Today Ellen is answering a question from Instagram:

My husband really resists oral, but sex has been painful for me. He's really rough. I spoke up and there's been no change. 

As you can see there are a lot of facets to this question and we cover it all in this episode!

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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!

Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at [email protected]

Ready to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

In this week's episode Kathleen and Ellen talk about some common elements of lingerie. They discuss both personal preferences as well as how certain elements can fit well for certain body types or seasons of life (like postpartum or pregnant bodies!)

We talk through some pieces specifically on the Mentionables website. While we reference specific pieces the conversation is tailored to style elements that you might notice in any lingerie!

You can use the code CHARTING for 10% off your purchase at Mentionables and your purchase helps support the show!

Please note that Mentionables changes their available styles on a regular basis so some of these links may not work if you are listening to this several months/years after the airing.

Piece #1 CAP SLEEVE SQUARE NECK BRALETTE - TEAL (see additional piece to fill out the set)
Piece #2 DOUBLE KEYHOLE SPLIT FRONT BABYDOLL - CORAL
Piece #3 PLUNGE NECK STRAPPY BACK TEDDY - TEAL
Piece #4 EMBROIDERED UNDERWIRE BUSTIER (and see additional pieces to fill out the set)
Piece #5 SATIN & EYELASH LACE SLIP - IRIDESCENT CREAM
Piece #6 LACE & MESH BUSTIER TIERED BABYDOLL - IRIDESCENT CREAM
Piece #7 EYELASH LACE CROTCHLESS TEDDY - NAVY
Piece #8 STRAPPY CROTCHLESS PANTY - BLACK (see additional piece to fill out the set)
Piece #9 LACY CAGED CUPLESS BRALETTE - BLACK
Piece #10 VELVET RUFFLE CROPPED CAMI - LAVENDER HAZE

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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!

Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at [email protected]

Ready to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Ellen  addresses the struggle many women face in transitioning from their busy day to intimate moments with their spouse. Highlighting the inherent multitasking nature of women's brains, Ellen introduces the '10-minute unwind' as a method to help focus and prepare for intimacy.

Check out the O Course for Catholic Women here!

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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!

Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at [email protected]

Ready to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen delve into the distinction between Natural Family Planning (NFP) and contraception, addressing common questions and concerns from a Catholic perspective. They explore the theological significance of sex, the church's stance on NFP versus contraception, and how these practices reflect one's relationship with God's will. The discussion covers the physical and spiritual aspects of marital intimacy, the importance of responsible parenthood, and the role of prayer and discernment in using NFP. They acknowledge the challenges and sacrifices that may come with practicing NFP but also highlight its potential for spiritual growth and deeper marital intimacy.

Interested in Ellen's Renewed Intimacy coaching program? Get more info and apply here

___________________________________

Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!

Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at [email protected]

Ready to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

In this episode Ellen discusses how couples can handle differing levels of comfort with sexual acts. She emphasizes the importance of communication, respecting each other's boundaries, and defaulting to the less comfortable spouse to maintain a loving and trusting relationship. She provides guidance on how to navigate situations where one partner is uncomfortable, suggesting that saying no is an opportunity for growth and deeper intimacy. The discussion includes how to handle uncomfortable situations both during and outside the sexual act, advocating for clear communication as the means to a fulfilling sexual relationship within marriage.

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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!

Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at [email protected]

Ready to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

In this episode Ellen and Kathleen explore the topic of chastity within marriage, emphasizing that chastity goes beyond merely abstaining from sex. They discuss the deep and abundant grace available through the sacrament of marriage and how living out chastity can enhance marital intimacy and union. The conversation covers the Catechism's teachings on chastity for all baptized individuals, regardless of marital status. They debunk common misconceptions about chastity, highlighting its importance across different life states and within marriage, where it encompasses engaging in sexual relations healthily and wholesomely. The episode also touches on inappropriate behaviors that contradict chastity in marriage and offers practical advice on fostering intimacy and maintaining a chaste relationship, especially during times when sexual activity must be avoided. 

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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!

Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at [email protected]

Ready to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

 In this episode Ellen shares a personal revelation about finding God's presence and grace in the imperfections of married life and liturgical celebrations. Despite her initial frustration with less-than-perfect liturgies during the Easter Triduum, Ellen is reminded through prayer that God's grace is not limited by human imperfections. She draws a parallel between her experience with liturgies and the realities of married life, emphasizing that God works through the 'messiness' of both to bring about His grace.

Apply to 1:1 Coaching!

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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!

Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at [email protected]

Ready to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

This episode focuses on the common issue among couples regarding the disparity in sex drives, a topic frequently brought up by listeners. We propose a perspective shift, suggesting couples view these differences as blessings that can forward the relationship and increase intimacy. 

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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!

Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at [email protected]

Ready to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

In this episode, the focus is on the church's teachings regarding manual stimulation and masturbation within the context of marriage. We'll go through basically all of the different scenarios of manual stimulation from masturbation to stimulating the other person. 

Get the Orgasm Course for Catholic Women at vinesinfullbloom.com/orgasm

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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!

Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at [email protected]

Ready to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen and Kathleen tackle the challenge of internalized purity culture and its impact on women's sexual thoughts. They discuss the phenomenon where healthy sexual desires within the context of marriage are mistakenly treated as intrusive thoughts due to purity culture's teachings. The discussion includes defining intrusive thoughts, sharing personal struggles with accepting sexuality, and the journey of healing the relationship with sex from the perspective of Catholic women.

Check out the 12 week Renewed Intimacy Coaching Program

___________________________________

Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!

Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at [email protected]

Ready to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses