Brave Love Great Sex – Couples Therapy Podcast

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! 

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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!

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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!

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Having kids can radically change sex for couples and can complicate our sex lives for a number of reasons. Join author and sex therapist Laurie Watson and couples therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they work through the issues around sex after kids.

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Greetings Foreplay listeners! We are so excited for today's episode, featuring Dr. Peggy Kleinplatz, a clinician and sex researcher that broke the code on the key components to magnificent sex. In her book of the same title, Dr. Kleinplatz breaks down the findings from her studies and shares what makes lovers great. She is a mentor to our hosts and continues to train therapists around the world to help lovers have better sex. We are honored to have her as a guest on this episode. Our conversation investigates how you define intimacy in your relationship, exploring your erotic cues, and being embodied during sex. Equally important and exciting is that sex can get better as you age and could be the best sex yet! Listeners will walk away feeling encouraged and excited by this interview. We all have the capacity to be magnificent lovers and Dr. Kleinplatz has the science to prove it! 

Here's Dr. Kleinplatz's book 'Magnificant Sex'. Her website is here.

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Masturbation is often a charged topic with many individuals and couples. The messages we receive about masturbation can influence our current sexual relationships. Join popular author and sex therapist Laurie Watson and psychologist Dr. Adam Mathews as they discuss masturbation through adolescence and into adulthood, as well as it's impact on coupled sex.

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In this episode, we dive into the psychology of "the ick", that unsettling feeling when sudden attraction shifts to repulsion. In the Psychology Today article, The "Ick" Factor: The Science Behind Sudden Attraction Shifts, author Gary Lewandowski shared insights from the social media trend and George and Laurie break them down. We explore why seemingly small, annoying behavior can cause this drastic turn-off. We discuss why sometimes this can lead to breakups after just one unpleasant moment and better ways to communicate about the icks. We also touch on those that stand out for men and women and what gives our hosts the ick. Whether it's a behavior that’s just too irritating or something that triggers deeper instincts, this episode shares the science behind why we suddenly can’t stand the person we were once so attracted to. Join us to find out what causes the ick and why it’s more common than you might think!

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Having your desire synced with your partner's may sound ideal, but rare in practice. Find out how to get back in the game when you are not in the mood.

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How good are you at loving yourself? What do you say to yourself when things don't go your way, you mess up or you're out of sorts? Chances are you may be overly critical and say negative things, to you, about you. This is a common experience for many and an opportunity to highlight where you need to do some healing. Join us today as we move the conversation beyond the power of co-regulation to the art and practice of self-regulation. George and Laurie walk listeners through the concept of self-love, healing and soothing strategies to practice individually. Their expertise provides us with great examples on how to see, hear and validate ourselves all in an effort to create a more positive and connected relationship with YOU! If you've been wanting to learn how you can be more compassionate, loving and understanding of your own experience you won't want to miss this show. Share it with your partner, a friend or anyone you know could benefit from getting better at loving themselves!

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Involuntary celibacy (going more than 6 months without intercourse) within a committed relationship occurs more frequently than you would imagine. Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couple's therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they explore the reasons behind involuntary celibacy and what couples can do to address (and avoid) it.

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Ever wonder how Laurie and George navigate a couple's distress? They use a map (mutual attachment patterns)! In today's episode, our experts share the map they use to help couples see the larger picture in their conflict. The emotional and sexual cycles interact and influence connection between partners. A missed bid for connection in the emotional cycle creates a ripple in the sexual cycle and a missed bid for physical intimacy can cause emotional shut down. When partners are able to zoom out and look at the map together they have a better opportunity to see where they made a wrong turn and how they can get back on course. Here are some self-reflection questions to use on your map: "Who have I been to my partner over the past few days? How have I been coming across? If my bid wasn't taken, how did I react? Have I missed something important to my partner?" We all get lost from time to time, work with your partner to use the map to connection. Keep it hot, y'all!

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We’ve talked about what turns women on… let’s hear about men!! It might not be what you expect...

We’re borrowing from Michael Castleman’s insightful research on male libido. Contrary to popular belief about what turns men on – a supermodel, beauty, lingerie… the research actually says there are much bigger, deeper factors.

The #1 factor? Desire, feeling wanted. Let’s talk about some of the main factors that impact male libido...

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"Am I a pursuer or a withdrawer? I want to connect emotionally but I avoid sexual intimacy. Why does this happen?" In today's episode, our hosts address the reasons partners may switch roles in the emotional and sexual cycles. Join in as Laurie and George address why you show up as the pursuer in the emotional cycle and the withdrawer in the sexual cycle and vice versa. They detail the three attachment styles, why they matter and how they show up in the respective cycles. Partners may be confused at their flip-flopping in the cycle and our hosts remind us to get curious with ourselves and avoid judgement and criticism. Ask yourself, why might this behavior make sense, what did my blueprint for connection look like, how did I look for connection and feel safe? Laurie soothes the audience as she reminds these patterns are healable and flexibility to have more choices is achievable. Have a question you want our experts to answer in an episode? Call in to the Foreplay Voicemail and leave us a message! 

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The erogenous zones and beyond. Talking about how to get your lover hot!

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Join Laurie and George today as they talk about the Care Giving cycle and how important it is for our partners and relationships to respond with care to our partner's needs, both expressed and unexpressed.

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Different sex positions have different pluses and minuses in different situations. Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couples therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they discuss different positions for sex and where they each shine!

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In this episode, we explore the psychological and emotional effects of the ongoing Ukraine conflict on sexual intimacy for both those directly affected by the war and those living in its shadow. George recently visited Ukraine and heard first hand the issues couples are experiencing, thus inspiring today's show. Join us as we delve  into some challenges couples face in war-torn regions and the sexual discrepancies that can arise during times of unrest. Laurie and George examine the emotional toll the war has taken on intimacy, from changes in desire and communication to the impacts of PTSD, stress, and grief on partners. While war in other parts of the world might seem distant for some of our listeners, we are all touched by global conflicts, traumatic events, natural disasters or even careers as first responders. Here we consider how partners navigate physical and emotional closeness when faced with uncertainty, loss, and fear. The episode offers great insights on ways couples and individuals can navigate intimacy in challenging times, with expert advice on maintaining connection and emotional support in the face of ongoing trauma and instability. The power of connection and relationship can create resiliency during difficult times and this episode asks the question: does sex still matter while there is a war going on?

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Wanna spice it up? What have you fantasized about doing? It takes vulnerability to tell each other about ideas for novelty and change. Are you willing to risk? Laurie and George talk about how couples choose to spice things up - ways that novelty can be gas petals or brakes for different couples often dividing the couple themselves. Porn, gummies, alcohol, vibrators, handcuffs, feathers, etc… and other toys might add to arousal or block connection! Knowing that you’re gonna have a glass of wine, you’re gonna loosen up, you’re gonna feel less inhibited…. some of it is simply the ritual, the getting ready, looking forward to a bit of change that can create a little fun.

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In this episode, we sit down with Colette Fehr, a relationship expert, to dive deep into all things menopause and sex! Colette is a certified EFT therapist, and co-host of the podcast 'Insights from the Couch-Mental Health at Midlife.' Colette shares her extensive knowledge on the biological, emotional and physical effects of menopause and how couples can navigate challenges together. She debunks menopause myths and ways partners can support one another during this phase. Colette shares that not only can couples in this stage make it through but can have the BEST sex of their lives! Make sure you download this episode and share it with your partner. You'll take away knowledge and actionable tips to improve your sex life in midlife. To learn more about Colette head to  https://www.colettejanefehr.com  and listen to your podcast insightsfromthecouch.org anywhere you stream. Colette's perspective is one you won't want to miss! Tune in for a conversation full of wisdom, real-life experiences, and thought-provoking ideas. Keep it hot y'all!

