Love & Cherish Podcast with Laura How

Sexless Relationship Therapy Guide: Restoring Intimacy and Connection


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Sexless Relationship Therapy Guide: How to Help Couples Restore Intimacy and Sexual Bond

Sexless marriages are far more common than most couples realise, and the impact is deeper than many therapists are trained to address.

In this episode, I break down why sex matters in long-term relationships, what’s driving the sharp rise in sexlessness, and how both therapists and couples can tackle it head-on.

This discussion is grounded in research, clinical experience, and the lived reality of countless couples.

If you’re a therapist, you’ll get a clear framework for addressing sexlessness in the therapy room.

If you’re part of a couple, you’ll understand what’s really going on and what you can do to change it.

I’ll cover:

  • Why sexlessness is rising so fast, and why that matters

  • The emotional, relational, and cultural fallout of avoiding sex

  • The narratives fuelling disconnection between men and women

  • Common therapeutic blind spots and how to address them

  • A practical framework to restore intimacy

  • Why sex isn’t “just a bonus”, it’s a core emotional need, like trust or respect

    Question for You:

    Do you think therapists and couples avoid talking honestly about sex?
    Share your thoughts — I’d love to hear your perspective.

    References & Further Reading:

    Full blog post with citations: https://laurahow.com/sexless-marriage

    Book a 1-to-1 session:

    https://laurahow.com/online-coaching

    Therapists — Work with me:

    https://laurahow.com/work-for-me

    More Ways to Connect & Grow:

    • Join my newsletter

    • Follow me on Instagram: @laurahow

    • Facebook: Laura How Counsellor

    • Twitter: @laurahow

      Chapters:

      00:00 Introduction: The Sexless Marriage Crisis
      00:41 Cultural Forces Driving Sexual Disconnection
      02:03 The Power of Sexual Bonding
      02:37 Why Sex Gets Ignored in Therapy
      04:17 Statistics on Sexless Marriages
      06:51 Trauma, Pain, and Safety Considerations
      08:02 Is Sexlessness a Symptom or a Cause?
      09:36 Key Questions to Assess the Sexual Dynamic
      11:38 Willingness to Engage in Healing
      12:41 Cultural Influences on Sex Between Men and Women
      15:28 The Emotional Significance of Sex
      18:00 Consequences of Sexual Neglect
      19:51 Impact of Intimacy on Families and Children
      20:53 Intentional Intimacy: Making Space for Connection
      24:27 Barriers to Progress
      27:45 Practical Strategies for Therapists

      Tags:

      #SexlessMarriage #MarriageTherapy #RelationshipHelp #IntimacyInMarriage #MarriageAdvice #MensMentalHealth #CouplesTherapy

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      Love & Cherish Podcast with Laura HowBy Laura How | Love & Cherish Podcast

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