Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide

Conflicts are opportunities to learn more about your partner, and depending on how you handle them, they can either bring you closer together or lead to a toxic dynamic, or worse, an abusive relationship. If it's the latter, how do you determine whether to stay or leave the relationship? While some people recognize that they should leave an unhealthy relationship early on, others choose to stay. Dr. Amelia Kelley shed some light on why these people aren't making the same decision. She also discusses warning signs of abuse or potential abuse, as well as how to empower someone in an abusive relationship to stop this dynamic, find support, and heal from trauma. Dr. Amelia Kelley is a trauma-informed therapist who has conducted research on the effects of exercise on ADHD symptoms as well as the effects of resiliency on PTSD. She is a trained Hypnotherapist, Art therapist, HSP Therapist, EMDR-informed therapist, and meditation and yoga teacher. She is a presenter and writer in the “science-help” field focusing on relationships, Highly Sensitive Persons, trauma, motivation, healthy living, and adult ADHD. She is a guest podcast presenter focusing on women’s issues and coping with the trauma of unhealthy relationships, as well as a coach and trainer for SAS's Work/Life Program in Cary, NC, and a resident trainer for the NC Art Therapy Institute. Her practice is also currently part of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium at the Kinsey Institute. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 5:00 The increased domestic violence during the pandemic. 7:02 Dr. Kelley’s “aha!” moment that got her interested in helping people who have experienced trauma. 9:49 Why do people react differently to trauma? 14:38 Signs of a potentially abusive person. 28:50 Significant reasons why people are unable to confront or exit this situation. 38:52 Why highly sensitive people struggle more with decision making. 42:41 How to discern whether or not you should end the relationship and where someone in an abusive relationship can find support. Mentioned What I Wish I Knew: Surviving and Thriving After an Abusive Relationship (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Internal Family Systems Model (*Wikipedia) Connect with Amelia Kelley Websites: ameliakelley.com — insighttimer.com/kelleycounseling Facebook: facebook.com/DrAmeliaKelley/ Twitter: twitter.com/DrAmeliaKelley Instagram: instagram.com/drameliakelley/ Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

One of the benefits of knowing your family history is that it can help develop a strong sense of who you are, but did you know that it can also reveal some dysfunctional patterns that may be affecting your relationships? If you're having difficulties and/or feel stuck, ask yourself the following questions: What was the pattern? Who else in the family system was stuck? Am I borrowing that pattern from them? Is it costing me or serving me? What is my destiny with this pattern when I take it on? It's worth noting that if you notice patterns that you tend to replicate over and over again, it's possible that your mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, or other family members did as well.  The good news is that revealing these patterns could help you stop these particular problematic patterns that have been repeated in the family for generations. In this episode, Judy Wilkins-Smith discusses Family Constellation work, a therapeutic intervention used by therapists to gain insight into a client's family history, dynamics, and potentially dysfunctional patterns, as well as some resources to help you get started on your own journey. Judy Wilkins-Smith is a highly regarded organizational, individual, and family patterns expert. A systemic executive coach, trainer, facilitator, thought partner, and motivational speaker, she has 18 years of expertise in assisting high-performance individuals, Fortune 500 executives, and legacy families to end limiting cycles and reframe challenges into lasting breakthroughs and peak performance.  Passionate about visionary leadership and positive, accelerated, global change, Judy uses her ability to understand systems and patterns to create growth and success. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 10:23 Understanding what the Family Constellation is and how they affect you. 22:07 A real-life example of someone in a relationship who is repeating a similar pattern. 33:00 Discover the wow version of yourself in a practical and logical manner that you can apply and use on a daily basis. 43:48 Developing a purpose and staying on track. Mentioned Decoding Your Emotional Blueprint: A Powerful Guide to Transformation Through Disentangling Multigenerational Patterns (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Capability & Resilience DNA (Upcoming Event) Emotional DNA (Upcoming Event) Connect with Judy Wilkins-Smith Websites: judywilkins-smith.com Facebook: facebook.com/judywilkinssmith Instagram: instagram.com/judywilkinssmith/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/judywilkinssmith Youtube:youtube.com/channel/UC2deofVCmw7Fxdq866SpJbQ Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Many professionals believe that fantasy is perfectly normal and harmless. They can be a reliable source of comfort, stimulation, escape, or relief. It can also be used to address long-standing relational needs and activate unconscious feelings of loss and emptiness. Unfortunately, people who utilize sexual fantasy as a primary coping mechanism may become disconnected from reality. Fantasies can be so addictive and compelling that they impair one's ability to be present in a relationship. And that's exactly what one of our listeners has been going through. In this episode, we look at how fantasies can reveal unmet needs and how to break the cycle, increasing your chances of experiencing supportive connections that cultivate the experience of intimacy and togetherness. Here’s listener B’s question: “My partner and I have been in a relationship for 10+ years - he was severely depressed at the beginning of COVID lockdowns due to job loss and medical issues. Because of this, our already minor codependency habits became incredibly magnified. Taking care of him and trying to 'fix' him became my entire life, while that only resulted in him feeling more worthless. This lasted for 2 years. During that time, I would often fantasize about another life, about being with someone else (unfortunately a friend of ours took that form in my thoughts), or just being single in general. It was an escape to feel somewhat good for a moment. In the past few months, however, things have changed quite dramatically (new medications for us both, new job offers) and it's all for the better! He's made significant improvements mentally and in his commitment to our relationship as well. ...So why doesn't it feel better? I still have the fantasy thoughts even though I don't want to, and on off days when I feel anxious or depressed, I convince myself that I shouldn't keep trying and it would be kinder to him to end it (which I have tried to do twice now) I do deal with some obsessive thinking and am medicated for ADHD - but how do I break this hurtful cycle? How do I get myself to realize we're in a good spot again, and that I don't need to rely on the coping mechanisms I developed when they weren't?” Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 6:18 When does a normal fantasy become unhealthy? 13:29 How fantasies can affect your relationship. 21:17 What do your fantasies reveal about you. Mentioned Us: Getting Past You and Me to Build a More Loving Relationship (book) Healthy Lust vs. Unhealthy Lust ERP 316: How to Recognize & Deal with Emotional Immaturity — An Interview with Dr. Eddie Capparucci ERP 286: How to Know If You Experience Limerence & What to Do About It – An Interview with Dr. L ERP 105: How to Deal With Limerence in Relationship Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Most of us hope to find that one true love that would stand the test of time but that is not the case for everyone. Some people jump from one relationship to the next without fully understanding why the previous ones failed in the first place. If the majority of the people you've dated turned out to be cheaters or abusers, you may be wondering what is wrong with you? Most importantly, how do you break free from these negative relational patterns? In this episode, we'll dive into understanding why you keep attracting the same type of people in your life and how you can use your past experiences as teachable moments in finding the love that you truly deserve. Natasha is the Founder of Love CEO Institute, a personal development company for women. As a recovered love addict, Natasha has seen and experienced self-doubting, a negative mindset, and an imbalance in work and life that keeps women from reaching their greatest potential. Through the development of her one-woman show, “Evolution of a Love Addict,” several years of counseling, and serial entrepreneurship, Natasha turned her life around and elevated herself from love addict to Love CEO. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 7:10 How she became the person she wished she had 15 years ago. 14:55 A painful moment in her life that turned her into a love addict. 19:55 A new perspective on love and dating. 30:35 What exactly is love addiction, and how do you show yourself love? 36:09 What she discovered in her research that she is now applying to her new relationship. 45:42 Key pieces of advice for women who are going through the same difficulties. Mentioned Evolution of a Love Addict: A Love Affair Between the Pages Free 5-Day Self-Care Workshop Evolution of a Love Addict Connect with Natasha McCrea Websites: natashaMcCrea.com ⁠— loveceocommunity.mn.co Facebook: facebook.com/TheRealNatashaMcCrea Twitter: twitter.com/natashamccrea Instagram: instagram.com/natashamccrea Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Every relationship goes through five developmental stages. The first stage is typically the romance stage, also known as the honeymoon stage. However, as you become more acquainted with your significant other, you will begin to notice some differences between you and your partner. Then, as either of you attempts to return to the early ideal phase or pushes forward into some imagined future that neither you nor your partner agreed to, a power struggle may occur. In this episode, we'll look at each developmental stage, as well as some skills you can learn to cultivate a long-lasting relationship. Dr. Chelsea Wakefield is a couples therapist and Associate Professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences where she is the Director of the Couples Center. She is a popular keynote speaker and workshop leader, trains practitioners worldwide, and offers online programs in her unique approach to relationship transformation. Dr. Wakefield is the author of three books, her recent release is entitled The Labyrinth of Love – the Path to a Soulful Relationship. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 4:53 What she learned from her parents' challenges, which resulted in their 30-year marriage ending in divorce. 8:53 Understanding the road map of intimate relationships, from enchantment to disenchantment. 14:20 Six crucial love capacities that partners must cultivate. 20:50 Recommendations for when you feel a surge of reactivity. 