The Vital Side Podcast 75. Regulate Your Nervous System with Sexual Intimacy with Dr. Peter Craig
Themes: Personal Relationships, Sex and Intimacy, Nervous System Regulation, Emotional Intelligence, Romantic Connection, Deconditioning
Do you experience blocks in intimacy with your partner(s)? Have you reached a space where you feel safe in your body, or do you crave to feel more relaxed during intimacy? Lindsay and Cait are joined by couples therapist Dr. Peter Craig to talk about the correlation between a regulated nervous system and a fulfilling sex life, and how to find more connection with your intimate partner(s).
Dr. Peter Craig prides himself in being a warm and empathic therapist who is trained in modern psychology models. He specializes in connection, authenticity, reducing stress and relationships. Peter has studied Dr. Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing approach to therapy and trained in experiential mindfulness with Dr. Tori Olds, both of which he incorporates into his work. Peter is a TEDx speaker on men’s growth, plays guitar and sings for his band Dharma Collective, and is the author of 3 books on poetry, which aim to inspire.
Show Notes:
-An intro to Peter and his path to becoming a couples/sex therapist
-The disconnection we have from our bodies in society today and the reasons behind it; how somatic work helps us get reconnected; the courage it takes to dive into this type of work
-”Savoring” as a neuroscientific concept; how creating a culture of savoring helps you reconnect to your own body
-Advice on how to slow down, savor and experience sensation more richly, especially if you struggle with a keyed up nervous system; some examples being body massage, swimming, activities that focus on the right side of your brain (creative things like music, writing, drawing, etc)
-The starting point of being more intentional around intimacy: Taking sex off the table
-Intentional sexuality: retaining a strong sense of self and individuality, so that you and your partner(s) are always experiencing new things about each other
-Becoming more connected with your partner(s); different types of intimacy other than sexual
-The “3 Minute Game”: a game Peter suggests to his clients to help facilitate safe and open communication around intimacy, and something anyone can try with their own partner(s); the empowerment this game can create not only in the relationship but in the individuals’ lives as well
-Discussing the “quality of connection” and how increasing this can create more safety in relationships
-The importance of having an attitude of curiosity and non-judgement towards your partner(s)
-Deconditioning harmful ideas around masculinity
Resources:
-Learn more about Peter and his practice here
-Follow Peter on IG here
-Visit the Vital-Side Homepage here
-Click here more information about “Reset” (as mentioned in this episode)
-Sign up for the Rewire: The Vital-Side Membership
-Lindsay’s Instagram: @myvitalside
-Visit Lindsay’s Website
-Cait’s Instagram: @caitrossco
-Visit Cait’s Website
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