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Take our New Year’s Challenge! What is something you know thatyou do that hurts your relationship? Do you want to change this? We can so easily find what our partner does that hurts us, that justifies our own protective move of fight of flight. It can be difficult to want to change when it seems like our reactions make so much sense. But discovering what we do gives us the power to change the cycle. And the good news is when we change our move and do something that might seem counterintuitive we often help ourselves as well. Then, we want you to make a concrete, doable resolution to change. Listen to Laurie and George’s own personal commitments for New Years to be different in their own relationship. Are you with us?

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The holidays can be stressful for many reasons. Join sex therapist Laurie Watson, and couples therapist, Dr. Adam Mathews as they go through the list of naughty and nice ideas for the holiday.

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Today's episode is our final lesson from our 'School of Love' series and we are talking all about secure love and how to maintain it. At this point, we've identified the negative emotional and sexual cycle, the role you take on in the cycle and how to slow it down. At the heart of the negative cycle is unmet needs and the creation of the positive cycle is centered on these needs being met. Great couples are great at repairing. The positive cycle isn't about perfection rather quick and meaningful repair when we get it wrong. These new experiences continue to confirm secure love. Where the cycle once caused chronic disconnection there is now regular, anticipated connection. Join hosts, George and Laurie for ideas on rituals you can do in your relationship for connection, how to be more intentional and solidify the positive cycle. Keep it secure and hot y'all! 

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Straightforward 'how-to' guide to using the time at the holidays to 'sex up' your relationship. Listen as author and sex therapist Laurie Watson, and psychotherapist, Adam Mathews as they talk about sexy gifts and how to further your relationship during the hurly burly of the holidays.

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In this episode of Foreplay Replay, we revisit our discussion on kissing.

Kissing often falls off in a long-term relationship. As the eyes are the window to the soul, kissing is the window to the heart. Join the conversation with Laurie and Tony! If you have topics that you'd like to hear about, email us at info@foreplayrst.com.

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In today's episode, Laurie and George are joined by Casey and Meygan Caston, founders of Marriage 365. Marriage 365 provides a comprehensive approach to help couples improve connection in their daily lives through books, coaching and courses. Motivated by the near destruction and repair of their own marriage, Casey and Meygan made it their mission to share the tools that helped them far and wide. You won't want to miss this engaging conversation between these relationship experts! Listen how they moved from a marriage full of assumptions to creating a framework for connection. Visit www.marriage365.com to learn more about Casey and Meygan and make sure to rate and review this episode wherever you stream our pod. Keep it hot y'all!

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In today's episode Laurie and George sit down with fellow Sex and Relationship Expert, Dr. Emily Jamea for a conversation on sex in the flow state and the secrets to great sex found in her book, 'Anatomy of Desire: Five Secrets to Create Connection and Cultivate Passion.' Dr. Jamea is also the host of the podcast 'Love and Libido' and is eager to share her knowledge with our Foreplay audience. You will be fascinated to hear all that is happening to the brain and body during sex and how couples can use this information to get unstuck from the monotony and into a state of flow. Our hosts and Dr. Jamea discuss the five secrets every couple needs to know to improve their sex lives. Sensuality, curiosity, adaptability, vulnerability and attunement are the pillars that create and cultivate intimacy, passion and a truly transformative sexual relationship. Want more from Dr. Jamea? You can purchase her book on her website www.emilyjamea.com Keep it hot y'all!

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Welcome Foreplayers to another great episode in

the 'School of Love.' We are staying with the emotional pursuer in this

episode and asking them to reach deep. All to get the Hollywood ending

you've dreamed about as the pursuer...getting your emotional needs met.

The pursuer has discovered the unmet need below the protective move

which is often anger or criticism and now it's their turn to share it

with their re-engaged withdrawer. Our hosts provide a great role play

where they not only identify the need but ask their partner for help

here. This may sound like, "I feel unimportant here and I want to feel

really important to you. Can you help me here?" These are the

conversations that create secure relationships. If the negative cycle is

the clashing of unmet needs then the positive cycle is unmet needs met.

As you work towards this you will find that this space is much more

organic, fulfilling and natural than the previous negative cycle. As

Laurie says, "the molecules just all come together!" Therapists, if

you're wanting to help your clients gain more security in their sexual

relationship make sure you join us in Nashville in January for our next

training.

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Welcome Foreplay listeners! Today's episode is another in our 'School of Love' series that we are close to completing. We are talking today about how to stay and keep focused on the pursuing partner as they express their vulnerability. Listen in as George and Laurie breakdown the steps a couple needs to have completed before getting to this point and how both partners can stay focused on the pursuer's pain. This is a place where withdrawers are now able to give their pursuing partner love that they never received before. This can be scary territory for both but this is also the place where a new, positive and secure cycle is created. The key here is responsiveness. Focus on ways to respond to your partner's pain that helps them feel seen, heard and understood. These are key attachment needs that are important to us ALL. 

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"I'm always the one to bring up issues. I want our relationship to be better so I work to address the discomfort between us. Somehow this is a problem and I am now seen as THE problem, a nag, someone that can be tuned out. I've worked so hard here. Help!!!" If this sounds familiar, then this episode on the pursuer's position in the relationship is for you! Join our experts today as they focus on the inside world of the emotional pursuer and help them with the change event that leads to healing in the relationship. George and Laurie work to get underneath the layers of the pursuer's protest to help them and the emotional withdrawer in their life understand the pain, anguish and desperation of the pursuer. This softening event is the gamechanger for pursuers and our recovering emotional withdrawers are pivotal in this change! Learn how to manage rejection and communicate the underlying need with safety and vulnerability. Our hosts' roleplay highlights for listeners exactly what this conversation can sound like. Make sure to come back for our follow up show on the sexual pursuer next time. As always, keep it hot y'all!

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Will sex ever happen between us? If this has been a sticking point in your relationship then this episode is for you! Join our hosts today as we talk through what it looks like when the sexual withdrawer is re-engaged. The negative cycle is de-escalated, a new positive cycle has been created and there is enough safety to uncover the wants and needs of the sexual relationship. Give this show a listen to hear what the conversation between a de-escalated and more secure couple sounds like and how to make this happen. Our hosts remind you that pressure serves no purpose in the bedroom and a truly de-escalated couple will keep pressure around sex low and slow. It's important to remember that sometimes we have to go slow, to go fast. Make sure to give us a rate and review and keep it hot, y'all!

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In today's episode, join hosts Laurie and George as they uncover the ultimate move that creates lasting change in couples. The changemaker for a negative cycle is when the withdrawing partner is able to stay in their fear and uncover their unmet need. In the negative cycle the old move to sense the discomfort and move away immediately begins to be replaced with a new ability to tolerate and remain present. Staying in the fear, with your partner close at hand allows you to ask, "What do I need here? Can you help me with it?" This new experience sends a message through the body and brain that this is now safe and we are rewarded with closeness and comfort where there was once isolation. We are not meant to be alone! George reminds withdrawers that you must risk if you want the reward. Our hosts role play, guides listeners in this meaningful conversation and reminds them, this is possible in your relationship! Therapists--Join us in Nashville January 25-27th for our Sex and EFT training to help your couples with their negative sexual cycle.

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In today's episode, Laurie and George answer a listener's mailbag question. We love getting these write-ins and acknowledge the courage it takes to ask for help! Our listener is a burned out or almost burned out sexual pursuer that is frustrated and saddened by their sexless marriage. Covid, menopause, adult children at home are circumstances this couple is facing and blocks for intimate connection. George and Laurie give expert advice on how to navigate this situation, some of the physiological challenges impacting this couple and how to craft a thoughtful, caring and loving conversation to bridge the gap. Both pursuers and withdrawers will gain insight into the lives of their partners and we remember to blame the cycle to de-escalate the tension and encourage vulnerable conversation. Need help in your relationship? Send us a question on our website www.foreplayrst.com

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You've probably waited years for your partner to hear you and make the changes you've needed. So why does that change now make you feel pissed off? The answer: mistrust is part of the change process. Learning how to manage this mistrust is imperative for couples when they are changing their negative cycle. In today's episode join our hosts Laurie and George in a fantastic conversation on what happens to us when our partners start to make the changes we've been asking for, for years and why that can cause mistrust. You'll learn what's happening in your brain when there is a red light, yellow light or green light in connection and strategies to promote regulation and connection. Remember, our brains are wired to protect and they want to hold on to the negative information for safety. Leaning into the mistrust and planning for this with your partner as you're changing together will help you navigate this new territory and be more successful. Therapists looking to get more training on the sexual cycle make sure to head over to our website www.foreplayrst.com to learn more about our training in Nashville this January!

