Hey everyone! In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most layered and intriguing topics: women’s sexuality at midlife. We’re joined by the incredible Dr. Lori Watson, a renowned sexologist and couples therapist, who brings her extensive expertise to help us unpack the complexities of sex and desire as we age. From dealing with low libido and the pressures of long-term relationships to navigating the challenges of erectile dysfunction and emotional disconnection, we explore it all. Whether you're grappling with the changes that come with midlife or looking to keep the spark alive in your relationship, this episode is packed with insights that you won’t want to miss!

Episode Highlights:
[01:24] - Colette and Laura introduce Dr. Watson and set the stage for a deep dive into midlife sexuality.
[03:02] - Exploring the common struggles of low desire in long-term relationships and the impact on self-esteem.
[05:46] - Discussion on the expectations and realities of sex frequency in marriage, touching on the societal norms and pressures.
[10:00] - Addressing the emotional and physical factors that affect sexual desire, including stress, body image, and the bristle effect.
[17:33] - Dr. Watson discusses what’s “normal” for sex in long-term marriages and how to maintain an erotic connection over the years.
[20:58] - Insight into how couples can tackle the issue of a partner losing sexual interest and the underlying causes like health issues and emotional withdrawal.
[36:43] - Understanding the life force of sexuality and how to reconnect with your own sensuality and desire for a fulfilling sex life.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

In this heartfelt episode of Insights from the Couch, we’re diving into a topic that hits home for so many of us—coping with the empty nest. We get real about the grief, the unexpected feelings, and how to move from sadness to embracing this new chapter in life.

Join us as we share our own experiences of adjusting to an empty nest, the challenges that come with it, and the surprising positives that can emerge from this life phase. If you’re feeling lost, uncertain, or just a bit overwhelmed by the quiet, this episode is for you. Let’s navigate this journey together and find ways to make this time not just manageable, but truly fulfilling.

Episode Highlights:
[1:45] - Colette shares her summer of truly empty nesting, with both daughters away. 
[3:21] - The three stages of the empty nest: Grief, Relief, and Joy. 
[5:39] - The isolation of the empty nest and finding ways to fill the newfound free time.
[11:47] - Moving from grief to joy: Embracing the new reality.
[14:44] - The importance of allowing space for sadness.
[19:45] - The impact of enmeshment and control.
[27:36] - The freedom and personal development opportunities.
[30:55] - How to navigate the empty nest with grace.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Are you just going through the motions, stuck in a mental rut? Or are you truly living with vitality, curiosity and psychological flexibility? In this insightful episode, we're discussing the core signifiers of authentic mental wellness. You'll gain perspective on whether you're just surviving or actually thriving psychologically and emotionally. Get ready to assess your own mental health in a holistic way!

Episode Highlights:

[3:35] - Psychological flexibility: Holding two truths. 

[9:46] - Allowing the full range of emotions. 

[14:39] - Knowing yourself: Beliefs, apologies, asking for help. 

[21:07] - Struggle with gifts and receiving appreciation. 

[23:04] - Being curious, open and engaged.
[25:04] - Taking action to shift mental state.

[29:57] - Small interactions spark big mindset shifts.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website at insightsfromthecouch.org.

If you have questions, please email us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

In this episode, we are joined by Abbe Barclay, a seasoned Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist. With over 30 years of experience, Abbe offers invaluable insights into the complex world of sexual addiction. We discuss the nuances of sex addiction, its impact on relationships, and effective paths to recovery. Whether you're personally affected or simply curious about the subject, this episode sheds light on a topic often shrouded in misunderstanding and stigma.

Episode Highlights:

[1:32] - Colette shares her personal connection to the topic.

[3:47] - Abbe explains how she started working with sex addiction.

[4:21] - Debunking common misconceptions about sex addiction.

[5:52] - The psychological underpinnings of sex addiction.

[7:42] - The cycle of addiction: preoccupation, ritual, acting out, and despair.

[10:07] - Key signs and symptoms to look for in a sex addict.

[12:57] - The importance of addressing underlying emotional and psychological issues.

[18:36] - Differences in how sex addiction presents in men and women.

[22:19] - The role of denial and the importance of trained therapists.

[23:24] - The healing process: what it takes to recover.

[25:13] - Resources and books recommended by Abbe for further education.

[32:49] - Final thoughts on seeking appropriate help and setting boundaries.

Resources:

• Abbe Barclay's private practice: Clarity Counseling Center
• Recommended Reading: 
  • Sex Addiction 101 by Robert Weiss
  • Mending a Shattered Heart by Stefanie Carnes
  • Courageous Love: A Guide for Couples Conquering Betrayal by Stefanie Carnes
• Screening tests: Sexhelp.com
• Find a certified therapist: IITAP
• Seeking Integrity: https://seekingintegrity.com/ 

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

In today’s episode, we dive into a topic that hits close to home for many of us – overparenting. Are you the kind of parent who tends to hover, or maybe even bulldoze obstacles out of your child’s way? Join us as we discuss the various forms overparenting can take, its root causes, and most importantly, how it impacts the mental and emotional well-being of our kids. We share personal anecdotes, clinical insights, and practical advice to help you strike the right balance between being supportive and overbearing.

We also explore the broader implications of overparenting on societal norms and individual development, touching on how this trend affects not just kids but entire family dynamics. If you’ve ever found yourself questioning your parenting style or the cultural pressures driving you to be overly involved, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and discover how to foster independence and resilience in your children without stepping over the line.

Episode Highlights:

[1:04] - Discussing the prevalence of overparenting and its impact on mental health.

[2:19] - Different forms of overparenting and their origins in fear and protectiveness.

[3:34] - The impact of special needs on parenting styles and the unique challenges it presents.

[5:02] - Modern societal fears and their contribution to overparenting.

[6:36] - Real-life examples of extreme overparenting and its consequences.

[9:11] - The concept of "lawn mower parenting" and why it's detrimental.

[11:02] - Enmeshment and the importance of allowing children to develop their own identities.

[12:58] - Personal stories of the struggles and benefits of letting children face challenges.

[16:55] - The importance of failure in learning and development.

[18:06] - Balancing support with independence, especially for young adults.

[19:27] - Strategies for parents to avoid overparenting and promote resilience.

[21:45] - Addressing social pressures and the fear of judgment from others.

[23:52] - Encouragement for parents to give their children space and the benefits it brings.

[24:58] - The importance of frustration tolerance and resilience in children.

[26:42] - Final thoughts on being supportive without overparenting.

Resources:

• Dr. Becky Kennedy’s Book: Good Inside and Podcast: Good Inside
• Dr. Shefali Tsabary’s Book: The Conscious Parent
• Dr. Daniel Amen’s Book: Raising Mentally Strong Kids

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue 

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Laura Meyers, a seasoned clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety-related disorders, PTSD, OCD, and high-risk populations. Dr. Meyers shares her profound insights on the impacts of menopause on mental health, drawing from her personal and professional experiences. We delve into the emotional upheavals that come with menopause, the societal stigmas surrounding it, and the importance of finding the right support. This conversation is packed with valuable information for anyone navigating this significant life transition.

Episode Highlights:

[01:32] The importance of specialization in therapy and Dr. Meyers' approach to high-risk populations.

[06:04] Discussing effective therapy approaches for anxiety and depression.

[14:31] Understanding the emotional functions of anxiety and depression.

[22:35] Dr. Meyers shares her personal menopause experience and its emotional impact.

[34:36] How menopause can change women's perceptions and life priorities.

[41:33] The effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy and CBT techniques during menopause.

[48:40] The empowering aftermath of menopause and finding balance in life.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

In this compelling episode of Insights from the Couch, we discuss addiction and its impact on relationships. Our special guest, Aaron Moore, a licensed mental health counselor specializing in addiction and recovery, shares invaluable insights on navigating the choppy waters of substance abuse within marriages.

We explore the cultural normalization of alcohol use, the subtle signs of problematic drinking, and the importance of compassionate honesty in addressing addiction. Aaron offers a unique perspective on the arrested emotional development often seen in long-term substance users and provides hope for those struggling to find connection in their relationships. Whether you're dealing with addiction personally or supporting a loved one, this episode offers a beacon of hope and practical advice for moving forward.

Episode Highlights:

[2:07] - Aaron's experience working with couples and addiction.

[5:04] - Discussing the cultural acceptance of alcohol and its impact on recognizing problematic use.

[7:04] - Signs of substance use disorder and the progressive nature of addiction.

[9:54] - The role of denial in addiction and how it affects relationships.

[15:29] - Laura shares her personal experience with alcohol issues in her marriage.

[20:04] - The importance of individual work and setting boundaries in addiction recovery.

[27:30] - How to approach conversations about substance use with your partner.

[32:35] - The potential for a better relationship after working through addiction issues.

[38:02] - Understanding arrested emotional development in long-term substance users.

[43:18] - Balancing honesty and compassion when addressing addiction.

[47:27] - The importance of seeking support and professional help.