30:13 Communication techniques that can help people slow down. 42:35 Learn more about how Dr. Chelsea Wakefield can assist you. Mentioned The Labyrinth Of Love: The Path to a Soulful Relationship (Amazon affiliate link*) (book) Negotiating the Inner Peace Treaty: Becoming the Person You Were Born to Be (Amazon affiliate link*) (book) Ineffective Behaviors Partners Use To Cope Ellyn Bader (pdf file) Negotiating the Inner Peace Treaty: Becoming the Person You Were Born to Be The Roadmap of Intimate Relationships Challenging Choice Points for Using the Initiator-Inquirer Process What is Imago Relationship Therapy? The Dialogue Therapy Connect with Dr. Chelsea Wakefield Websites: chelseawakefield.com Facebook: facebook.com/ChelseaWakefieldPhD Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/love-in-the-time-of-covid/id1507998764 Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Growing up, men are taught, either directly or indirectly, that showing emotion is a sign of weakness, and that if they do, they will be mocked. Vulnerable is almost a derogatory term for men. As a result, the vast majority of men have low emotional IQ, which correlates with low relational IQ because we need that emotional component to make the relationship more vibrant and exciting. In this episode, Dr. Eddie Capparucci will elaborate the root cause of the problem behind the behaviour and how he exclusively assists men in identifying and addressing these issues. Dr. Eddie Capparucci is a licensed counselor and coach, certified in treating Problematic Sexual Behaviors, and is the creator of the Inner Child Model for the treatment of sex/porn addiction. Eddie has worked with professional athletes and television personalities. He is the author of several books including Going Deeper: How the Inner Child Impacts Your Sexual Addiction and Why Men Struggle to Love: Overcoming Relational Blind Spots. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 7:24 Dr. Eddie Capparucci’s inspiration in helping men with problematic sexual behaviors. 11:24 The correlation between low emotional IQ and low relational IQ. 12:52 The root of all addiction. 15:55 Encouraging men to identify and express their emotions. 17:49 What causes character defects and how to deal with them. 28:41 The blind spots that prevent men from bonding emotionally. 33:51 How he is helping men explore their unresolved childhood pain points. 41:50 Hide and Lie. 44:56 Resources and tools to help men. Mentioned Going Deeper: How the Inner Child Impacts Your Sexual Addiction: The Road to Recovery Goes Through Your Childhood Paperback (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Why Men Struggle to Love: Overcoming Relational Blind Spots *Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Connect with Dr. Eddie Capparucci Websites: innerchild-sexaddiction.com, strugglingmen.org LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/capparucci Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Sexual infidelity is one of the biggest issues in long-term relationships and failing to address it will only make the problem worse. Most people find sexual communication difficult. It's easy to believe that we can’t do it because we just don’t have the necessary resources to do so. We understand the importance of communication, but how do we become more comfortable with it? In this episode, Dr. Tara teaches us how to boost sexual communication comfort as she shares her personal journey from several monogamous relationships and unfulfilling sex to being a sexually powerful woman. Dr. Tara is a tenured professor of relational and sexual communication at California State University Fullerton, an award-winning researcher, a relationship coach at luvbites.co, and a podcast host at Luvbites by Dr. Tara. She recently gave a TEDx Talk titled Become Sexually Powerful that highlights her 5,000-participant study examining factors that predict sexual satisfaction, and her journey from a sexually anxious girl from Thailand to a sexually confident woman. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 5:02 Her transition from being a sexually anxious girl into a sexually powerful woman. 13:16 The two sides of sexual communication. 18:08 Why do people engage in affairs rather than fix their sexual undesirable issues and how important is sexual communication. 24:28 Dr. Tara’s top five favorite sexual communication practices. 35:09 Our need for affectionate touch explained. Mentioned Become Sexually Powerful ERP 314: How To Work Through The Complexities Of Sexual Desire In Relationship — An Interview Martha Kauppi Luvbites by Dr. Tara (*podcast) The Outlander Series Connect with Dr. Tara Websites: luvbites.co TikTok: tiktok.com/@luvbites.co LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tarasuwin YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCrbW6PCKjgcxkq3dTvjjeyQ Instagram: instagram.com/luvbites.co Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Most of us know something about reproductive health yet almost nobody knows anything about pleasure. Pleasure is frequently associated with sex and like sex, it's an uncomfortable subject to discuss for a lot of people. But it is so much more than that. In this episode, we cover some of the reasons why we don't experience pleasure in our lives and how to work through these complexities of sexual desire in your relationships as Martha Kauppi creates a safe learning environment for this delicate subject. Martha Kauppi is a marriage and family therapist, educator, author, speaker, and AASECT-certified sex therapist and supervisor. She has a lifelong career in health and sexuality and is a senior trainer of the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy. Martha trains therapists all over the world to work more effectively with relational intimacy challenges and sex issues. She is the author of the groundbreaking new book Polyamory: A Clinical Toolkit for Therapists (and Their Clients). (Self-help manual for Strong emotional intimacy.) Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 5:04 Martha’s desire to educate therapists about sex issues. 14:13 How to enter a space where desire could flourish without feeling stuck in it. 17:17 How multiple systems work together and align in order for desire to happen and thrive. 23:01 Creating a safe haven for creative curiosity, flexibility, and connection. 35:35 Scheduled sex versus goal-oriented sex. 37:49 Some helpful resources to learn more about sexual desires. Mentioned Handling Sexual Challenges Like A Rockstar Polyamory: A Clinical Toolkit for Therapists (and Their Clients) (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) ERP 287: How To Engage in the Art of Giving and Receiving: Using the Wheel of Consent — An Interview with Dr. Betty Martin Connect with Martha Kauppi Websites: instituteforrelationalintimacy.com Facebook: facebook.com/martha.kauppi LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/institute-for-relational-intimacy YouTube: youtube.com/c/MarthaKauppiLMFTIRI Instagram: instagram.com/martha_kauppi Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Are you one of the three Americans who have a step relationship today? Demographers expect that one out of every two Americans will be in a step relationship at some point in their lives. It's not easy being a part of a blended family. There are way too many factors to take into account. In fact, external step-family-related variables generate a high divorce rate in the US. It might be a lengthy and difficult process, but it is not impossible to succeed with the right mindset, guidance, and resources. And that's exactly what Ron Deal discusses in this episode. We'll go over what to expect, what activities you can do, resources, and advice for raising a healthy blended family. Ron L. Deal is one of the most widely read and viewed experts on blended families in the country. He is Director of FamilyLife Blended® for FamilyLife®, founder of Smart Stepfamilies™, and the author and Consulting Editor of the Smart Stepfamily Series of books including the bestselling Building Love Together in Blended Families: The 5 Love Languages® and Becoming Stepfamily Smart (with Dr. Gary Chapman), The Smart Stepfamily: 7 Steps to a Healthy Family, and Preparing to Blend. Ron is a licensed marriage and family therapist, popular conference speaker, and host of the FamilyLife Blended podcast. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 7:38 Ron's motivation for a career in marriage and family therapy. 13:00 What you need to know about blended families. 19:55 A visual map to help you navigate the blended family territory. 36:06 Some growth activities that you can try. 45:04 How to get smart and guide your family forward in the right direction. Mentioned Preparing to Blend: The Couple's Guide to Becoming a Smart Stepfamily (*Amazon affiliate link) (book) Building Love Together in Blended Families: The 5 Love Languages and Becoming Stepfamily Smart (*Amazon affiliate link) (book) FamilyLife Blended® Podcast Connect with Ron Deal Website: familylife.com/familylifeblended/blended-families Facebook: facebook.com/familylifeministry Twitter: twitter.com/familylifetoday YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC7WmdqnETL3gCmWruBF0tpQ Instagram: instagram.com/familylifeinsta Pinterest: pinterest.com/familylifeministry   Website: smartstepfamilies.com Facebook: facebook.com/SmartStepfamilies Twitter: twitter.com/RonLDeal YouTube: youtube.com/user/FamilyLifeBlended Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Sex is an expression of our love and passion with our significant other but over time our desire for it tends to fade away. According to Esther Perel, what makes sex really hot is the mystery. However, when we enter long-term partnerships, we lose that mystery. We understand the importance of maintaining sex in a long-term relationship, yet it's frequently a taboo subject to discuss. So, in this episode, Emily Pereira will share her story, knowledge, and effective practices that foster openness and transformation that can lead to a more intimate relationship. Emily Pereira is an International retreat leader, yoga teacher, and women’s coach —coined by her clients as the “Relationship Whisperer”. After 13 years of intensive and extensive spiritual training and exploration, she has amassed a treasure trove of astonishing wisdom + powerful practices. She’s used these to heal her own love story and transform her life. Over the years, she’s had the honor of helping hundreds of women ignite their intimate, heart-thumping, passionate, I got-your-back-no-matter-what love, and build the family and lifestyle of their dreams. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 4:48 The inspiration behind Emily’s desire for helping couples rekindle their intimate relationships. 9:47 The importance of creating a new version of yourself that you can bring back to the relationship. 17:21 How to overcome the fear of trying something new. 19:50 Advice for people who don't even know what they want sexually. 38:20 About the programs that Emily offers to help couples ignite their intimate relationships with their partners. Mentioned The Quest (*Amazon affiliate link) (book) Legendary Lovership The Quest for Love Academy 7 Day Goddess Cleanse Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence by Esther Perel (*Amazon affiliate link) (book) Connect with Emily Pereira Websites: emilypereira.com/about Facebook: facebook.com/bethebeginner Instagram: instagram.com/emily_begins Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.