CME / CE Activity Detail Page

Sessions Live 2026 – Cultivating Aliveness: Desire and Its Disruptions – EPGM, LLC

Activity Date: May May 15, 2026 – May 15, 2029
Activity Type: Enduring
CE: 8 total credits

This activity offers 8 CE credits for:

  1. Psychologists (APA CE)
  2. Physicians (AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™)
  3. Nurses (ANCC NCPD)
  4. Pharmacists (ACPE CPE)
  5. Physician Assistants (AAPA Category 1)
  6. Social Workers (ASWB- ACE)
  7. Dietitians (CDR CPEUs)
  8. Dentists (ADA-CERP CME)
  9. Athletic Trainers (BOC CEUs)
  10. Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE)
  11. Other*

*All other attendees will receive an AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ participation certificate

Faculty

Dené Logan, AMFT
Jean Malpas, LMHC/LMFT
Justin Lehmiller, PhD
Esther Perel, LMFT
Mary Alice Miller, BA
Sara Nasserzadeh, PhD
Ruth Cohn, MFT
Malika Bhowmik, PhD
Kimberly Sharky, LMFT, CST
Zach Taylor, MA LPC

Instructions for Learning

This activity is part of Sessions Live 2026 – Cultivating Aliveness: Desire and Its Disruptions, a multi-day hybrid conference offered through live in-person and virtual participation. The program includes research-based lectures, keynote presentations, panel discussions, live clinical supervision workshops, and experiential learning sessions with guided reflection. Educational content is delivered through expert presentations, interdisciplinary dialogue, real case discussions, and live supervision panels, where experienced clinicians collaboratively explore clinical questions and real-world therapeutic challenges submitted by attendees. Participants engage in interactive learning, Q&A discussions, and reflective dialogue designed to translate current research and theory into clinical practice. Community discussion and networking opportunities support ongoing professional reflection and application. To claim continuing education credit, participants must attend the activity and complete the post-activity evaluation, which includes questions assessing knowledge gain, relevance to practice, and confidence in applying the learning. Throughout the conference, learners will gain practical strategies for understanding relational dynamics, desire, sexuality, and modern relationship structures while integrating relational, experiential, and systems-based approaches into therapeutic practice.

Statement of Need

Current trends in psychotherapy highlight growing complexity in sexuality, desire, relationship structures, and relational dynamics, yet many clinicians report limited opportunities for peer consultation, supervision, and real case analysis in continuing education settings. Over ten years of conference evaluations and attendee feedback demonstrate a strong demand for advanced education addressing modern relational challenges. Observable practice gaps include limited exposure to peer-to-peer supervision models and insufficient opportunities to analyze real clinical cases collaboratively. Without these learning experiences, clinicians may struggle to translate emerging research in sexuality, couples therapy, and relational dynamics into effective therapeutic interventions. This activity addresses these gaps by providing live supervision panels, interdisciplinary dialogue, experiential learning, and research-informed clinical discussion, enabling clinicians to strengthen their competence in working with complex relational and sexual health issues in contemporary therapeutic practice.

Learning Objectives

After participating in this activity, learners will be able to:

  1. Summarize current research related to sexual desire, sexuality, and relational dynamics relevant to psychotherapy practice.
  2. Apply relational and experiential therapeutic approaches to clinical work with couples and individuals experiencing desire discrepancies, relational conflict, or betrayal.
  3. Integrate clinical frameworks for supporting clients navigating polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, and evolving relationship structures.
  4. Utilize insights from live clinical supervision and case discussions to inform therapeutic interventions and decision-making in complex relational cases.

See “Session Learning Objectives” for a full breakdown of learning objectives.

Target Audience

This activity is suitable for Physicians, Nurses, Pharmacists, Physician Assistants, Social Workers, Psychologists, Dietitians, Dentists, Athletic Trainers, and other healthcare professionals.

The primary audience includes psychotherapists, psychologists, counselors, relationship therapists, and other behavioral health clinicians who provide care to individuals and couples addressing issues related to sexuality, desire, relational dynamics, and modern relationship structures. Coaches and relationship professionals interested in integrating research-informed relational and experiential approaches into their practice may also benefit from this activity.

Session Learning Objectives

You Belong to Me: Why Desire Dwindles with Deeper Commitment - 1 CE

  1. The benefits of cultivating a sense of differentiation in partnership over attachment.
  2. Why continuing to prioritize sovereignty in partnership, where each person practices maintaining a strong sense of self while cultivating deeper intimacy, becomes the key to working through desire discrepancies that often come from deeper levels of commitment.

Working Clinically with Neglect: Rebuilding the Capacity for Desire - 1 CE

  1. Describe how early childhood neglect can affect adult sexual intimacy and desire, including the way neglect remains “invisible in plain sight” because it reflects what did not happen rather than an overt event.
  2. Explain the role of attachment disruption, shock states, tonic immobility, numbing, and dissociation in the development of diminished aliveness and sexual difficulty.
  3. Identify common adaptive or compensatory sexual and relational strategies that may emerge in response to neglect-related disruptions in desire, embodiment, and intimacy.

From Fantasy to Insight: A Practical Framework for Exploring Erotic Imagination - 1 CE

  1. Describe a multidimensional framework for exploring the structure and components of sexual fantasies.
  2. Explain how sexual fantasies can reflect underlying psychological themes, unmet needs, and adaptive meaning-making processes.

Where Should We Begin?: A Live Supervision Panel—and Immersive Audio Experience - 1 CE

  1. Examine real-life case studies to identify and address common issues in couples therapy, such as desire discrepancy and infidelity.
  2. Apply practical tools and creative approaches for navigating desire and infidelity in couples therapy, drawn from the combined expertise of leading therapists.
  3. Model nuanced problem-solving techniques through collaborative case analysis, reflecting on modern challenges and strategies in therapeutic practice.