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Run, don't walk to listen to today's episode! Laurie and George lay out a transformational conversation between partners: when the sexual withdrawer begins to reenage. Re-engagement means, the sexual withdrawer is aware that something is not working, sees the negative cycle and their part in it and begins to open up to their partner about their underlying needs. This is a pivotal conversation and can be a gamechanger for couples that have been trapped in a negative sexual cycle. Both withdrawing and pursuing partners will find value in the expert commentary laid out by our hosts. Did you know that knowing what you need and sending clearer signals to your partner is a sign of secure attachment? For so many of us, being direct with what we want, need, like and desire has been off limits but it is a major component to secure and successful love. Join us today and drop a review of this episode so we know how we're doing!

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In today's episode, we're sounding the school bell and bringing listeners back into our 'School of Love.' This show focuses on motivating emotional withdrawers to be more open. If you're the pursuing partner you may find yourself screaming with excitement right now, withdrawers...not so much. Which is completely okay! Join our experts George and Laurie today as we make space for the withdrawing partner to: identify your protective move, understand why you do what you do, honor that protection and try something new. We get it, taking the risk to share emotion and let your partner in is tough stuff but we also know first hand the amazing change that can take place in relationships when the withdrawing partner is able to take this step. Make sure you grab your notebooks and pencils, our hosts drop great insight that you won't want to miss. Need a little more support? There is still time to sign up for our virtual couples retreat on October 4th. Head to www.foreplayrst.com for more details. 

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In adult partnered relationships we ask each other hundreds of questions on a regular basis. Most often, the questions we ask surround logistical needs, who's doing what and what time do we need to be there? So many of us underuse curiosity and open-ended meaningful questions. We get it! Life is busy and in efforts to get it all done, getting solid on the plans is a necessity. But as purveyors of bettering relationships and sex lives across the world, we are challenging our listeners to start asking each other about...SEX! Make sure to head to our website to check out the article from The Knot which inspired our show today, listing '12 Sex Questions for Couples'. Do you know what puts your partner in the mood? Do they like it gentle or rough? Anything new they want to try in bed? We know that if you don't ask you'll never know!

Any other questions you would add to this list? Head over to our Instagram @foreplay_sextherapypodcast and drop them in our comments. We can't wait to hear what you come up with!

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It's said that one of the biggest problems in communication is that we listen to respond rather than truly hearing what someone is saying. Sometimes, an even bigger issue is that we can't get a full sentence out before we are interrupted! Join our hosts today as they lead listeners through a conversation on interruptions and how to stop. George reminds us that information you want to interrupt with is probably valuable but the timing is off. Timing is key to creating more success in your communication with your love. When it comes to vulnerability, interruptions can flood the mind and they stop one of the most valuable communication tools...curiosity. Curiosity, as Dr. Laurie remarks, helps drain the poison from the partner that is feeling and working to express emotion. If interruptions cause problems in your communication with your spouse, make sure to listen to this show and take notes! 

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You may find you and your partner fighting about the

dishwasher, kids, money or sex. But what are you really fighting about? That's

what experts answer on this episode as they highlight the emotional cycle,

the sexual cycle and the impact of both. Couples are really set up to miss each

other and argue. It's an unfair reality that so many of us know. Some of us

need verbal communication and a strong emotional connection to feel close and

others need physical touch to create safety and connection. And when these

things conflict we experience misattunement. Join our hosts today as they talk

through a role play conversation highlighting this dilemma and the best ways to

repair it. The ability to repair is what makes couples great and able to handle

whatever conflict is thrown their way. Next time you find yourself arguing over

the dishes, maybe it's time to explore the cycles and if they are colliding.

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We all know the standard: missionary, doggystyle, woman on top but have you ever heard of these...the Stand and Deliver, the Pearly Gates, the Pretzel? Maybe you're scratching your head right now. We hope you're at least intrigued and ready to join us on this fun, playful episode where we are talking all things sex positions! Inspired by an article in a recent issue of Men's Health by Ian Kerner, sex therapist and author of "She Comes First," George and Laurie are introducing listeners to these positions and many more. Our sexpert, Dr. Laurie breaks down how these positions increase pleasure for both partners and can increase the quality of orgasm, lover connection and maybe even some laughter to the bedroom. This is a spicy episode that you'll definitely want to listen to with the lover in your life! 

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Male orgasms--seems pretty straightforward right? Think again. Join our experts on today's show to learn all about the male orgasm and how to make it better! George and Laurie take you through some of the mechanics of the male orgasm and introduce listeners to several strategies to increase the time, duration and pleasure of the male 'O'. Did you know that eating more greens and reducing your overall stress will lead to increased sensation during sex? There is so much more going on for men and their bodies than meets the eye. Listen as we explore the erogenous zones to hit, incorporating kegels (yes, kegels) into your routine and how to focus less on performance and more on the overall experience. Open up this conversation about orgasms with your love and how you can help each other get that better, hotter 'O' the next time you hit the sheets. Keep it hot y'all!

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The 'School of Love' is still on summer break and we can't help but think of it as the Summer of Love! While we're on break we are trying to keep things light and fun before our September session begins. Join us today as we discuss all things orgasm! Hosts, Dr. Laurie Watson and George Faller invite listeners to a conversation on the art of the 'O' and strategies that will really get things going. This is a no pressure show! Just because we're talking about orgasms doesn't mean you should run from this podcast to the bedroom with these expectations in hand. Rather we encourage you to think about what sets you up for success and helps your body get to this pleasure point. You'll walk away with some tips and tricks from our experts and tools to promote a positive and confident mindset. We encourage you to keep things fun, playful and light here and keep the pressure low. Remember pressure kills pleasure! Make sure to leave us a rating a review and head over to our IG @foreplay_sextherapypodcast and tell us what you think. We love hearing from you all!

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What memories does summertime bring up for you? For some the season might make you reminisce about long sunny days, swimming in a pool, sweet smells and your first love. It is a season through which sights, sounds, and smells can bring up right back to pivotal and formative moments. This episode is all about summer luvin' and how it 'had me a blast.' Hosts George Faller and Dr. Laurie Watson walk listeners through questions partners can ask each other using their B.E.S.T sex script and why this steamy season often gets us in the mood. Did you know that longer days and more physical activity lead to greater arousal? It's true! Thirty minutes after physical activity, the body is more primed and available for arousal than before. Listeners will walk away from this episode with ideas on how to have summer relaxation all year long, create bonding moments with your spouse to increase your emotional connection and more ways to keep things hot! Head to our website www.foreplayrst.com for a list of questions from today's episode. There you can also find more info on our virtual couples therapy retreat on October 4th.

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In this episode, Laurie and George answer a mailbag question from a Foreplay listener. She asks the hosts for help with her partner who is turned off by her bodily fluids during sex. A self-described sexual pursuer, she begins to worry about her withdrawing partner and the future of their relationship. George and Laurie work to reassure this listener that this is a common concern in relationships. Not everyone loves this exchange and that is okay! Listen as our hosts, guide a role play that will help this couple communicate about these issues and take the heat off the topic. This expert conversation will help both partners gain insight, get to the root of the issue, be curious and create a safe space to explore these differences. Don't miss these gems from the show: Change your language. Don't just focus on what you're getting or not getting rather share the longing underneath. Anxiety can cause you to obliterate the otherness of your partner. It's okay to have differences and they don't need to be wrong or bad. Both partners can grow and stretch in their sexual worlds. This is a lifelong adventure. Want more hands-on guidance from Laurie and George? Make sure to join us on October 4th for our virtual couples retreat!t

