This course will focus on 1) the various theories about love, attraction and attachment, i.e.: Sternberg, Lee, Gottman, et.al. and the brain chemistry of attraction; 2) how cultural and social influences determine and impact relationships and family structures; 3) strategies for communication and negotiation in relationships and how to implement therapeutic interventions with couples and families; 4) how sexual orientation, transgenderism, sex addiction, and alternative lifestyles impact family relationships; and 5) how sex becomes the presenting problem in relationships while hiding underlying issues, including lack of intimacy and/or control.