[53:48] - Aaron's inspiring thoughts on discovering one's inner emotional life in recovery.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

We all need supportive, fulfilling friendships in our lives - but making new friends and sustaining existing bonds can be challenging, especially as we navigate the middle years. In this engaging conversation, we explore the dynamics of platonic female relationships, emphasizing vulnerability, shared experiences, and emotional intimacy as key ingredients. Discover strategies for overcoming obstacles like envy, differing attachment styles, and the distractions of family life to forge deeper connections that enrich your world.

Episode Highlights:

[0:32] - We set the stage on why relationships matter for happiness and longevity.

[2:41] - The dangers of loneliness and appearance vs. true connectivity in social circles.

[4:15] - Have you outgrown certain friendships? Nurturing real emotional bonds is key.

[6:00] - Personality differences: Laura's more introverted while Colette is extraverted.

[9:04] - The challenges of getting enough "exposure" to make new friends as adults.

[10:48] - Colette's proactive approach leads to valuable new connections at an event.

[13:48] - Laura's concern about emotional overwhelm from adding new friends.

[16:36] - Navigating expectations in friendships - what's too much to ask?

[19:12] - The toxic role envy can play, even among caring friends at different life stages.

[22:01] - Handling feelings of jealousy and resilience from a secure self.

[25:21] - Examples of when socioeconomic or fertility factors strain friendships.

[27:20] - How attachment styles shape friendship patterns and boundaries.

[30:52] - The lasting impact of "mean girl" trauma into adulthood.

[32:57] - Earning trusted vulnerability and Colette's "cardboard box test" for quality friends.

[35:37] - Editing draining friendships and ending unhealthy bonds when needed.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website at insightsfromthecouch.org.

If you have questions, please email us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

In this episode, we get into the complex world of body image and fitness with the inspiring Dena Pistor, a personal trainer and studio owner with over 25 years of experience. Dena shares her personal journey with body image, exercise addiction, and how she overcame these challenges to find a healthier balance. This conversation is essential for anyone looking to improve their relationship with their body and embrace fitness at midlife. Join us as we explore Dena's story, the impact of societal pressures, and practical tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle without falling into the trap of comparison. 

Episode Highlights:

[01:15] - Introduction to Dena Pistor and her background in fitness.

[01:39] - Dena's journey into the fitness industry and her personal struggles with body image.

[03:35] - The role of exercise addiction and how it affected Dena's life.

[10:09] - How pregnancy changed Dena's perspective on fitness and health.

[14:20] - The importance of finding balance in fitness routines, especially at midlife.

[17:43] - Societal and social media pressures on body image and the challenge of embracing one's body.

[25:39] - Practical advice for maintaining health and fitness at midlife.

[30:50] - The significance of strength training and the benefits of a balanced fitness regimen.

[35:53] - The mental and emotional benefits of exercise and the importance of self-acceptance.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Today we're breaking through the financial “tacky” taboos into the complex relationship between women and money at midlife. In this episode, we unpack the psychological roots of how women view and handle money, exploring personal stories and societal expectations that shape our financial lives. Join us as we discuss everything from inherited wealth to financial independence and the emotional hurdles that come with managing money.

We candidly share our own journeys with money, the mistakes we've made, and the lessons we've learned (it’s a little cringey). We explore how our backgrounds and experiences have influenced our financial mindsets and what we've done to gain control and confidence in our financial lives. This episode is all about normalizing the conversation around money among women and encouraging everyone to take charge of their financial future.

Episode Highlights:

[0:40] - Different experiences with money based on upbringing and life stages.

[1:44] - Suze Orman and the surprising financial illiteracy among successful women.

[3:06] - Laura's personal money story: Growing up financially uninformed.

[4:30] - Colette's money story: Financial struggles and being forced to face it.

[7:33] - The impact of generational wealth and the psychological development it hampers.

[10:58] – Fear of money and the psychological issues surrounding financial independence.

[14:03] - The role of women as spenders and the pressure to provide for the family.

[17:42] - The antiquated belief that a husband's money is for the household and the wife's money is for personal use.

[20:38] - Men’s struggle with their role as financial providers and its impact on their self-worth.

[23:28] - The rise of financial independence among older women and its effect on marriages.

[25:14] - The importance of women developing a well-rounded relationship with money.

[27:15] - Practical advice on saving, investing, and building financial confidence.

[31:03] - Encouragement to discuss money openly and seek financial education.

Resources:

For a worksheet to guide you to begin your journey to an emotionally healthy relationship with money visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org 

If you have questions please email us at [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!