justin Garcia
Executive Director & Senior Scientist at The Kinsey Institute
Justin R. Garcia, PhD, is an award-winning evolutionary biologist and recognized authority on the science of sex and relationships, specializing in modern romance, dating trends, and sexual behavior. He has served as Executive Director of the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University since 2019, where he leads pioneering research and global collaborations. He is widely published in academic journals, serves as an advisor for industry partners such as Match, and frequently contributes to major news outlets such as the New York Times, NPR, and the Wall Street Journal. His latest book is The Intimate Animal.
Jaiya
Award-Winning Sexologist & Bestselling Author
An internationally recognized, award-winning sexologist and best selling author, Jaiya is the creator of the Erotic Blueprint Breakthrough™ and the Erotic Blueprint™ Quiz. Jaiya is also the author of four books, including bestselling Red Hot Touch and Cuffed, Tied and Satisfied.
Dr Somi Javaid
OB/GYN and Surgeon
Dr. Somi Javaid is a board-certified OB/GYN and surgeon whose focus on sexual wellness, midlife health, and closing the gap in women’s healthcare has put her in some of the most underfunded, underestimated corners of medicine. She built and sold a company there anyway. As the founder of HerMD and HerMD Academy, she raised significant capital achieved by fewer than 0.4% of women of color in the U.S. and left behind a blueprint for evidence-based, equitable women’s care.
A nationally recognized voice, Dr. Javaid has been featured in Forbes, Vogue, Well+Good, and by Fortune, honored on Inc.’s Female Founders 250 and Worth’s Groundbreaking Women, and served as a medical expert in the documentary The M Factor and two New York Times bestsellers. She hosts The DisruptHER Podcast, that has been Webby nominated.
Gil (The Grid) Gomes Leal
Founder and Teacher of Amenti
Gil Gomes Leal, founder and teacher of Amenti, developed a psyche somatic movement practice that lies at the organization’s core. He built this organization with his team after making a name for himself as an internationally well-known dancer. Gil won prizes for his dance skills and unique signature, which he translates into theater productions and other shows. Gil won the world championships for experimental dance during Juste Debout. Besides these significant accomplishments, he finds that helping people gain more awareness through the body is at the core of his mission. As a child of hip hop, the culture is an inherent part of everything he does, including love, unity, and respect through having fun and knowledge of the self.
Amenti is not just about self-awareness but a collective journey towards healing. In this practice, becoming more aware of the self is intricately linked to the people around you. We are each other’s mirrors, reflecting our shared experiences and emotions. This collective healing is a significant component of Amenti MoveMeant, fostering a deep sense of belonging and a strong community. Individually, there is also a lot to uncover, and the MoveMeant method guides you in deciphering your body’s unique language, helping you understand how you became who you are.
The Amenti MoveMeant method is not just about self-expression and intuition; it’s about finding your authentic voice and becoming a better listener to yourself and others. Gil Gomes Leal, a beacon of honesty and directness, is your guide on this transformative journey. Accompanied by a dedicated team, Gil is often seen as a Shaman of MoveMeant, a healer who knows where the hurt lies and what healing needs to happen for the best possible outcome. His presence reassures and instills confidence in the process, making the journey all the more enriching.
Dr. Justin Lehmiller
Social Psychologist & Senior Research Fellow at The Kinsey Institute
Dr. Justin Lehmiller is a social psychologist and Senior Research Fellow at The Kinsey Institute. He is host of the Sex and Psychology Podcast and is author of the popular book Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Help You Improve Your Sex Life. Dr. Lehmiller is an award-winning educator, having been honored three times with the Certificate of Teaching Excellence from Harvard University, where he taught for several years. He is also a prolific researcher who has published more than 50 academic works, including a textbook titled The Psychology of Human Sexuality that is used in college classrooms around the world. Dr. Lehmiller is a much sought-after voice in the media on sexuality research and education. He has been interviewed by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and CNN, and he has appeared on dozens of international radio, podcast, and television programs.
Dené Logan
Marriage and Family Therapist
Dené Logan, MFT is a Marriage and Family Therapist and coach, a group facilitator, and an author based in Los Angeles.
