Foreplay Radio – Couples and Sex Therapy

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

Touch is an essential attachment need, vital for emotional and physical connection throughout life. It can create anxiety in relationships, especially when couples struggle with intimacy. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of non-sexual touch in reinforcing bonds and reducing pressure. Through personal stories, they explore how mindfulness fosters mutual satisfaction. Additionally, the role of touch in family dynamics is addressed, highlighting its emotional benefits. Communication and awareness are key to enhancing comfort and intimacy between partners.

Body image issues can severely disrupt sexual desire and relationships, affecting both genders. The discussion highlights cultural beauty standards and their impact on self-esteem. It explores how negative self-image hinders intimacy for women while contrasting it with men's experiences. Mindfulness is proposed as a strategy for enhancing body awareness and intimacy, with breathing techniques and Kegel exercises introduced as practical tools. Ultimately, the conversation advocates for body positivity and the empowering role of partner support in fostering fulfilling sexual experiences.

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

We are all deserving of touch. It awakens the senses, provides comfort, reassurance and then as adults pleasure. In today's episode, our hosts open up a conversation about your relationship with touch. Did you grow up in a household where physical affection was withheld, conditional, unsafe or just not available? If so, you may be suffering from touch neglect. This can show up in the sexual cycle as anxiety, discomfort or full on avoidance at even the thought of touch. This episode will help you understand the power or touch, how neglect shows up in adult relationships and how to begin a safe conversation with your partner describing your needs. And yes, we ALL have needs related to touch! The great news also, is that with safety, and vulnerability these needs can be expressed in your adult relationships and you can begin to feel more comfort around touch and go from neglected needs to needs met. You deserve it! Please support this episode's sponsor (and help the pod!):Addyi.com -- the only FDA-approved treatment for certain women with low libido! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices