Brave Love Great Sex – Couples Therapy Podcast

In this week's Foreplay Replay we discuss whether to have sex or refrain from sex during a woman's period? Research shows that there are 4 different reactions women have about sex on their periods. Join sex therapist Laurie Watson and couple's therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they talk through the issues about sex on periods.

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Greetings Brave Lovers! In today's episode we are discussing parallel patterns: wherein you are a pursuer or a withdrawer in both the emotional and sexual cycle. Join Laurie and George as they break down the dilemma of the partner who is an emotional and sexual pursuer and the partner who is an emotional and sexual withdrawer. This double role can make it difficult to tap into one another's pain position. Listen in as our hosts run through a role play that is sure to help you With clarity, understanding and how to break through a parallel pattern. Need more at...

In this Foreplay Replay we discuss how a husband’s positive behavior toward partner increases frequency of sex – but don’t wait too long to be positive guys. Even if you don’t feel like being positive, being positive is the route to more sex. What is positive behaviors? “Saying I love you” • “Making partner life” • “Engaging in physical intimacy outside of sex” • “Appreciative expressions” and more. Tune in to sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couple’s therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they share what works in increasing sex frequency.

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Welcome Brave Lovers! Today we are joined by Carole Cullen, LMFT and director of My-Therapist, Inc. in Wake Forest, NC. Carole is a certified EFT therapist and works in her practice daily helping couples deescalate negative cycles and grow closer. Listen in as Laurie and Carole have a deeply engaging conversation about her breast cancer journey and its impact on her relationship and sex life. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this is an incredibly important conversation for couples that may be navigating this together. Carole reminds listeners that breast cancer doesn't just happen to the individual; it...

In this Foreplay Replay we discuss both short-term and long-term medical challenges/disabilities can impact a committed relationship. Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and psychotherapist Dr. Adam Mathews discuss how to handle these difficult situations.

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Welcome Brave Lovers! Today we are talking how to invite novelty into the bedroom. We need both intimacy and pleasure for desire. Familiar sex doesn’t stop connection but novelty and unpredictability can make desire grow. But the newness could also create some tension. Join George and Laurie as they share the benefits of sharing new ideas to shake up their sex life and how to have the conversation in a safe and healthy way. Their expert role play is certain to reassure couples and secure partnerships are a great place to explore with one another! 

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In this Foreplay Replay we discuss what to do if your partner has been sexually traumatized in their past? From big traumas of date rape, sexual assault, or groped to serial sexism or shaming messages about sex. Each trauma has an individual impact. Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and psychotherapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they discuss how to relate to a lover who has had trauma.

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Trigger Warning: Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode Laurie is joined by guest Renee Segal. Renee is the owner of Evolve Therapy in Minneapolis, MN. Renee is an EFT couples therapist and supervisor and has spent her career supporting survivors of sexual assault. We are responding to the recent news from Cornell University and addressing a topic that is not spoken about enough. 1 in 4 women, and 1 in 6 men are survivors of sexual assault. Sexual trauma can create myriad trauma symptoms for individuals including; dissociation, sexual avoidance, hypersexual behaviors and hypervigilance among others. Yet, this conversation often doesn't get addressed betwee...

In this week's foreplay replay we discuss how our communication with our lovers (and others) can be broken down into discrete bids for attention and interactions. In this episode of Foreplay, sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and psychotherapist Dr. Adam Mathews discuss the role these bids play in seduction and sex.

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Welcome Brave Lovers! In this episode, we are discussing the sex set up. This is a common pattern where couples have lots of sex while dating and then after marriage they hit a sex slump. Sex during dating is often fun, exciting, spontaneous and sometimes a way to secure the relationship. Marriage increases responsibilities, work loads and there is less opportunity for spontaneous connection. Join Laurie and George as discuss the reasons for this and how the shift to marriage changes sexual patterns. Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of this pattern, identify individual triggers and learning ho...

