What actually makes a relationship work, and why do so many couples struggle even when there is love? In this episode, Dr Stuart Naughten, clinical psychologist and relationship therapist based in East Melbourne and Preston, VIC, introduces a new model for understanding relationship health through four core principles.

Currently developing this framework into a book, Stuart explores how relationships can be better understood, assessed, and supported by looking at:

• Individual Wellbeing Management
• Fluctuated Connectedness
• Fairness Management
• Conflict Management

We unpack how these four domains can help you make sense of relationship distress, recurring patterns, emotional disconnection, and even past relationship breakdowns. Stuart also explores the concept of “being separate whilst together”—and why healthy intimacy depends on both autonomy and connection.

This is a rich conversation about relationship dynamics, emotional capacity, communication, and what really happens when one or both partners are struggling internally.

Host: Lauren Muratore

Guest: Dr. Stuart Naughten:⁠⁠www.drstuartnaughtenpsychology.com

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My Blog & Videos: www.laurenmuratore.com

Want a therapy appointment? My clinic, Integrated Sex + Relationship Therapy: www.integratedsextherapy.com.au

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Join my socials:

Insta: @integrated.sxtherapy

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Get in touch: [email protected]

“Ask a Sexologist Question” anonymous email for me to answer in a show and on socials: [email protected]

Believe it or not, women pay for sex- and it’s on the rise.  Let’s flip the perception of sex work and abolish stigma. Join me talking with Melbourne based straight male sex worker Mason Hunter to get a sneak peak into what his job actually entails.  Mason shares what a client is usually looking for, how he works with couples, and even shares some secrets on how couples can maintain a healthy sex life.  He also gives men valuable tips and divulges what women really are looking for (which corroborates with my clinical experience).  “Women want hugs, to be heard, the truth, and some good hard f*cking.”  Prepare for some laughter, stunt c0ck discussions, and some valuable sexual insight from the fervent and charming Mason Hunter.

Host: Lauren Muratore | www.integratedsextherapy.com.au

Guest: Mason Hunter https://scarletblue.com.au/male-escort/mason-hunter⁠

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntegratedSexRelationshipTherapy/

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TikTok: @sextherapy_w.laurenm

Email: [email protected]

Are you single and dating? How do you date the right people? What are the red flags to look out for? What are the green flags to seek? Tips from two couples therapists and sex therapists on how to date well. This episode is all about the highs, lows and in-betweens of dating. 

Are you struggling to feel sexual because you're exhausted? Have you lost your libido, but you still want to connect with your partner sexually? What do we do when one person has capacity for sex, and the other doesn't? It's absolutely possible to be sexual when you're low on energy/spoons/capacity. We explore how you can discuss your capacity for sex with your partner/s and how to find sexual and sensual activities that meet you where you are at. 

As many as 75% of vulva owners and 1-5% of penis owners experience sexual pain. While pain during sex is a common experience, it isn’t something you should accept and just live with. In this episode we demystify the main causes for sexual pain, including readiness for penetration, vaginismus and vulvodynia. We discuss modern approaches for treatment and how to reconnect with pleasure following sexual pain.  

Are you constantly dating people that aren't right for you? Do you sabotage your relationship in repeated ways? Attachment refers to the bonds we formed with our primary caregivers, that translate into templates for our future romantic partners. We explore how our attachment styles impact romantic and sexual relationships. Learn how to become securely attached and form long-lasting relationships. 

Around 70% of all marriages experience an affair of some kind, be it physical, emotional, or breaking the shared relationship rules. Infidelity related issues are approximately a third of clinical cases we see. We explore why people cheat, how to recover from infidelity, and how to re-establish trust and intimacy. Infidelity doesn’t have to be the end of your relationship, we discuss how your relationship can be even stronger.

Is sex the last thing on your mind but also something you really want to want? Do you know how to manage your turn offs? Or maybe you’re wondering how to turn your partner on? In this episode we explore the Dual Control Model by Eric Janseen & John Bancroft; aka brakes and accelerators – how to manage your turn ons and turn offs to maximise opportunities for sexual connection with yourself/partner/s.

Sex doesn’t just “happen”, it starts long before you get to the bedroom.

In this episode, we unpack one of the most overlooked drivers of a struggling sex life: sexual initiation. Because when initiation breaks down, desire, connection, and confidence often follow.

We explore why initiating sex can feel so vulnerable, why rejection cuts deeper than most people admit, and how repeated failed attempts quietly erode intimacy over time. If you’ve ever stopped trying, avoided initiating, or felt stuck in a pattern of rejection , then this conversation will hit home.

Lauren and Lauren cover sexual initiation styles, verbal and non verbal cues, and how to speak with your partner/s about sexual initiation. If your sex life feels stuck, distant, or full of tension, this episode will help you understand why and what to do next.

Host: Lauren Muratore & Lauren Bradley

Get FREE Sex & Relationship advice sent to your inbox. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://laurenmuratore.kit.com/381047dd8b

My Blog & Videos: www.laurenmuratore.com

Want a therapy appointment? My clinic, Integrated Sex + Relationship Therapy: www.integratedsextherapy.com.au

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Join my socials:

Insta: @integrated.sxtherapy

Youtube: @Lauren.Muratore

TikTok: @Laurenmuratore

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-muratore-632473191

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Get in touch: [email protected]

“Ask a Sexologist Question” anonymous email for me to answer in a show and on socials: [email protected]

You’re not stuck in conflict because your partner is the problem. You’re stuck because neither of you actually knows what the fight is really about.

Same argument. Different day.
And no matter how many times you talk it through; it doesn’t land, it doesn’t shift, and it definitely doesn’t resolve.

Why? Because most couples aren’t arguing about the surface issue.
They’re reacting from deeper wounds, unmet needs, and patterns they don’t even realise they’re repeating. In this episode, we break down why your fights go in circles, and how you might be unconsciously keeping them there.

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Host: Lauren Muratore

Get FREE Sex & Relationship advice sent to your inbox. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://laurenmuratore.kit.com/381047dd8b

My Blog & Videos: www.laurenmuratore.com

Want a therapy appointment? My clinic, Integrated Sex + Relationship Therapy: www.integratedsextherapy.com.au

—————

Join my socials:

Insta: @integrated.sxtherapy

Youtube: @Lauren.Muratore

TikTok: @Laurenmuratore

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-muratore-632473191

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Get in touch: [email protected]

“Ask a Sexologist Question” anonymous email for me to answer in a show and on socials: [email protected]