Foreplay Radio – Couples and Sex Therapy

Inspired by the work of Esther Perel, we are opening up a conversation around women being more narcissistic lovers. What does this even mean? According to experts, women tend to be more focused on their partner's experience in bed and less focused on their own pleasure. The caretaking cycle remains engaged, leaving many women disconnected and disengaged from their own sex lives. Join Laurie and George today for this riveting conversation on healthy ways women can be more selfish, self-focused and engaged during sex. This episode will have you thinking about what you actually like, find pleasure in, create more desire and assert your needs to your partner. What makes you feel desired, hot and fully in your sexual cycle, not the nurturer you are in day-day life? Both men and women will take away some great tips from this episode and really start to know what makes and keeps it hot! Please visit this episodes sponsor (and help the pod!)Uberlube.com -- Laurie's favorite, long-term, awesome personal lubricant! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some couples are faced at times with relating over a long-distance, whether due to business travel, being in the military, school, etc. Join author and sex therapist Laurie Watson and psychotherapist Laurie Watson talk through how to survive long-distant relationships both sexually and emotionally in a committed relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode we are talking about the act and art of touch. Touch is one of our primary attachment needs and we need it from cradle to grave. Touch is often a hot button issue between couples. Distance and disconnection in the relationship can create anxiety and pressure around touch. What stops touch from happening between you and your partner? Ask yourself is there a cycle that comes alive when one of us is seeking touch and what can we learn from it? Laurie and George share more about how vulnerable it can be to receive touch and that a key to safety in this area is non-sexual touch. Increasing affection that isn't centered around sex but strengthening the attachment need in the relationship. It's important to reduce the pressure here, work on relational safety and get curious with each other. You'll take away ideas on how to promote non-sexual touch, exercises that stimulate pleasure and little ways to enjoy more touch together. Special announcement for all couples therapists who want more EFT and Sex training. Join George on April 16th for his masterclass through Nicabm. Don't worry if you can't make it live. You will receive a recording with your registration. George Faller: EFT & Sex Training for Therapists Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Next to relational distress, a negative body image is the biggest disruptor for derailing sex and desire. While this has traditionally been a woman's struggle, increasingly it is also an isue for men. Join sex therapist Laurie Watson and couples therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they talk about body image issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Polly Watson, a menopause expert and founder of Hormone Wellness MD, dives deep into the often-taboo topic of sexual pain during menopause. She highlights that 75% of women face discomfort due to hormonal shifts and shares practical solutions involving hormone replacement and pelvic floor therapy. Dr. Watson emphasizes the importance of support from partners and the role of healthcare providers in addressing these concerns. With empowering insights, she reminds listeners that they are not alone and that enjoyable intimacy is achievable.

Discover the humorous connection between room temperature and intimacy! Explore how balancing friendship and sexual attraction can strengthen romantic partnerships. Learn the importance of nurturing individual interests and cultivating space for each other’s passions. Hear insights on treating your partner with the same respect you’d offer a friend, which can lead to deeper connections. Delve into the power of companionship, teamwork, and loyalty, essential for overcoming challenges and enhancing intimacy in relationships.

In today's episode, we are discussing how to forgive what hasn't been. Fights are more obvious times to work on forgiveness but what about the missed bids for connection and absence of touch? Join our hosts as they share how to have healing conversations about the lost connection. Laurie and George relay that this experience is grief and a deep pain that needs to be shared in partnership. Often a conversation like this may activate the negative cycle as the hurt partner might fear further rejection and begin by criticizing. Their advice is to get into the pain and begin to ask your partner for their help to heal. As the listener, sex might have been off the table for a variety of reasons and you may notice a defensive reaction. George shares something that works in his relationship, to take a pause and keep the focus on his partner. Healing is sequential and can't happen all at once. Slow and steady, remaining focused on one partner's pain can shift a couple into forgiveness as resentment from missed moments is heard, seen and cared for. What has been missing from your relationship that has caused you pain? Today's episode will help you and your partner get started on the path to forgiveness. Support the pod by supporting this episode's sponsor!Addyi.com -- the only FDA-approved treatment for certain women with low libido. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Adam and Laurie discuss the complicated relationship between sex and depression in both men and women. They discuss symptoms and how to stay connected when your relationship is impacted by this all too common mental health issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your sex life feeling a bit bland? Dive into playful kink with tips to spice things up! Explore the importance of consent and open communication while trying out suggestive texts or role reversal. Discover the thrill of power dynamics and how surrendering control can enhance intimacy. Get creative with ideas like sensory play and dirty talk to break societal norms and foster connection. It’s all about having fun and embracing adventure together!

Contempt, one of the most dangerous emotions in a relationship. This episode covers the markers of contemptuous behavior and why it's so destructive to a marriage. Laurie and Dr. Adam offer advice on recognizing this powerful emotion and how to bring the humanity back into your relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices