The Anatomy of Intimacy Conferences, which began in 2001, are a large, multiple faculty, two-day program, co-sponsored by the UCI Department of Psychiatry and previously also in collaboration with the Lifespan Learning Institute. The series explores contemporary relationships through the interdisciplinary lens of couples therapy, attachment theory, psychology, interpersonal neurobiology, affective neuroscience as well as  cultural and gender diversity. Each conference chooses a main theme and convenes the most renowned clinicians and researchers in that area to present their latest work and to dialogue with each other. We have encouraged creating a forum for challenging many traditional clinical beliefs and expanding our learning from new work which is reshaping our understanding of intimate relationships. 

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Some topics we have covered over the years have included:

•  Attachment and Differentiation: A Delicate Balance

•  Attachment, Differentiation, and the Biochemistry of Love

•  Healing Traumatic Attachment Injuries and Preventing Relapse in Couples Therapy

•  Keeping Love Alive: Desire, Monogamy and the Neurobiology of Intimate Attachments

•  Sexuality and Couples Therapy: Integrating Eroticism and Intimacy

•  Infidelity: Beyond Trauma to Transformation

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This intense conference format allows for a more comprehensive exploration of current themes in couples and family therapy. It also enables us to bring in a number of experts on the topic that encourages the expansion of ideas as well as the integration of science and practice. There are many thought-provoking presentations along with demonstrated practical clinical skills. Each day concludes with provocative faculty panels which explore the areas of convergence and divergence in their approaches.

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This conference grants 14 hours of continuing education credit. for psychologists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, LPCCs.

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​Foundation for the Contemporary Family  is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Foundation for the Contemporary Family maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

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