Brave Love Great Sex – Couples Therapy Podcast

213: Overcoming Trauma for a Great Sex Life

17 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Trauma, PTSD, and other troubling experiences can invade and derail your relationship. Join sex therapist Laurie Watson and marriage therapist George ...

212: Redeeming Sexual Problems Brings Closeness

10 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sexual problems are opportunities to actually get deeper with each other. Cohosts talk about a man with ED and how he feels alone, alienated from his ...

211: Great Sex - Connecting Brains, Hearts and Bodies

03 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When our hearts are connected, we can lose ourselves sexually in one another. Great sex requires a bit of knowledge, a lot of vulnerability and a will...

210: His Porn Use - Man with ED Fears Rejection, Q&A Mailbag

27 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Q&A for a woman, who's husband prefers porn and a man struggling with ED. George says, "When I think about porn, I don't come at it from a moralistic ...

209: He Wants You Not Just Sex

20 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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 al...

208: Women Who Want It

13 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Women who feel sexually alive and use sex as a pathway for connection can feel out of place in a society that tells them - women don't/shouldn't want ...

207: Why He Doesn't Want It

05 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We think men always want sex. But some of them don't chase their partners. How can we understand this phenomenon? Laurie and Geoge talk about one issu...

206: Why She Doesn't Want Sex

29 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Sounds pretty discouraging if your partner says she'd be fine never having sex again. Laurie and George discuss how to get to the root of what she's s...

205: Pursuer Pain and Frustration

22 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Pursuers' frustrations -- what's it like when you want more and you can't get it? What's it like to work so hard and see your partner walking away fro...

204: How to Understand Your Emotional Withdrawer

15 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Learn why your withdrawing partner feels they are keeping you safer by shutting down. Understand what is good and useful about withdrawing behavior. H...

203: Laurie's Story

08 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Laurie tells George her own story of why she became a sex therapist. Hear about her moment of decision when she stopped the negative pursuing cycle an...

202: Foreplay Meet Faller

01 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Foreplay - meet my new podcast cohost, George Faller, LMFT - a global leader in couples therapy! George debuts and tells his story of trauma to transf...

201: Goodbye to Adam (Bloopers Included)

25 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The sad day is here when we say goodbye to Dr. Adam Mathews. Join Laurie and Adam as they share their fond memories of working together. Listen throug...

200: For Richer and Poorer

18 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Money is one of the Big 3 -- along with Time and Energy. Negotiating the issues around money impacts a couple's capacity for intimacy. Join sex therap...

199: Three Commitments to Better Sex

11 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

One weekend, three commitments, better sex. Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couples therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they discuss how in ...

197: Your Sexual Style

27 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We all fall into relational patterns in how we initiate sex and respond to initiation, how/when/where we have sex, how frequently, how freely we talk ...

196: Becoming Cliterate with Dr. Laurie Mintz

20 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Laurie Mintz is the author of 'Becoming Clitorate'. Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson as she and Dr. Mintz talk about Orgasmic Equality...

195: September 2019 Mailbag

12 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Are you being used for sex? What is it like to be in a pursuer-pursuer relationship? And more! Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couples...

194: Male Menopause

06 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Do men go through menopause? Listen in with sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couples therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they talk about what happ...

193: August 2019 Mailbag

30 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couples therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they answer your questions!   Learn more about your ad choices...

192: Faking Orgasms

22 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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 W...

191: Forgiveness

16 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Forgiveness is essential for long lasting love and great sex. Unforgiveness robs a relationship of intimacy, both physical and emotional. Join sex the...

190: Honeymooning Anytime

09 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The focus of a honeymoon ought to be sex. Whether you are newly married or have been partnered for awhile, getting away for a few days strictly devote...

189: Interview with Erica Delong

02 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We have special guest Erica Delong! She joins Laurie and talks about being a female sexual pursuer. Find out what it's like! Help us out by hitting t...

188: Riding the Crimson Tide

25 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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. Jo...

187: Sexual State of the Union

19 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Talking regularly about the state of your sexual union is essential to achieving and maintaining a satisfying sexual relationship. Join sex therapist ...