She utilizes her background in depth psychology to infuse archetypes, ritual, and metaphysics into the exploration of how we reclaim the aspects of our authentic selves that we’ve been culturally conditioned to turn away from in an attempt to maintain attachments.
Her first book, Sovereign Love: A Guide to Healing Relationships by Reclaiming the Masculine and Feminine Within, is available now.
Jean Malpas
Psychotherapist
Jean Malpas is a Psychotherapist and International Speaker specializing in couple therapy and contemporary relational dilemmas. Grounded in systemic, humanistic, and queer-informed perspectives, his work explores the intersections of love, freedom, and loyalty in modern relationships, including non-monogamous constellations. He teaches and writes in French and English, and maintains a private practice in New York City.
Mary Alice Miller
Journalist, curator, and Esther Perel Global Media’s head of content.
Mary Alice Miller is an editorial leader with experience across magazines, industry-leading conferences, social impact agencies, and the personal brands of high-profile individuals. She works with thought leaders, artists, philanthropists, celebrities, subject matter experts, and more to identify and shape narratives for maximum social and cultural impact at scale.
A former Vanity Fair editor and writer focused on investigative journalism, politics, human rights, technology, and art, Miller pairs old school journalistic sensibilities with future-focused strategies to create great stories and inspiring ideas spanning a variety of mediums, including convenings and community activations.
Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh
Social Psychologist
Sara Nasserzadeh, PhD is a social psychologist, relational psychotherapist, author, and globally recognized scholar-practitioner in human relationships and systems. A TED speaker, she works at the intersection of intimacy, leadership, and cultural complexity, helping individuals and organizations create thriving relationships across contexts. She has trained clinicians and advised organizations in more than forty countries, bringing a strong intercultural lens to relational health. Her award-winning book Love by Design received the Clark Vincent Award from CAMFT. She advances relational fluency as a critical capacity for personal, organizational, and societal wellbeing.
Dan Savage
Sex-Advice Columnist, Podcaster & Author
Dan Savage has been writing Savage Love, his syndicated sex-advice column, for more than thirty years. He is also the host of the Savage Lovecast, which recently released its 1000 episode. Through his columns, podcasts, books, and TV appearances, Dan has helped shape our national conversation about sex, love, marriage, and monogamy. Words and concepts that first appeared in Dan’s column and on his podcast — from monogamish to pegging to tolyamory — have permanently entered the lexicon. Dan is known for examining straight relationships through the prism of his experience as a gay man.
Kimberly Sharky
Relationship and Sex Therapist
Kimberly Sharky, LMFT, is a licensed relationship and sex therapist with over two decades of clinical experience specializing in optimal sexuality, infidelity recovery, discernment, as well as midlife recalibration for individuals and couples, particularly the relational, erotic and existential challenges brought on by the menopause transition.
She is the founder of Enliven Chicago, a group practice she led before relocating to New York City, where she now maintains a private practice. She offers individual and relational therapy as well as two distinct private intensives: The Recalibration for couples navigating midlife transitions and The Crisis Reset for those in need of structure and expert guidance through the early stages of infidelity repair. Her work is grounded in the belief that crisis and transition, when met with the right support, can become the entry point to a more alive relationship.
Dr. Keisha Siriboe
Educator, Facilitator, & Leader in Racial Literacy and Relational Practice
Dr. Keisha Siriboe is a globally recognized leader in racial literacy education, equity-centered leadership, and transformational healing practices. With more than 25 years of experience, she has shaped conversations around justice, education, and mental wellness through TEDx talks, published scholarship, international keynotes, and innovative program design. Her work bridges research and real-world impact—always centering healing, equity, and the power of inclusive leadership.
A trailblazer in international education, Dr. Keisha became the first African-American to earn a master’s degree from Beijing Normal University in China and the first to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Hong Kong—historic milestones that reflect her commitment to expanding access, perspective, and possibility across borders.
She has held influential roles with the American Educational Research Association (AERA), the World Education Research Association (WERA), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)’s Education 2040 Project, contributing to the development of inclusive and forward-thinking global education policies.
Dr. Keisha Siriboe is a trailblazing leader, renowned scholar, and transformative educator, empowering individuals and institutions through her organization, Dr. Keisha Cares Consulting & Coaching.
As a passionate advocate of racial literacy education and leadership development, Dr. Keisha’s impact reaches far and wide. With over twenty-five years of experience, she brings a global perspective to her consulting & coaching, making her a sought-after authority in her field.
Dr. Alexandra Solomon
Clinician Psychologist and Educator
Dr. Alexandra H. Solomon is internationally recognized as one of today’s most trusted voices in the world of relationships, and her framework for Relational Self-Awareness has reached millions of people around the globe. A couple therapist, speaker, author, and professor, Dr. Alexandra is passionate about translating cutting-edge research and clinical wisdom into practical tools people can use to bring awareness, curiosity, and authenticity to their relationships.
She is a clinician educator and a frequent contributor to academic journals, and she is also passionate about translating her academic and therapeutic experience to the public. She is an adjunct professor in the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University, where she teaches the most popular course on campus, Marriage 101, and she is the face of MasterClass In Practice. She is a licensed clinical psychologist, who works with individuals and couples in private practice.
Her hit podcast, Reimagining Love, reaches thousands of listeners across the globe each week and features deep dives into complex relationship dynamics as well as conversations with high-profile guests from the worlds of therapy, academia, and pop culture. She is the award-winning author of three bestselling books: Love Every Day, Loving Bravely, and Taking Sexy Back. Her work has been covered by outlets including NPR, TODAY, New York Times, Scientific American, and the Oprah Winfrey Network. Learn more about her work at dralexandrasolomon.com.
Matt Starr
Writer & Publisher
Matt Starr is a writer and the co-founder of Dream Baby Press, a New York City independent publisher and entertainment company. New York Times T: Magazine called him the Book Freak of New York City and his poems have been featured in The New Yorker. His debut book of poetry, Mouthful, is out now.
Zach Taylor
Psychotherapist
Zach Taylor, MA LPC currently serves as the the CEO of David Kessler Trainings, Inc. & Director at Grief.com. He’s practiced as a psychotherapist for over 15 years experience specializing in couples therapy, pre-marital counseling, affair recovery, and grief & loss. He was previously the Director at Psychotherapy Networker where he developed trainings and conferences for thousands of therapists worldwide.
Justin Michael Williams
Grammy-nominated recording artist, best-selling author, and keynote speaker.
Justin Michael Williams is redefining what it means to create impact in today’s world. He has inspired audiences at some of the world’s most influential organizations, including Forbes, Google, Apple, Bloomberg, SXSW, and Essence.
From growing up with gunshot holes outside his bedroom window to captivating audiences around the globe, Justin has dedicated his life to helping people transform pain into power.
Through his groundbreaking work at the intersection of music, mindset, and human potential, he empowers people across backgrounds to break through fear, reclaim their authenticity, and step fully into the life they were meant to live.
About the Venue
Pioneer Works is an artist and scientist-led nonprofit cultural center in Red Hook, Brooklyn, that fosters innovative thinking through the visual and performing arts, technology, music, and science. Pioneer Works is a new model for cultural organization that is free, open to all, and transcends disciplinary silos.
Learn more about Pioneer Works at pioneerworks.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
For additional questions, please contact [email protected]
General
What is Sessions Live and is it right for me?
Through clinical, cultural, and creative perspectives, Sessions Live 2026: Cultivating Aliveness: Desire & Its Disruptions explores how relationships are evolving, and how we can translate those insights into practice. Across two days, we’ll examine frameworks and interventions, introduce tools and rituals, and strengthen the skills practitioners need to help people restore curiosity, connection, and vitality. We’ll look at what has endured, what is emerging, and what we hope to build next for the future of intimacy.
Sessions Live 2026 is an annual training conference designed for mental health professionals, relationship experts, and curious minds. If you’re a therapist, clinician, coach, personal growth enthusiast, or anyone else interested in navigating interpersonal relationships with more confidence, this event is for you.
Relevant audiences at Sessions Live 2026 include:
- Medical Doctors (MDs, DOs)
- Nurse Practitioners
- Physician Associates
- Nutritionists
- Dietitians
- Naturopaths
- Psychologists
- Psychotherapists
- Social Workers
- Chiropractors
- Healthcare professionals invested in integrative medicine and mental health
- Passionate laypeople interested in integrative medicine and mental health
- Movement and Fitness Coaches
- Wellness and Life Coaches
Who are the speakers at Sessions Live 2026?