In this week's Foreplay replay we discuss how a certain proportion of women will fake an orgasm to reassure their partner. Laurie says this is short-sighted! Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couples therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they talk about why women fake orgasms and how to change.

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Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, we're diving into the experience of low-orgasm or the absence of orgasm for some. It's a common concern that can lead to frustration and distance, yet it's something many couples struggle to talk about openly. Join Laurie and George as they explore the physical, psychological, and relational factors that can impact the capacity for orgasm. We'll discuss how to shift the focus from the 'goal' to the 'process' of pleasure, how to communicate needs effectively without pressure, and how to increase comfort and connection in the bedroom. Listen in for practical strategies to...

In this Foreplay Replay we discuss how talking regularly about the state of your sexual union is essential to achieving and maintaining a satisfying sexual relationship. Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couple's therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they discuss how to accomplish a regular state of the union.

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Welcome Brave Lovers! Have you ever said something to your partner that didn't land well? You backtrack and try to explain your intent but they are still hurting and now angry. If you have, then this episode is for you! Join our hosts, Laurie and George as they share what happens when the impact hits hard and the attempt to explain the intent falls flat. Listeners will learn how to hold both truths, have clean communication around the event and improve their timing. It's important to remember that even with good intentions your partner can still feel hurt. Acknowledging...

In this Foreplay Replay we discuss how unhealthy power dynamics in relationships can hamper connection. Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couples therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they explore the pursuer-distancer dance through the lens of power.

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Welcome Brave Lovers! If you don't want to have sex and your partner always does this is the episode for you! Join hosts, Laurie and George as they expand on the world of the sexual withdrawer. We explore why the sexual withdrawer may shut down when the pressure cycle is on; past trauma, relational issues, resent or just downright bad sex and provide the valuable language withdrawers need to communicate to their pursuing partners. We get curious and ask what does not wanting to have sex mean and how the withdrawer can pay attention to what is happening inside o...

In this Foreplay Replay we discuss how we bring our expectations along with us into any situation. Particularly with our partner, we have a host of expectations that we want our partner to fulfill. A couple can run into problems if their expectations are not discussed, negotiated, and clarified. Join sex therapist Dr. Laurie Watson and couples therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they talk about expectations in our relationships.

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Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode we are discussing the role and inner world of the sexual pursuer. Join Laurie and George for an expert role play to learn how the sexual pursuer can clearly communicate their feelings and needs without defense and blame. They highlight that the pursuer often focuses on changing the behavior of the withdrawer but it is more effective when they can share their vulnerability to their partner. Our hosts remind us that initiating sex is a secure move in a relationship. The anxiety that develops is problematic and creates the negative cycle. Listen in...

In this Foreplay Replay we discuss the path to a long-term successful relationship requires putting your relationship above your individual interests, which runs counter to where we always start and where our culture starts, which is 'me first.' Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couple's therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they discuss how to win the relationship game and how to avoid 'starfish sex.'

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Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, we are diving into the world of the emotional withdrawer. When the withdrawer is feeling overwhelmed, they may pull away or shut down, often leaving their partner feeling confused and isolated. Listen in as we explore the underlying reasons for this dynamic and provide practical steps to help withdrawers re-engage with their partners. We discuss how to create a safer space for vulnerability and the importance of attunement in breaking the cycle. Whether you are the withdrawer or the partner, you'll gain valuable insights into building a more secure and connected relationship. Let...

In this Foreplay Replay we talk about how it is believed that 3-6% of people in the U.S. struggle with sexual compulsion, all genders can be affected. Sometimes sexual activities become compulsive and lead to damaging pattern in people's relationships and work lives.

Defining sexual compulsion is best done by identifying certain patterns and behaviors... Some of these include overindulging in porn, loss in interest in sex with their partner, having a "secret" life seeking seeking sexual activities elsewhere, the escalation of risky sexual behaviors, or neglecting responsibilities due to their sex addiction.

It’s...

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, we are delving into the world of the emotional pursuer. Join our hosts, Laurie and George to talk about what it looks like when a partner is constantly seeking connection, why that pursuit can sometimes feel overwhelming, and how both partners can shift their approach to create a more balanced and secure bond. We look at the underlying attachment needs that drive this behavior and offer practical steps to turn the pursuit into an invitation for closeness. Make sure to listen in to learn how to navigate these moments and reconnect with your...

In the foreplay replay we talk about how men who feel sex as their primary path to connection are often  told "all they want is sex."  Indeed, sex is exciting and pleasurable to them but also the way they feel and want to express love and connection.  Listen to George Faller and Laurie Watson talk about how men feel about sex; why the couple needs their sexual motivation and what they can do to have more of it.

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In this foreplay replay we talk about how Affairs devastate the trust and connection in a committed relationship… Although healing after an affair is a delicate process and can feel impossible, we believe that recovery and reconnection is possible! What works best to restore the relationship and trust? 

Acting out in an affair is often a sign of problems with the person’s life or relationship. A push/pull dynamic can fuel the infidelity…

While sexual betrayal strikes at the very heart of commitment, marriages and partnerships can often emerge stronger after an affair. Join sex the...

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, our hosts are joined by renowned Shibari Artist, Kati Bird. Shibari is the Japanese art of decorative rope bondage.  Listen in for this exciting conversation as Kati shares more about the art and how it can be transformative for couples. Kati details how the process involves clear and explicit conversation between partners and can create a somatic experience that evokes emotional intimacy as well as physical. She shares that there is frequent checking in, attunement and the creation of space for communication that can allow participants to experience deeply. This unique practice has man...

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, we answer a mailbag question from a long-time listener. Our listener is a sexual pursuer wanting to know how to improve things in their sexless marriage. Join Laurie and George as they provide expert advice on how to prioritize your relationship during the busy parenting years, identify where you are blocking connection and effective ways to communicate this intimate conversation. Their role play shows how to correct a negative cycle and get the conversation moving in a positive and meaningful direction. Want to get your question answered on an episode? Head over to...

In this foreplay replay we talk a lot about romance outside of the bedroom, but what does a romantic interlude look like? “I wish my partner were more romantic in bed” is a statement we often hear from women. “Are you kidding me?” is a retort we often hear from men. “I thought we were done with all the jumping through hoops after we got married.”

While it is true that many men feel as described, it’s also true that both men and women appreciate romance and thoughtfulness in relationships. Bringing romance to a relationship will differ for ever...

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, we explore the often overlooked topic of loss during menopause. Navigating this life transition can bring up unexpected grief, changes in identity, and shifts in physical intimacy. Join us as we discuss how to honor these experiences, communicate needs to your partner, and find new ways to connect during the hormonal and emotional tides. Listen in as George and Laurie break the silence and help you find support through this significant chapter of life.

Make sure to pre-order a copy of our book, Brave Love, Great Sex, and follow us on...

In this foreplay replay we cover contempt, one of the most dangerous emotions in a relationship. This episode covers the markers of contemptuous behavior and why it's so destructive to a marriage. Laurie and Dr. Adam offer advice on recognizing this powerful emotion and how to bring the humanity back into your relationship.

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Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, we are discussing boundaries. The term boundaries can be found everywhere now on social media and today we are breaking down what healthy boundaries are and are not. There is a lot of misinformation on boundaries and we are here to set the record straight! Join George and Laurie as they discuss what healthy boundaries in a relationship sound like, how to say no with care and how these guardrails protect and support your relationship. You'll also learn more about rigidity and defensiveness disguised as boundaries and how to work yourself out of...

When someone is committed to fidelity and their partner absolutely does not want sex—is there any hope?

Technically, sexless is considered less than 10x a year—but for some people, there is no sex. Sometimes each partner still has desire but they don't know how to talk about it. They may even masturbate on their own but feel it's too complicated to share with their partner. Sometimes the sexual pursuer just gives up and becomes a sexual withdrawer.

The danger of a sexless marriage is that the couple may not feel the love of or f...

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode we are talking about how we can achieve better communication even if we have very different communication styles. Laurie and George discuss the idea of relationship continuity. Partners remember something that is important to the other and bring it up or initiate connection. Listen in as they discuss some of the differences between men and women's brains and positive ways to stretch beyond me and care for "us." They offer an expert roleplay to break down to listeners how to get back on track to attunement when continuity is disrupted. A great reminder, i...

Let's talk about five primary emotions: joy, fear, anger, sadness, shame, and disgust – feeling all of them is important, especially with your partner. Emotions are the language of the body. They say, "pay attention, something's happening!" But so often we don't pay attention, choosing, consciously or unconsciously, to disconnect...

We may have been raised in homes where anger was expressed in an unhealthy way, joy covered by a wet blanket, or shame used to control and manipulate our behavior. Regardless of how our childhoods taught us to relate to emotions, we can rewrite the script by cr...

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode we are discussing reaching withdrawers through the body.  When the withdrawer is anticipating something negative, they become activated, freeze and fall into a shame spiral. This shame spiral causes distance in the partnership and is a step in the negative cycle. Creating body awareness, and identifying what feelings are present can help withdrawers slow down and stay engaged. Listeners will learn how to do this today using the acronym ROC. R-elax, O-pen up, C-onnect. George guides the audience through, how to relax, opening up and getting curious, and connecting with others on your expe...

You grind so hard all year in hopes to spend quality time during the holiday season with your love but when the time comes you end up getting caught in the cycle. Has this ever happened to you? The holiday season brings out the extremes and primes relationships for the classic blame/attack cycle. Partners locked in tension often scream "you're too much/you're not enough" while putting on cheerful faces for family photoshoots and out of town visitors. We see the challenge and we've been there before! Join our hosts today as we open up a conversation on...

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, Laurie is joined by EFT couples therapist Jef Slootmaekers. Jef is an EFT trainer hailing from Belgium and is the author of a new book on shame called Shame in Psychotherapy: The Art of Appearing (English translation coming in September 2026). He is also the coauthor of Fighting for Connection: Perspectives on Conflict and Intimate Partner Violence . This fantastic episode starts with the question "If shame had a voice, what would it want us to understand about being human?" and dives deep into our need to belong to each other, the ways we experience...

This episode is all about attachment theory. Attachment styles have been buzzing in the pop psychology world recently. Our hosts invite listeners to learn more about attachment theory which helps us understand why we fight the way we do and why our partner reacts to conflict in the way they do. Attachment theory is based on the idea that we are here to connect and life is all about relationship and meaningful connection. Join us today as we break down attachment theory, and the attachment styles secure, anxious, avoidant and disorganized. Laurie and George help us put on our...

Help! This is not the relationship I signed up for. Did you bait and switch me from the person I said "I do," too? Welcome Brave Lovers, in today's episode we are tackling a topic we have heard in our offices over and over again. Hot and heavy, emotionally connected lovers that become distant strangers after marriage, children and more life together. Listen in as Laurie and George, explain what exactly happens between partners and help us work together to get back to the love that brought you together initially. Listeners will be guided by the steps that withdrawers...

Laurie and George answer a mailbag question in this episode. "I think my husband has been faking orgasms...how can I bring this up without increasing the anxiety he may already be feeling?" We want to thank our brave listener for reaching out to us with this question and bringing up a topic that is rarely discussed. Our hosts help provide language for couples and also make more explicit the emotions that end up driving the 'faking behavior'. Learn how to start a difficult conversation with your partner and pay attention to these key takeaways from this episode: the com...

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode we are diving into the topic of communal sexual strength. Research shows that couples feel more desire when they approach sex with love and caring. This creates a positive reinforcement loop for couples. The motive for sex is love and caretaking and secure partners experienced heightened intimacy, longing and connection. Love creates the sense of "we" and this benefit is noticed in other areas of the relationship as well. Laurie reminds listeners that "desire grows when we give pleasure, deepen intimacy with our partner and deepen our emotional connection. Follow along as Laurie...