186: Mailbag - July 2019

12 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couples therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they answer your questions! In this episode: Diagnosing problems...

185: Autopsy of a Sexless Marriage

05 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Why and how does the frequency of sex decrease in a marriage to the point where it rarely happens? Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and cou...

184: Fourth of July Fireworks

28 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Fourth of July fireworks in the sky are great, but what about fireworks in bed? Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and Couples Therapist Dr. ...

183: My Mother is a Sex Therapist

21 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What is it like growing up with a mother who is a sex therapist? Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and her son, sex therapist Reed Watson as...

182: Virgin Sex--10 Steps to Make It Good

14 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Our first sexual experience ought to be good. Even if your first sexual experience is in the rear-view mirror, understanding what would make it good t...

181: Saying It Better So You Can Do it Better

07 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Good communication leads to more intimacy which leads to more and better sex. Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couple's therapist Dr. A...

180: My Side of the Bed

31 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Being connected with your partner is essential to communication and intimacy, but requires being able to take your partner's perspective. When we get ...

179: The Perfect Argument

24 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Learning to argue is essential for intimacy and therefore great sex in a relationship, but is often avoided by couples at all costs. Join sex therapis...

178: Too Tired For Sex

17 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We live our lives on overload: work commitments, family commitments, making dinner, chores, the necessities of everyday life can crowd out sex by maki...

177: May 2019 Mailbag

10 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The May 2019 Mailbag episode is here! Sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couples therapist Dr. Adam Mathews take your questions and give you g...

176: Sex Game to Change the Game

03 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Unhealthy power dynamics in relationships can hamper connection. Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couples therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as...

175: Infertility Grief and Sex

26 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

For National Infertility Awareness Week, Foreplay's sex therapist and author Laurie Watson discusses the impact of infertility, both permanent and epi...

174: Sexual Equality

19 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes in committed relationship sex becomes unbalanced and the mutuality of the experience goes out the window. Join sex therapist and author Laur...

173: The Eight Worst Sex Mistakes

12 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Beware of these 8 sex mistakes! Every couple can fall into these bedroom traps. Join sex therapist Laurie Watson and couples' therapist Dr. Adam Mathe...

172: The Secret Emotional Life of Men

05 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Men are often viewed as mostly manly when they are least emotional. This dichotomy is confusing to men and leads them to most often shut down their em...

171: Sexual Resilience

29 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In a committed relationship, challenges of all sorts impact both parties. Resilience is the power and capacity to use these struggles to draw closer t...

170: Female Sexual Pursuers

22 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Women sexual pursuers are more common than our culture assumes. A woman who wants sex is sometimes viewed as a slut or whore, and is subject to negati...

169: The Change

15 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What goes on during menopause? What exactly is changing? What can be done to mitigate the changes from menopause? Join sex therapist and best-selling ...

168: March 2019 Mailbag

08 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Listener questions answered! The problems with quick orgasms; pursuer shutdown frustrations, and listening to actions versus listening to words. Join ...

167: Sexual Positions

01 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Different sex positions have different pluses and minuses in different situations. Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couples therapist D...

166: Unmet Expectations

22 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

165: Sleeping with a Narcissist

15 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Are you sleeping with a narcissist? What is a narcissist in any case? The term is floated around casually and often unhelpfully. Join sex-therapist an...

164: Overcome the Valentine's Day Curse

08 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Get geared up for a great, romantic Valentine's Day! Join sex therapist Laurie Watson and couples therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they discuss ways to m...

163: More Sex, More Money

01 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The key to a great relationship, the hottest sex, the most money, the best connection, comes from secure attachment. Join sex therapist and author Lau...

162: Fellatio

25 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Following on last week's podcast on cunnilingus, this week we talk about fellatio for the fellows! Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and cou...

161: Cunnilingus

18 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

For the majority of women, oral sex is the best way to climax. Often however it gets caught up in the power struggle of the pursuer and distancer. Joi...

160: The Great American Vibrator

11 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Gain orgasmic security with the Great American Vibrator! Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couples therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they ta...

159: Fantasy in Relationships -- Part 2

04 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Fantasy can play an important part in a committed relationship. Join sex therapist Laurie Watson in a seminar discuss fantasy and common obstacles to ...

158: Relationship Goals for the New Year

28 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Set relationship goals that cannot fail! 97% of new years resolutions fail. Join sex therapist Laurie Watson and couples therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as...

157: Fantasy in Relationships

21 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Fantasy can play an important part in a committed relationship. Join sex therapist Laurie Watson in a seminar discuss fantasy and common obstacles to ...

156: Mailbag - Self consciousness about sex, intrusive thoughts, and date night sex

14 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Self-consciousness about sex and talking about sex can get in the way of our intimacy and enjoyment of sex. Join sex therapist Laurie Watson and coupl...

155: Holiday Naughty and Nice Ideas

07 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The holidays can be stressful for many reasons. Join sex therapist Laurie Watson and couples therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they go through the list of...

154: Sex After Kids

29 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Having kids can radically change sex for couples and can complicate our sex lives for a number of reasons. Join author and sex therapist Laurie Watson...

153: Body Image

23 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Next to relational distress, a negative body image is the biggest disruptor for derailing sex and desire. While this has traditionally been a woman's ...

152: Criticism

16 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Criticism can be destructive to our relationships. In the fourth and final of Gottman's 'Four Horseman' series, Laurie and Adam address this destructi...

151: Sex and Anxiety

09 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Anxiety can interfere with sexual satisfaction. Join sex therapist Laurie Watson and couples therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they discuss how to deal wi...

150: Mailbag: Listener Questions Answered

02 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Adam and Laurie are back at it again answering your listener questions! In today's episode they cover topics on getting your needs met, trusting y...

149: Defensiveness

26 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Continuing Gottman's Four Horseman series, Dr. Adam and Laurie dive deep into defensive behavior. Tune in to learn how to spot defensiveness within yo...

148: Getting Pregnant

19 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sexual problems and the quest for getting pregnant plague more couples than you'd think. The stress of conceiving can often prolong the process. Lauri...

147: Sex and Depression

12 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Adam and Laurie discuss the complicated relationship between sex and depression in both men and women. They discuss symptoms and how to stay conne...

146: Mailbag: Listener Questions Answered

05 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Laurie and Dr. Adam answer listener questions about sexual confidence, bringing a third person into a marriage, a porn addicted father and more!   ...

145: Say Yes to Sex!

28 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

How to say yes to sex! Just because you or your partner is a sexual distancer may not mean you don't want to have sex. Some distancers have difficultl...

144: Stonewalling

21 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

What to do when your partner shuts down. In the second of Gottman's 'Four Horseman' series, Dr. Adam and Laurie address this destructive behavior and ...

143: 10 Tips to Rekindle Romance

14 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

How to bring back the fun and romance into your relationship with these 10 easy tips. Listen in on Laurie’s controversial advice on becoming the "mo...

142: Before Marriage

07 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

What is the number one most important trait in a good partner? Tune in to find out! In this episode Laurie and Dr. Adam explore the importance of sexu...

141: Porn: Good or Bad?

31 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Porn use can bring out strong reactions on both sides: Some view it as a minor impact on a marriage while others feel it is equivalent to cheating. Dr...

140: Contempt 911

24 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Contempt, one of the most dangerous emotions in a relationship. This episode covers the markers of contemptuous behavior and why it's so destructive t...

139: Inside the Mind of the Sexual Distancer

17 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Adam is back in part two of our two-part series on resolving the demand-withdraw sexual cycle. Why does sex feel so much riskier to the distancer than...

138: Inside the Mind of the Sexual Pursuer

10 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

What in the world are they thinking? Today's episode is the first of a two-part series about resolving the demand-withdraw sex cycle between partners....

137: Special Guests: Anatomy of Marriage

03 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We've got a special treat today! Seth and Melanie, from the Anatomy of Marriage podcast, share how they emerged from crisis in their marriage by devel...

136: Self-care (for Men)

27 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Guys need self-care too! Men tend to run on low batteries without knowing handy ways of taking care of their bodies and minds. Dr. Adam and Laurie del...

135: Daring to be Vulnerable

20 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

How to share your true-self with your partner. Laurie and Dr. Adam dive deep into what vulnerability really means for men (and women too).    Love...

134: Premature Ejaculation

13 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The easiest sexual problem to cure is often the most difficult to talk about. Dr. Adam and Laurie tackle the confusion and embarrassment associated wi...

133: Mailbag: Listener Questions Answered

06 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Laurie and Dr. Adam answer listener questions! A fiancé suddenly experiences attraction troubles, mental health, switching distancer and pursuer rol...

132: Sex Isn't Everything

29 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Believe it or not sex isn't everything! A well-rounded relationship includes other aspects like shared aspirations, friendship and intimacy. Can you h...

131: Friendships

22 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

How do friendships impact romantic relationships? Dr. Adam and Laurie discuss keeping your individuality while maintaining a strong bond with your spo...

130: Getting Naked

15 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode is all about nakedness. Why we grow to be self-conscious, positive self-talk and how getting naked in front of your partner builds int...

Suicide Prevention

12 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Recognizing symptoms of depression and hopelessness in your loved one.  Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Learn more about your ad choices...

129: Mailbag: Listener questions answered

08 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today Dr. Adam and Laurie answer your burning listener questions. They cover everything from separate bedrooms to sexting to smoking pot and low libid...

128: Sex and Alcohol

01 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The effects of alcohol on sexual performance and satisfaction are complicated. Dr. Adam and Laurie debate the pros and cons of this widely used social...

127: When does sex end?

27 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Just because he orgasms doesn’t mean sex is over! To know when sex ends first we have to know what sex actually is. Join us as Laurie and Dr. Adam c...

126: 7 Sex Dos and Don'ts

18 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Don't miss these common dos and don'ts! Covering everything from phone etiquette to laughing at your loved one's short comings, Laurie and Dr. Adam gi...

125: Dividing Chores for Better Sex

11 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Adam and Laurie delve into the dirty details of how splitting your household tasks can impact your sex life.  Like us? Become a Patreon! https:/...

124: Is age really just a number?

04 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Even a five to ten year age difference can have a meaningful impact on communication, health and sexpectations.  Dr. Adam and Laurie tackle blending...

123: Sex and Self-Confidence

27 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

How to end the comparison game. Laurie and Dr. Adam discuss positive self-talk and tools for forgetting that critical voice, in and out of the bedroom...

122: Morning Sex

20 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Equally loved and loathed by many, today's hot topic is all about getting busy in the AM. Dr. Adam and Laurie give tips on how to make morning sex gre...

121: What Happens in Sex Therapy

13 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

What goes on in the sex therapist's office? This week Laurie and Dr. Adam dispel popular myths around their practices and discuss who can benefit from...

120: Facebook Friends and Exes in Town

06 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Setting good boundaries with your partner shouldn't feel like a power struggle. Sex therapist Laurie Watson and couples counselor Dr. Adam Mathews di...

119: Sex Advice for Young Couples

30 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Struggling with sexual problems in your 20s? You're not alone! In today's mailbag episode Dr. Adam and Laurie discuss common reasons for trouble in th...

118: Sexual Addiction and the Hole in the Soul

24 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sexual addiction or sexually compulsive behaviors involve using increasingly risky sexual actions to fill an inner emptiness. What is sexual addiction...

117: Stealing the Covers and Other Nighttime Disturbances

16 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

How you handle the non-sexual behaviors we share with our partner in bed – both positive and negative – can draw us together or drive us apart. Jo...

116: Affair Discovery

09 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Affair discovery! To-do's and not to-do’s in the first few moments after discovering your partner is having an affair. While sexual betrayal strikes...

115: Sexual Perfectionism

02 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Having high standards and being driven to meet them can produce good results in life. But in your sexual relationship, being a perfectionist can be a ...

114: What to Do When Your Partner Says No

25 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Handling a rejection when we want to be intimate can sting. Join sex therapist and author Laurie Watson and couples therapist Dr. Adam Mathews as they...