The Intersection of Love & Desire: a Cross-Cultural Approach - 1.5 CE

  1. Examine how intercultural norms and evolving technologies influence desire, attraction, and intimacy in relationships across diverse cultural and technological contexts.
  2. Apply the Emergent Love framework to assess and address relational dynamics, identifying areas where desire tension, role rigidity, or cultural misalignment may occur.
  3. Evaluate the role of AI-mediated intimacy in reshaping expectations of vulnerability, reciprocity, and control, and understand its clinical functions for clients navigating complex relational contexts.

Between Freedom & Loyalty: Exploring Consensual Non-Monogamy in Couple Therapy - 1.5 CE

  1. Identify the beliefs embedded in mono-normativity.
  2. Describe the different configurations of consensual non-monogamy.
  3. Evaluate motivation for relationship openness in couples therapy.

Shared Wisdom: A Clinical Supervision Panel - 1 CE

  1. Apply real-world clinical insights from an expert panel to navigate complex therapeutic challenges, drawing on practical tools and creative approaches.
  2. Model collaborative problem-solving techniques for addressing a range of client cases, with a focus on contemporary issues in psychotherapy.
  3. Explore nuanced perspectives on modern therapeutic practice, equipping attendees with fresh ideas to incorporate into their own work.

Disclosure Declaration

It is the policy of Pinnacle Conference, LLC, to ensure independence, balance, objectivity, scientific rigor, and integrity in all of their CE activities. Faculty must disclose to the participants any relationships with commercial companies whose products or devices may be mentioned in faculty presentations, or with the commercial supporter of this CE activity. Pinnacle Conference, LLC, has evaluated, identified, and mitigated any potential conflicts of interest through a rigorous content validation procedure, use of evidence-based data/research, and a multidisciplinary peer review process. The following information is for participant information only. It is not assumed that these relationships will have a negative impact on the presentations.

Faculty Disclosures

Dené Logan, AMFT, has nothing to disclose.
Jean Malpas, LMHC/LMFT, has nothing to disclose.
Justin Lehmiller, PhD, has nothing to disclose.
Esther Perel, LMFT, has disclosed several financial relationships: Function Health – investor; Devoted Health – investor; Alma – advisor
Mary Alice Miller, BA, has disclosed a financial relationship: Consultant to Esther Perel Global Media.
Sara Nasserzadeh, PhD, has disclosed several financial relationships: professional provider for PESI; receives royalties for publications and courses.
Ruth Cohn, MFT, has nothing to disclose.
Malika Bhowmik, PhD, has nothing to disclose.
Kimberly Sharky, LMFT, CST, has nothing to disclose.
Zach Taylor, MA LPC, has nothing to disclose.

Planning Committee

Esther Perel, LMFT, has disclosed several financial relationships: Function Health – investor; Devoted Health – investor; Alma – advisor
Mary Alice Miller, BA, has disclosed a financial relationship: Consultant to Esther Perel Global Media.
Pamela Mehta, MD, has nothing to disclose.

Content Reviewer

Shafqat Abbas, PharmD, has nothing to disclose.

All relevant financial relationships have been evaluated and mitigated.

Unlabeled Use Disclosure

Faculty of this CME/CE activity may include discussions of products or devices that are not currently labeled for use by the FDA. The faculty have been informed of their responsibility to disclose to the audience if they will be discussing off-label or investigational uses (any uses not approved by the FDA) of products or devices. Pinnacle Conference, LLC, the faculty, planners, and EPGM, LLC do not endorse the use of any product outside of the FDA-labeled indications. Medical professionals should not utilize the procedures, products, or diagnosis techniques discussed during this activity without evaluation of their patient for contraindications or dangers of use.

Credit Information

Jointly Accredited Provider

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.

Psychologists - APA

Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs.

Physicians - ACCME

Pinnacle Conference, LLC, designates this Live activity for a maximum of 8 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Note to Nurse Practitioners: Nurse practitioners can apply for AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). AANP will accept AMA PRA Category 1 credit™ from Jointly Accredited Organizations. Nurse practitioners can also apply for credit through their state boards.

Nurses - ANCC

This activity is designated for 8 contact hours.

Pharmacists - ACPE

To receive CPE credit through CPE Monitor, please ensure you have provided your NABP ePID number and DOB appropriately. If you are unsure or would like to confirm, please contact [email protected] within 60 days of completing the activity.

Physicians Assistants - AAPA

Pinnacle Conference, LLC has been authorized by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 8 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

Athletic Trainers - BOC

Pinnacle Conference, LLC (BOC AP#: JA4008385) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs). This program is eligible for a maximum of (8) Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.

Registered Dietitians - CDR

Completion of this RD/DTR profession-specific or IPCE activity awards CPEUs (1 IPCE credits = 1 CPEU). If the activity is dietetics-related but not targeted to RDs or DTRs, CPEUs may be claimed which are commensurate with participation in contact hours (1 hour/60 minutes = 1 CPEU). RDs and DTRs are to select activity type 102 in their Activity Logs. Performance Indicator selection is at the learner’s discretion.

Social Workers - ASWB

As a Jointly Accredited Organization, Pinnacle Conference, LLC is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. Social workers completing this course receive 8 continuing education credits.

Dentists - ADA-CERP CME

Pinnacle Conference, LLC is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP. Pinnacle Conference, LLC designates this activity for 8 hours continuing education credits. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider, or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP.

(IPCE) Interprofessional Continuing Education Credit

This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 8 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.