Optimal Sexual Experiences (OSE) for Couples

Many couples struggle with low desire, mismatched desire, or sexual disconnection, even when they love each other and communicate well in other areas. OSE is designed for couples who want more than “fixing a problem.” The focus is on building the conditions for intimacy that actually feels good: emotional safety, embodied presence, communication, and the kind of closeness that creates sex worth wanting.

This is a research-informed, experiential couples group grounded in the Optimal Sexual Experiences framework. Rather than focusing on performance or technique, the work emphasizes how couples relate, repair, reconnect, and increase erotic intimacy.

This group may be a good fit if you and your partner:

• experience low desire or desire discrepancy
• feel disconnected, distant, or stuck around sex
• want to deepen emotional and erotic intimacy
• want a structured, supportive space to grow together
• are open to guided exercises, reflection, and home practice
   

Couples of all sexual orientations and gender identities are welcome.

Each session combines:

• psychoeducation grounded in the OSE framework
• guided experiential exercises (individual + couple-based)
• structured reflection (with choice and pacing)
• practical home practices designed to deepen connection
   

No sexual activity is required during sessions or as homework. Home practices focus on awareness, communication, emotional safety, and connection.

This is a confidential group. Couples may use pseudonyms if preferred. Participants agree not to share identifying information about other couples outside the group. While confidentiality cannot be absolutely guaranteed in any group setting, we set clear expectations to protect the space.

• Start date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Format: Virtual • closed 8-week cohort
• Session length: 2 hours
• Total time: 16 hours across 8 weeks
• Capacity: 6 couples
• Cost: $500 per couple (payment plan available)

Erica Hesselson, LCSW, CST (AASECT) is a certified sex therapist and couples counselor with 15+ years of experience. She is also a trained doula and supports clients in building relational safety, embodied connection, and sustainable intimacy. Erica’s work is grounded in a simple idea: love is the foundation for connection, and self-love is the bedrock of growth.

Phillip J. Lewis, JD, BCD, LICSW is a therapist and sex therapist specializing in sensate focus, sexual enhancement, and sexual trauma. He brings a practical, research-informed approach to relational healing and emotional regulation, and he is completing doctoral research exploring how race-based sexual stereotypes shape adverse sexual experiences, harm, and justice outcomes.

 Option 1: Register and pay online
Link Below 

Option 2: Email questions or request a payment plan
Email: phillip@collectivedc.org
Subject line suggestion: “OSE Couples Group Interest.”

 This group is therapeutic and educational. It is not emergency or crisis care. If you are in immediate danger, call 988 or 911.

Email Phillip@collectivedc.org to get started.