Dr. Laura Berman, a renowned sex, love, and relationship therapist, shares her expertise on enhancing intimacy and love. She discusses the three layers of intimacy and the vital need for authenticity in relationships. Berman delves into the impact of grief on intimacy and explains how to overcome emotional barriers for better sex. The conversation highlights the difference between self-worth and self-esteem, while providing insights on removing shame from sexual experiences. She emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and personal growth in building deeper connections.
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insights INSIGHT
Defining Intimacy
Intimacy means different things to different people.
Men often associate intimacy with sex, while women focus on emotional connection.
insights INSIGHT
Authenticity and Acceptance
Showing your authentic self requires bravery and overcoming societal pressures to conform.
It can feel risky, but authenticity attracts genuine connections.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Unexpected Love
Dr. Berman shares stories of clients finding love unexpectedly.
These individuals found fulfilling relationships by being authentic in low-stakes situations.
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In this book, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma reshapes both the body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores various treatments, including neurofeedback, meditation, sports, drama, and yoga, which activate the brain’s natural neuroplasticity to aid in recovery. The book emphasizes the power of relationships in both causing and healing trauma and offers hope through descriptions of novel approaches to treatment. It is based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists in the field[1][2][5].
Waking the Tiger
Mark Wightman
Set in December 1939, 'Waking the Tiger' is a historical crime fiction novel that takes place in the British colony of Singapore. The story revolves around Inspector Maximo Betancourt, whose life has fallen apart after the disappearance of his wife. Demoted to the Marine Division, Betancourt is tasked with handling dockyard disputes and goods inspections. However, when a beautiful, unidentified Japanese woman is found murdered near a warehouse owned by one of Singapore's most powerful families, Betancourt defies orders to pursue the case. His investigation brings him into conflict with powerful enemies and forces him to confront his personal demons. The novel vividly captures the atmosphere of 1930s Singapore, delving into the social history and cultural tensions of the time[1][3][5].
Quantum Love
Laura Berman
In 'Quantum Love', Dr. Laura Berman explores how to use the principles of quantum physics to enhance relationships by aligning one's energetic frequency with that of their partner. The book offers practical advice on cultivating a deeper connection and intimacy, moving beyond the initial excitement of new love to a more profound and lasting experience. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and energy alignment in attracting and maintaining fulfilling relationships.
Sex Magic
Laura Berman
In 'Sex Magic', Dr. Laura Berman offers a refreshing approach to intimacy by combining metaphysical insights with practical strategies. The book helps readers challenge their beliefs about sexuality and self-worth, aiming to enhance orgasmic potential, build sexual energy, and improve emotional and physical intimacy. It also explores techniques for removing trauma blocks and using ancient methods for sexual healing.
This week on the second installment of our How To Series, Kristen Holmes, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist sits down with Dr. Laura Berman. Dr. Laura Berman is a sex, love, and relationship therapist with double Master’s degrees and a PhD from NYU. In her 30 years of practice, Laura has been on a mission to help people improve relationships and sex lives. Her perspective on therapy is one that focuses on mind-body connection as well as a spiritual perspective. Dr. Laura Berman is a columnist for USA Today, New York Times best-selling author, having written 9 books. She was a resident relationship expert on and has had multiple television shows on Oprah Winfrey's network, OWN. Dr. Laura Berman received her undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont, Master’s degree in clinical social work from NYU, and doctorate in health education with a specialty in human sexuality from NYU. She also completed a training fellowship in sexual therapy at NYU Medical Center Department of Psychiatry.
On today’s episode, Kristen and Dr. Laura Berman discuss the three layers of intimacy (00:33), cracking the code on identifying your authentic self (03:53), the important obstacles to overcome to have better sex (08:13), Emotional avoidance in atheltes (09:57), understanding self-worth versus self-esteem (12:38), how to remove shame from sex (12:38), how grief can have an effect on intimacy (16:28), and breaking down spiritual barriers to help your sex life (16:28). Dr. Laura Berman presents the importance of maintaining integrity in your energy (37:58), how to overcome your traumas and triggers to unlock this energy (47:56), how HRV and energy frequency are related (52:39), and how dating has changed in the digital age (54:43). Kristen and Dr. Laura Berman close out the episode with highlighting the 3 foundations to build a solid sex life (1:05:02) and Dr. Berman’s tools to help emotional intimacy (1:07:21).
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