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It's time for a summer break from the 'School of Love.' Throw away your notebooks and let's dish on how to spice things up this summer! Are you tired of your stale routines and want to explore new things? Join us today as we talk about role reversals! We're helping the visual sexual responder take some risks and try seducing. Not sure what that means? Jump in with Laurie and George to find out what role you usually take on in your sexual relationship, how to switch it up and how to repair if the risk goes wrong. Included in this episode are novel ideas on how to initiate sex, increase desire and build empathy for each other. We're all about helping you have better relationships and better sex, take a break from your studies and soak it in. We also honor the life and legacy of Dr. Ruth, a pioneer in the field of sex therapy and a woman that made us all more comfortable with talking about the bedroom. Keep it hot y'all! 

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How can you know when you've united against the cycle? We've got you covered in this episode on the signs to look for and how to test for de-escalation. George and Laurie work through a role play and give an example conversation of what it sounds like when couples move from the you vs. me space to you and me vs. the cycle. We want to be on the lookout for seeing the cycle as a whole rather than a one off event, knowing your move and why and seeing how your move affects your partner. These three steps are the key to de-escalation and the ability to move into more vulnerability and deeper change in your relationship. You cannot miss this step if you want to achieve true, sustainable healing in your relationship. Not sure how to do this? Make sure you join George and Laurie for their virtual couples retreat on October 4th. If you're a couples therapist unsure how to incorporate the sexual cycle in your work, join us for an in-person training in Nashville in January. Head to our website for registration details. www.foreplayrst.com

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Foriawellness.com - get 20% off your first order! Try their Awaken and Arousal oil to enhance your experience in bed!

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We've worked in the last few episodes to name, externalize and unite against the emotional and sexual cycles that pit partners against one another. This episode is all couples finding common ground. On this common ground couples have more safety and are able to unlock empathy and deeply care about each other's pain. This is where true change and healing begins to take place. Each time partners encounter the cycle, they get better at naming it and coming back to the common ground space. Conversations become easier, less exhausting and more fulfilling because there is new experience of compassion, care and empathy available. Here we might let the pursuing partner know, "I understand where this protest is coming from. You make sense to me hear and I care about what you go through." We might signal to the withdrawing partner, "I understand how this makes you want to run and slowing down might make you feel safer." What might you want to say to your partner in this shared space? This school of love episode is bound to show partners that change is possible and how to keep working to create common ground together. Keep it hot, y'all!

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Did you know that 20% of couples can be defined as sexless by year 2 of their relationship? Why is this happening in the early stages of a relationship? Join our hosts on this episode as they break down what is actually happening in negative sexual cycles and how couples can unite against it. When partners are able to see their move, what happens when they are triggered and how it hurts their spouse, the cycle becomes so clear. It is a new way of talking about our problems that gets us out of the microview of who said what and into the macroview of the repetitive dance. This new lens allows couples to talk and stay connected in places where they may normally protest or shut down. George reminds us "when we can name it, we can tame it and then we can change it." Make sure to listen to the end when you get your new school of love assignment to better organize and understand your sexual cycle. Keep it hot y'all! 

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Do you find that you and your partner keep having the same arguments over and over, even though you're fighting about different things? If this is you, you won't want to miss this episode! Today's show is all about the negative cycle. Our hosts work to help couples organize what is happening and how couples can stop pointing the finger at each other and blame the cycle instead. Through this lens couples can feel more security and confidence in their interactions rather than thinking they have to solve each and every issue that comes up. If we don't start to see the cycle, the problems can feel endless and overwhelming! Make sure you stay on till the end to get George's homework assignment and head on over to our IG @foreply_sextherapypodcast and let us know your thoughts in the comments. Are you looking for more beyond our podcast? We're enrolling now for our couples retreat in October. Therapists interested in incorporating EFT and sex in the cycle? Join us in Nashville in January for our next therapist training. Visit www.foreplayrst.com to sign up today!

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