Foreplay Radio – Couples and Sex Therapy

In this episode, Laurie and George discuss insights from Daniel Watter’s book, The Existential Importance of the Penis: A Guide to Understanding Male Sexuality. They explore sexual disorders like low desire, erectile dysfunction, and vaginismus—not just as issues but as signals from our bodies about anxiety, relationship challenges, or life transitions, like becoming parents. Enjoy this thought-provoking episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode we are spending time focusing on when it goes well. As therapists we look for these 'glimmers' as a way to retrain the brain and body to focus on progress, not just the problem. It's common for couples to get bogged down by what doesn't go well. This is the brain's way to keep you safe and protected but it also makes it hard to let progress take hold. Join Laurie and George today in this great conversation focused on glimmers of eroticism in your relationship. There are two great ways to hone in on glimmers. One is to recall past positive sexual experiences in the relationship. The other is to dig below the surface of the complaint and listen to the request being made. Is your partner giving you the clues for a glimmer that you might be missing? More glimmers help us feel more hopeful and united against the negative cycle. Take a moment today to look back at your past week and explore what went well in your sexual relationship. Even the slightest change is worth noting and sharing with your love. Keep it hot y'all!Check out this episodes sponsors (and help the pod!)Addyi.com -- FDA-approved treatment for certain women with low libido!Uberlube.com -- Laurie's favorite personal lubricant! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having kids can transform intimacy for couples, introducing unique challenges. The hosts discuss navigating changes in desire and connection while managing postpartum effects and family dynamics. They highlight the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing the marital relationship to foster a loving environment for children. Tips for nurturing intimacy beyond parenthood are also explored, emphasizing that a healthy sexual connection can thrive even amid the chaos of parenting.

Dr. Peggy Kleinplatz, a prominent sex therapist and author of "Magnificent Sex," shares her expert insights on achieving optimal sexual experiences. She discusses the vital role of communication in redefining intimacy, emphasizing that deeper connections can transform relationships. Dr. Kleinplatz also highlights how sex can improve with age, along with the importance of emotional comfort and vulnerability. Listeners learn about authenticity in intimacy and the power of nonverbal cues to enhance their sexual lives.

Masturbation can be a sensitive topic, but it has profound implications for individual and coupled sexual relationships. The discussion highlights how early experiences shape attitudes towards solo sexual practices and the importance of open communication in overcoming shame. Exploring mutual masturbation offers couples a unique way to maintain intimacy, while examining competing cultural perspectives on sexual expression. Ultimately, embracing self-exploration can enhance pleasure and deepen connection within partnerships.

Delve into the unsettling psychology of 'the ick'—that sudden shift from attraction to repulsion. Discover how trivial behaviors can trigger deep aversions that lead to relationship turmoil. Gender-specific insights reveal what commonly gives men and women the 'ick.' Explore the impact of emotional triggers, past experiences, and the importance of effective communication in navigating these feelings. Uncover the solutions for enhancing intimacy and addressing libido concerns, all while emphasizing the necessity for understanding and support in romantic partnerships.

Exploring the delicate art of saying no in intimate relationships, the discussion focuses on fostering healthy communication and emotional safety. Strategies for navigating rejection and the importance of clear dialogue highlight the complexities of differing libidos. The idea of a 'rain check' emerges as a practical tool to balance intimacy with personal boundaries. The conversation emphasizes compassion and effective boundary-setting to maintain connection without wounding emotions.

Discover the importance of self-love as a foundation for healthy relationships. Learn how co-regulation and self-regulation play vital roles in emotional well-being. Explore transformative narratives that reshape past trauma and facilitate healing. Gain insights on addressing low libido in women with FDA-approved treatments. Delve into the TEMPO framework for understanding triggers and emotions to reclaim self-love. Embrace practical strategies to cultivate self-acceptance and enhance personal growth!

Involuntary celibacy is more common in relationships than you might think, often leading to emotional turmoil. The discussion highlights how couples can slip into a sexless rhythm, and the consequences it has on intimacy and self-esteem. Various factors contribute to this decline, making direct communication crucial. Strategies for rekindling intimacy are explored, alongside the importance of addressing disconnects early. Ultimately, the hosts advocate for open dialogue and potential therapeutic solutions to enhance sexual connections.

Discover how couples can navigate distress using a map that illustrates emotional and sexual cycles. Open discussions about sex foster deeper intimacy and connection. The interplay between emotional needs and physical intimacy reveals critical insights into relationship dynamics. Learn how missed bids for connection lead to disconnection, and why understanding both partners' perspectives is key. Effective communication and a touch of curiosity can bridge emotional gaps and enhance desire, keeping the flame alive.