In today's episode we are talking about the act and art of touch. Touch is one of our primary attachment needs and we need it from cradle to grave. Touch is often a hot button issue between couples. Distance and disconnection in the relationship can create anxiety and pressure around touch. What stops touch from happening between you and your partner? Ask yourself is there a cycle that comes alive when one of us is seeking touch and what can we learn from it? Laurie and George share more about how vulnerable it can be to receive touch and that a key to safety in this area is non-sexual touch. Increasing affection that isn't centered around sex but strengthening the attachment need in the relationship. It's important to reduce the pressure here, work on relational safety and get curious with each other. You'll take away ideas on how to promote non-sexual touch, exercises that stimulate pleasure and little ways to enjoy more touch together.

Special announcement for all couples therapists who want more EFT and Sex training. Join George on April 16th for his masterclass through Nicabm. Don't worry if you can't make it live. You will receive a recording with your registration. George Faller: EFT & Sex Training for Therapists

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Next to relational distress, a negative body image is the biggest disruptor for derailing sex and desire. While this has traditionally been a woman's struggle, increasingly it is also an isue for men. Join sex therapist Laurie Watson and couples therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they talk about body image issues.

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In today's episode, our hosts interview Dr. Polly Watson. Dr. Watson is an expert on menopause and focuses on holistic treatment methods, creating life changing results for her patients. Join us for this fascinating conversation on the causes and solutions of sexual pain. Did you know that during the transition to menopause 75% of women experience discomfort during sex due to hormonal changes? We discuss all things regarding hormone replacement therapy, pelvic floor therapy and how male partners can support their spouses better. There is no shame in this transitional time, yet too many women struggle in silence and we are sharing this message today. You are not alone, there is hope and treatment that can improve conditions. Sex should be enjoyable, not painful! You, along with George will learn so much in this episode and will feel empowered about the pathway forward. To learn more about Dr. Watson visit her website here: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/  You can also get great insights from her podcast, Menopause Rescue.

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Uberlube.com -- Laurie's long-time favorite personal lubricant to Keep It Hot!

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Relationships have three broad areas of relating: the mundane details that must be done in live, sexual intimacy, and being friends -- liking our partner, enjoying their company, sharing the details of our inner worlds. The best relationships manage to have all three work; imbalance among them leads to problems. Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couple's therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they talk about balancing these three essential arenas of relationship.

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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. 

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Addyi.com -- the only FDA-approved treatment for certain women with low libido.

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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.

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Is your sex life a little too vanilla? Maybe you want to try something new but want just the right amount of spice? Grab your lover and join us for today's episode as we discuss how to get comfortable with getting more kinky. Inspired by an article in Glamour Magazine, hosts Laurie and George share ideas to get things heated up. Laurie calls the list 'kink light' but it's sure to help you take things up a notch. Remember here, consensual is key! Both partners need to communicate and have safety to be able to take more sexual risks. Suggestive texts, dirty talk, sexy outfits or none at all, using a mirror, switching normal roles, teasing. Hooked yet? Hop on over to our instagram @foreplay_sextherapy and let us know what you would add to the list. Keep it kinky, y'all! 

Please support the pod by checking out this episodes sponsor:

Addyi.com -- the only FDA-approved treatment for certain women with low libido.

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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.

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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!

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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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