At Sessions Live 2026, you’ll hear from some of the most well-respected thinkers across industries. These are Esther’s most trusted colleagues. This year’s lineup includes psychologists, sociologists, anthropologists, philosophers and more.
For the full line up of speakers please visit our sessions live website.
Tickets & Registration
Are meals included in my ticket?
Lunch will be provided on both days of the event for all in-person attendees.
If you have purchased a separate ticket to the VIP dining experience with Esther Perel, food and drinks will also be provided the evening (dinner) of Friday, May 15.
In-person attendees are responsible for arranging all other meals, including breakfast and dinner.
Catering options will include vegan and gluten-free selections.
If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
Is recording access included in my ticket?
Yes–both in-person and virtual attendees will have access to session recordings for 90 days after the conference through the Sessions Live app.
What is the refund and cancellation policy?
All ticket sales—including virtual and in-person event tickets and dinner experience tickets—are final. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds or cancellations. If the event is cancelled or rescheduled, you will be notified and given the option to transfer to the new date or receive a refund. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at [email protected].
Note: The full refund policy can be found on our Terms & Conditions page.
Schedule & Sessions
What is the Sessions 2026 schedule?
This year’s two-day event takes place on Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16, 2026. Programming runs from 9.30am to 6pm EST on both days. and virtual attendees will join online via the event platform.
Evening social events will follow the daily sessions–some open to all, others requiring prebooking or a paid ticket for in-person attendees. Please follow the link for the Sessions Live Event Schedule
Note: The final schedule is subject to change.
Do I need to sign up for any sessions in advance?
Yes. All sessions at Sessions Live 2026 require advance registration for both in-person and virtual attendees.
Attendees will receive an email closer to the conference with instructions on how to select and sign up for their sessions.
What can I expect from the virtual event?
This isn’t just another livestream. Sessions Live 2026 is a fully curated virtual experience designed for real connection, meaningful interaction, and deep engagement.
- Live, interactive programming. Take part in dynamic talks and guided workshops in real time, with opportunities to engage throughout.
- Full event archive. Can’t attend live or want to revisit a favourite moment? Enjoy access to all session recordings and additional resources for 90 days after the event.
- Intentional networking. Connect with like-minded professionals, chat before and during sessions, and join dedicated breakout spaces designed for genuine exchange.
- Exclusive virtual bonuses. Gain access to a special live webinar with Esther, plus additional tools, partner resources, and exclusive discounts.
- Collaborative learning. Share your insights, ask questions, and help shape the conversation through live polling, Q&As, and other interactive features.
This is more than watching from home — it’s an immersive virtual experience you won’t want to miss.
Can I watch the sessions live as a virtual attendee?
Yes. All sessions taking place in the Main Hall and Dustin Yellin Studio will be streamed live in the Sessions Live app for virtual attendees. Please note that all times are listed in Eastern Time (ET).
Lunches, evening events, and embodiment sessions during breaks will not be available virtually unless otherwise noted.
For the full conference schedule, please visit our Event page. Please note that the final schedule is subject to change.
Travel & Venue
Where is Sessions Live 2026?
Sessions Live 2026 will take place at Pioneer Works and the studio of Dustin Yellin in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
Pioneer Works is an artist- and scientist-led nonprofit cultural centre that fosters innovative thinking across the visual and performing arts, technology, music, and science. The space offers a striking, light-filled setting that feels both expansive and intimate.
Our CE-accredited workshops and VIP Dinner will take place at Dustin Yellin’s inspiring Red Hook studio — an industrial space where art, ideas, and innovation come together.
Do I need to arrange my own accommodations?
In-person attendees are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.
We recommend the following nearby hotels:
- Ace Hotel Brooklyn
- The Brooklyn Hotel
- 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
- The Hoxton, Williamsburg
- Comfort Inn Prospect Park–Brooklyn
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Brooklyn Downtown
All of the above are a short ride-share or public transport journey from Red Hook.
If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
How do I get to the venue?
Address:
159 Pioneer Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
(718) 596-3001
Map
Public Transit:
- Subway: Take the F or G train to Smith–9th Street or Carroll Street stations, then walk approximately 20 minutes to the venue.
- Bus: The B61 bus stops at Van Brunt & Pioneer St (outside Pioneer Books) and King Street. It connects to Smith–9th F/G and Jay St–MetroTech F/G/R/A/C trains.
NYC Ferry:
Take the South Brooklyn (SBK) Ferry to the Red Hook / Atlantic Basin stop (near Pioneer Street). Ferries run approximately every 40 minutes—please check the NYC Ferry schedule for up-to-date times. (Fare: $2.75 with free transfer.)
Is there parking at the venue?
There is ample free street parking in Red Hook. Good nearby options include Imlay Street (perpendicular to Pioneer St) or near the roll-gate on King Street.
Is there Wi-Fi at the venue?
Yes–free Wi-Fi will be available at the venue for all attendees to access the Sessions Live app, download session slides, and take notes during the conference as needed.
Accessibility
Is there accessibility support at the venue?
Yes, Pioneer Works is an accessible venue. If you have specific needs or require additional support, please contact us at [email protected] before the event, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Are there live captions or accessibility options available for sessions?
Yes–we’re committed to making Sessions Live 2026 an inclusive and accessible experience for everyone. All livestreamed sessions and recorded videos will include closed captioning (CC).
Social Events & Networking
Will there be networking opportunities at Sessions Live 2026?
Yes–Sessions Live 2026 will offer a range of opportunities to connect with fellow attendees, speakers, sponsors and sponsors in both structured and informal settings.
For in-person attendees: Social events will follow the daily sessions–some open to all, others requiring pre-booking or a paid ticket. These include a VIP dinner on the Friday and a closing ceremony on the Saturday.
Throughout each day, there will also be plenty of chances to connect–during session breaks and lunches.
For virtual attendees: You can join the conversation during each live stream via session chats and Q&A, making it easy to discuss the content with other attendees in real time and submit your questions for the speakers and moderators to engage with.
Can I purchase a ticket to Friday’s VIP Dinner?
The VIP dining experience is now sold out.
Continuing Education (CE)
Will continuing education credits be available?
Yes — continuing education is a core part of Sessions Live 2026, and we’re pleased to offer CE/CME credits for both in-person and virtual attendees.
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Pinnacle Conference, LLC and EPGM, LLC. Pinnacle Conference, LLC is jointly accredited by the ACCME, ACPE and ANCC to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
This activity is accredited for up to 8 CE hours and credits are available through the following bodies:
- Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (AMA PRA Category 1™)
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB-ACE)
- Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE)
Attendees will receive a Certificate of Attendance for each eligible session attended, and eligible sessions will be clearly marked on the schedule.
Participants from other professional backgrounds, including licensed counsellors and marriage and family therapists, may request an AMA PRA Category 1™ participation certificate indicating earned hours, which may be submitted to individual licensing boards where applicable.
Full accreditation details can be found here.
Contact
Can I speak at Sessions Live?
The speaker lineup at Sessions Live 2026 has now closed.
Can I sponsor at Session Live?
Yes–there are still ways to partner with us through our sponsor options for Sessions Live 2026. To get more information email us at [email protected].
Can I volunteer at Session Live?
We have a very limited number of volunteer opportunities available for Sessions Live 2026.
If you’re interested in being considered, please email your resumé to
[email protected], along with a short note explaining why you’d like to volunteer and any relevant skills or experience you can bring to the role.
Please note: Volunteers receive a complimentary conference ticket. Accommodation and other expenses are not covered.
Any other questions?
If you have additional questions not addressed above, please contact customer service and our team will be happy to assist: [email protected].
Already booked your ticket?
Find everything you need to prepare for the event — including session registration, logistics and CE information — in the Attendee Guide.
Get your virtual ticket now
Cultivating Aliveness:
Desire & Its Disruptions
- A live two-day event with Esther Perel
- Online & In-Person in New York City
- May 15-16, 2026
CE Accreditation
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by EPGM, LLC, and Pinnacle Conference, LLC. Pinnacle Conference, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Full accreditation details can be found here.
