In this episode Ellen delves into the common marital issue of differing sex drives between spouses. Ellen emphasizes that every couple faces this problem at some point and highlights the importance of understanding the difference between spontaneous and responsive desire. She offers actionable advice on dealing with these differences, including improving communication, managing stress, ensuring adequate sleep, and proper nutrition. Ellen encourages spouses to stop blaming the disparity itself and instead focus on understanding and empathizing with each other's needs. Tune in for a compassionate and practical discussion aimed at enhancing intimacy and marital happiness.

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.

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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/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

In this episode I (Ellen) am joined by my husband Kurt to discuss the challenges we faced during the first year of our marriage, primarily focusing on our struggles with sex due to acute vaginismus and poor communication. We delve into how these issues affected our relationship, what we learned about the physical and mental aspects of sex, and how we ultimately overcame these challenges. We also introduce a new course on painful sex and the importance of a dual approach in addressing both the physical and mental aspects. Join us as we share our personal journey and offer insights and resources to help others facing similar struggles.

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.

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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/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.

In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway is joined by Christina Walsh, co-owner of Tighten Your Tinkler, to explore various types of pain experienced during sex and the role of pelvic floor health. Christina, a licensed physical therapist, shares insights from personal and professional experiences, discussing causes such as hypertonic pelvic floors and the impact of trauma. Together, they emphasize holistic approaches, practical tips, and the importance of communication with spouses to address and mitigate these issues.

Check out our other episode with Jen from Tighten Your Tinkler (ep. 70) 

Resources mentioned on the episode
Decompression Technique
Improving Intimacy Guide
5-minute Root Cause Quiz
Pubic joint self-check

Use code CHARTING50 to save $50 on the Tighten Your Tinkler Signature Program

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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/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

In this episode Ellen  and Kathleen dive into the complexities of maintaining a healthy sex life during family vacations. They discuss practical tips for navigating shared living spaces, the importance of sustaining intimacy without sex, and creative ways to find private moments with your spouse. The conversation also covers how to handle charting for Natural Family Planning (NFP) while out of routine, including the use of phone reminders, habit stacking, and consulting with your NFP instructor. This episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for keeping the flame alive even on busy family trips.

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.

Check out Dayuse.com for booking hotels just for a few hours (thank you to a listener for finding this resource) *not sponsored or affiliated 

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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/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

In this episode host Ellen Holloway delves into the topic of oral stimulation. Ellen explains the church's teachings on what is permissible and how oral stimulation fits into moral boundaries as foreplay leading to intercourse. Highlighting the importance of both male and female sexual pleasure, she clarifies that while female orgasm can occur during oral stimulation, male ejaculation must happen during intercourse to uphold the procreative purpose of sex.

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.

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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/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

Trying new positions can be a lot! Maybe you're not sure how to approach the conversation or you don't even know any other positions to try. This week, Ellen and Kathleen talk all things trying new positions in the bedroom!

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.

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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/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

In this episode Ellen delves into why there isn't a checklist for sexual pleasure in marriage and why that's a good thing. She discusses the theological perspectives on the human body and sexual pleasure, emphasizing the opportunity for couples to learn and grow through the newness of each intimate encounter. Ellen encourages couples to embrace the mystery and discovery in their sexual relationship, likening it to the ever-evolving experience of prayer and communion with God.

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.

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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/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

In this episode  Ellen and Kathleen discuss the nuances of grooming and shaving the genital area from a Catholic perspective. They address common questions around the morality of grooming, reasons people choose to groom, and the purpose of genital hair. The episode also covers the importance of communication between spouses about grooming preferences, realistic expectations versus those influenced by pornography, and helpful tips for safe grooming practices.

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.

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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/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

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/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

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/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]