Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide

ERP 459: How To Support Sexual Desire In Relationship — An Interview with Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus

Jan 14, 2025

01:00:35

Are you feeling disconnected in your relationship, particularly in the realm of sexual desire? Many couples struggle with mismatches in sexual needs and desire levels, leading to feelings of frustration, guilt, and even rejection. This disconnection can strain relationships, making intimacy seem like an elusive goal instead of a fulfilling part of life. But what if there were ways to bridge that gap and reignite the flame, regardless of societal pressures and personal insecurities?

In this episode, we delve deep into the complexities of sexual desire within relationships. We explore the psychological, physiological, and emotional factors contributing to low desire and how cultural expectations shape our intimate lives. We offer practical advice on communicating about sexual mismatches, utilizing mindfulness to enhance connection and the importance of understanding different desire patterns. Whether you're dealing with the impacts of medication, past trauma, or shifting dynamics over time, this conversation provides insights and tools to create a more passionate and connected relationship.

Jennifer Gunsaullus, Ph.D. is a Sexologist, Sociologist, Relationship Coach, Author, and International Speaker. A radical force for self-expression, Dr. Jenn has spent the last 20+ years tearing down social stigmas and shame around sexual expression. A celebrated author, Dr. Jenn is the writer of From Madness to Mindfulness: Reinventing Sex for Women, a self-help guide designed to liberate women and help them reclaim passion and pleasure both in and out of the bedroom.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode

05:59 Exploring the complexities of low sexual desire.

14:11 Mismatched desires: Cultivating intention and understanding.

21:12 Mindfulness and sexual desire: Enhancing presence in intimacy.

24:17 Navigating body image concerns and their impact on desire.

27:21 Challenging outdated sexual norms for greater fulfillment.

31:23 The power of flexibility and creativity in sexual experiences.

35:48 Sustaining Long-term relationships through adaptation.

37:38 Using erotic stories and technology to enhance arousal.

41:44 Embracing new erotic concepts and understanding desires.

46:16 Prioritizing communication and vulnerability in relationships.

51:06 The crucial role of mindfulness and dialogue in sexual health.