Let's Talk About Sex with Dr Laura Prescott

What exactly is a fetish—and how is it different from a paraphilia?

In this episode of Let’s Talk About Sex, Dr. Laura Prescott breaks down the psychology behind fetishes, helping you understand what’s typical, what’s considered atypical, and when a sexual interest might become a clinical concern.

You’ll learn:

The key differences between fetishes and paraphilias

Why many fetishes are completely normal and harmless

When a fetish crosses into a diagnosable disorder

How classical conditioning may play a role in the development of sexual preferences

Common fetishes (like feet, shoes, and clothing) and some lesser-known—and surprising—examples

Dr. Prescott also explores the wide spectrum of human sexual interest, from the familiar to the unusual, emphasizing an important clinical principle: it’s not the behavior itself, but the level of distress or impairment it causes that determines whether intervention is needed.

Whether you're curious, studying psychology, or simply looking to better understand human sexuality, this episode offers a thoughtful, stigma-free look at one of the most misunderstood topics in sexual health.

What is consensual non-monogamy (CNM) and why are more people exploring relationship structures beyond traditional monogamy?

In this episode of Let’s Talk About Sex, Dr. Laura Prescott, Director of Clinical Training and Associate Professor for the Clinical PsyD program at The Chicago School – Los Angeles, sits down with her student Hemiah, who is researching consensual non-monogamy for her dissertation. Together they explore the growing interest in polyamory, open relationships, swinging, and other CNM relationship structures.

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Consensual non-monogamy refers to relationship arrangements where partners openly agree that romantic or sexual connections with multiple people are acceptable, provided there is transparency, consent, and communication among everyone involved.

In this conversation, Dr. Prescott and Hemiah discuss:

What consensual non-monogamy (CNM) is and how it differs from cheating

Different CNM relationship structures such as polyamory, swinging, and triads

Why some people feel drawn to non-monogamous relationships

The role of communication, trust, and boundaries

The impact of stigma surrounding CNM relationships

Managing jealousy and emotional reactions

The concept of compersion, or feeling joy for a partner’s experiences with others

Practical advice for individuals curious about exploring CNM

The discussion also highlights how healthy CNM relationships rely heavily on communication, consent, and clear expectations, much like any successful relationship.

Whether you are curious about alternative relationship structures, interested in the psychology of modern relationships, or simply looking to better understand polyamory and consensual non-monogamy, this episode provides an informative and thoughtful introduction to the topic.

Topics Covered

Consensual non-monogamy (CNM)

Polyamory and open relationships

Swinging and relationship exploration

Jealousy and emotional processing in CNM

Compersion in relationships

Communication and boundaries

Reducing stigma around alternative relationship structures

Infidelity can be one of the most painful experiences a relationship faces—but does cheating always mean the relationship is over?

In this episode of Let’s Talk About Sex, Dr. Laura Prescott, Director of Clinical Training and Associate Professor in the Clinical PsyD program at The Chicago School, explores the complex topic of infidelity in relationships.

Dr. Prescott explains why infidelity is often difficult to define, how relationship boundaries differ across couples, and why assumptions about cheating can lead to misunderstandings. From emotional affairs to physical infidelity, she breaks down how couples can clearly define boundaries and expectations in their relationships.

The episode also explores why infidelity happens, including factors such as attachment styles, unmet relationship needs, communication breakdowns, and personal struggles like self-esteem or unresolved past experiences.

Most importantly, Dr. Prescott discusses whether couples can recover after cheating and outlines practical steps for healing, including:

• Seeking support through couples therapy or relationship counseling
• Understanding the underlying causes of infidelity
• The importance of honesty, accountability, and transparency
• Avoiding revenge behaviors and harmful social media responses
• Rebuilding trust and removing ongoing temptations
• Taking time before making major relationship decisions

While infidelity can end some relationships, many couples are able to rebuild trust, strengthen communication, and emerge with a deeper understanding of their relationship.

If you or someone you know is navigating cheating, betrayal, or relationship recovery, this episode offers a thoughtful psychological perspective on healing and moving forward.