Advertise on podcast: Brave Love Great Sex – Couples Therapy Podcast

In this Foreplay Replay we discuss what to do if your partner has been sexually traumatized in their past? From big traumas of date rape, sexual assault, or groped to serial sexism or shaming messages about sex. Each trauma has an individual impact. Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and psychotherapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they discuss how to relate to a lover who has had trauma. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trigger Warning: Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode Laurie is joined by guest Renee Segal. Renee is the owner of Evolve Therapy in Minneapolis, MN. Renee is an EFT couples therapist and supervisor and has spent her career supporting survivors of sexual assault. We are responding to the recent news from Cornell University and addressing a topic that is not spoken about enough. 1 in 4 women, and 1 in 6 men are survivors of sexual assault. Sexual trauma can create myriad trauma symptoms for individuals including; dissociation, sexual avoidance, hypersexual behaviors and hypervigilance among others. Yet, this conversation often doesn't get addressed between couples. Laurie and Renee provide expert advice for survivors and their partners on how their relationship can help heal the sexual trauma. Safety, gentleness and compassion are the bedrocks of supporting a survivor of sexual assault. We ask that you take this episode in with care and reach out for support if needed. For more on Renee visit:  https://www.evolvetherapymn.com/   National Sexual Abuse Hotline:  https://rainn.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's foreplay replay we discuss how our communication with our lovers (and others) can be broken down into discrete bids for attention and interactions. In this episode of Foreplay, sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and psychotherapist Dr. Adam Mathews discuss the role these bids play in seduction and sex. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's Foreplay replay we discuss how a certain proportion of women will fake an orgasm to reassure their partner. Laurie says this is short-sighted! Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couples therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they talk about why women fake orgasms and how to change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, we're diving into the experience of low-orgasm or the absence of orgasm for some. It's a common concern that can lead to frustration and distance, yet it's something many couples struggle to talk about openly. Join Laurie and George as they explore the physical, psychological, and relational factors that can impact the capacity for orgasm. We'll discuss how to shift the focus from the 'goal' to the 'process' of pleasure, how to communicate needs effectively without pressure, and how to increase comfort and connection in the bedroom. Listen in for practical strategies to expand your sexual repertoire and foster more satisfying, intimate experiences together. Don't forget to grab your copy of our book, Brave Love, Great Sex, available everywhere! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Foreplay Replay we discuss how talking regularly about the state of your sexual union is essential to achieving and maintaining a satisfying sexual relationship. Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couple's therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they discuss how to accomplish a regular state of the union. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Brave Lovers! Have you ever said something to your partner that didn't land well? You backtrack and try to explain your intent but they are still hurting and now angry. If you have, then this episode is for you! Join our hosts, Laurie and George as they share what happens when the impact hits hard and the attempt to explain the intent falls flat. Listeners will learn how to hold both truths, have clean communication around the event and improve their timing. It's important to remember that even with good intentions your partner can still feel hurt. Acknowledging their hurt will move the conversation closer to connection while explanation will create disconnection. Make sure to grab a copy of our bestseller Brave Love, Great Sex, available everywhere! Please help the pod by checking out this episode's sponsor: Uberlube.com -- Laurie's 20+ year favorite personal lubricant. Use the code 'BraveLove' at checkout! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Foreplay Replay we discuss how unhealthy power dynamics in relationships can hamper connection. Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couples therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they explore the pursuer-distancer dance through the lens of power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Brave Lovers! If you don't want to have sex and your partner always does this is the episode for you! Join hosts, Laurie and George as they expand on the world of the sexual withdrawer. We explore why the sexual withdrawer may shut down when the pressure cycle is on; past trauma, relational issues, resent or just downright bad sex and provide the valuable language withdrawers need to communicate to their pursuing partners. We get curious and ask what does not wanting to have sex mean and how the withdrawer can pay attention to what is happening inside of them. Their excellent role play walks listeners through a bad take and good conversation. You'll take away ways to identify what is happening when I don't want to have sex, where that shut down is coming from, how to share and better express needs. Want more help here? Our book is out now! Pick up a copy of Brave Love, Great Sex today!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Foreplay Replay we discuss how we bring our expectations along with us into any situation. Particularly with our partner, we have a host of expectations that we want our partner to fulfill. A couple can run into problems if their expectations are not discussed, negotiated, and clarified. Join sex therapist Dr. Laurie Watson and couples therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they talk about expectations in our relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode we are discussing the role and inner world of the sexual pursuer. Join Laurie and George for an expert role play to learn how the sexual pursuer can clearly communicate their feelings and needs without defense and blame. They highlight that the pursuer often focuses on changing the behavior of the withdrawer but it is more effective when they can share their vulnerability to their partner. Our hosts remind us that initiating sex is a secure move in a relationship. The anxiety that develops is problematic and creates the negative cycle. Listen in to learn how to stay present with your own experience, communicate securely and work with your partner regarding your sexual worlds. We break down these roles very clearly in our book Brave Love, Great Sex. It's out next week, make sure to grab your copy today! Check out this episode's sponsor (and help the pod!): Uberlube.com -- Laurie's favorite personal lubricant for the last 25 years! Check it out, it's great! Use 'BraveLove' at checkout to let them know we sent you (and get a discount)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Foreplay Replay we discuss the path to a long-term successful relationship requires putting your relationship above your individual interests, which runs counter to where we always start and where our culture starts, which is 'me first.' Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couple's therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they discuss how to win the relationship game and how to avoid 'starfish sex.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, we are diving into the world of the emotional withdrawer. When the withdrawer is feeling overwhelmed, they may pull away or shut down, often leaving their partner feeling confused and isolated. Listen in as we explore the underlying reasons for this dynamic and provide practical steps to help withdrawers re-engage with their partners. We discuss how to create a safer space for vulnerability and the importance of attunement in breaking the cycle. Whether you are the withdrawer or the partner, you'll gain valuable insights into building a more secure and connected relationship. Let us know your thoughts on our instagram @BraveLoveGreatSex and don't forget to pre-order a copy of our book, Brave Love, Great Sex Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Foreplay Replay we talk about how it is believed that 3-6% of people in the U.S. struggle with sexual compulsion, all genders can be affected. Sometimes sexual activities become compulsive and lead to damaging pattern in people's relationships and work lives. Defining sexual compulsion is best done by identifying certain patterns and behaviors... Some of these include overindulging in porn, loss in interest in sex with their partner, having a "secret" life seeking seeking sexual activities elsewhere, the escalation of risky sexual behaviors, or neglecting responsibilities due to their sex addiction. It’s difficult for many to understand what drives a person into these behaviors, which are clearly antithetical to relationships and how love-making bonds us to our partner. How do we understand and begin healing sexual addiction? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, we are delving into the world of the emotional pursuer. Join our hosts, Laurie and George to talk about what it looks like when a partner is constantly seeking connection, why that pursuit can sometimes feel overwhelming, and how both partners can shift their approach to create a more balanced and secure bond. We look at the underlying attachment needs that drive this behavior and offer practical steps to turn the pursuit into an invitation for closeness. Make sure to listen in to learn how to navigate these moments and reconnect with your partner! Don't forget to follow us on our socials @BraveLoveGreatSex for more relationship tips and updates. Pre-order your copy of Brave Love, Great Sex today; out on September 16th. Support this episode's sponsor (and help the 'pod): Uberlube.com - Laurie's long time favorite personal lubricant. Use the code 'BraveLove' at checkout! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices