In today's episode, our hosts are tackling an important and uncomfortable conversation. This episode does contain content regarding sexual trauma and we advise all our listeners to be aware. Sexual trauma doesn't stay in our past, it follows us in the bedroom. It is common for couples that feel safe and committed to one another to experience heightened reactions around sex if sexual trauma is part of the personal history. However, this can be confusing, frustrating and cause stress on a couple that had no apparent issues prior. Join George and Laurie today as they expertly and carefully, discuss how sexual trauma affects couples and their sexual experiences. They will walk you through the signs of sexual trauma and the 5 steps to heal in your relationship. For both partner's in the relationship, there is a role to take in the healing and our hosts want listeners to feel optimistic that healthy relationships can heal traumatic experiences. Laurie reminds us that the grief around these experiences will end and joy and pleasure await on the other side.  We can't recommend enough that conversations around this topic require loads of safety, compassion and understanding. We thank you for being brave with us today and everyday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 and changed her marriage. Laurie shares her heartfelt commitment to be the generation to love and struggle to become securely attached in order to change the course of her family's legacy and how you too, can change your family's future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode we discuss what couples want more hot or heart-centered sex. Prompted by conversations about their upcoming book, George and Laurie define and explore these two types of sexual connection, how they are different and how they are alike. Withdrawers may find the concept of hot sex too pressure filled and back away from the idea while pursuers might gravitate to that concept. However, we discuss that hot sex can often be a benefit of connected sex. There is more attunement and less pressure or judgement to perform. The formula might just be connecting the heart with the hot. We want to know what you think! Make sure to leave a review and share this episode with your love.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This one comes at you fast! George and Laurie talk through a variety of sex acts that couples choose to liven things up. No judgements just a curious exploration of what might turn a monogamous couple on and why. With lots of laughter, they talk through where to do it, what you might try, how to reduce some anxiety when trying new things - everything from sexual positions to taking control to role play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So you've de-escalated your negative cycle and are taking risks to take new moves and bam you get hit with this response: "it's nice to hear you say that, but where has that been for the last 20 years?" Defeat sets in and your protective move is at the ready to defend or withdraw. Why does this happen so often when couples are working together to make healthy changes? Join George and Laurie in today's episode as we discuss how mistrust in healthier relationship patterns is expected and what to do about it. When the brain is so used to something happening one way for an amount of time, it expects and anticipates it. It's all a way to create patterns and predictability which the brain loves. What the brain loves is not always healthy for a relationship. In this episode, we learn how to identify and work with mistrust, create safety around new moves and embrace when we are getting exactly what we've longed for for years. This requires us to tolerate the new move without solely relying on the old pattern, embracing the mistrust and getting success with the new. Has this ever happened in your relationship? Make sure to leave us some feedback on our website, foreplayrst.com or on Instagram (@foreplay_sextherapypodcast). Be brave and keep it hot y'all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Premature Ejacualtion -- the number 1 sexual dysfunction for men is easily cured. Author Michael Castleman joins Laurie and gives vital information about the steps to cure PE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, we are discussing the curious case of couples that are in love but don't feel sexually connected. What happens when couples are in the middle road, doing everyday life together and feel secure but can't tap into their sexual source. Join George and Laurie today as they explore this topic and why some couples are stuck in this rut. Is it avoidance, a form of protection or straight exhaustion that stops the flame from burning? If you find it hard to engage in the chase or maybe avoid sexual connection in your marriage, make sure to listen to this show to uncover some of the deeper themes of protection and avoidance you may be experiencing. Our hosts guide listeners in a conversation on how to address this and strategies to renew the spark in everyday life! Check out this episode's sponsor (and help the pod!): Uberlube.com -- Laurie's all-time favorite personal lubricant! Try it out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our Q&A - What happens when you can’t orgasm during intercourse like you used to?  George and Laurie come up with many different ideas about what might be happening and techniques to help our listener. A listener doesn’t think Laurie gets hookup culture and why orgasm isn’t always the focus.  Here’s to a deeper look at what people might be looking for.  Heartbroken over her partner’s rejection due to herpes, we help a listener come to terms with what she needs to do.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do sex and intimacy need security or mystery to ignite the flame? That is the question we are exploring in today's show based on the work of Dr. Barry McCarthy. Join George and Laurie as they get curious exploring the need for security to have sexual novelty or if mystery and anticipation increase desire. Either outcome is going to get your wheels spinning and we hope you invite your partner to a thrilling conversation to cross this bridge. Our hosts remind listeners that sexual creativity and risk will be more successful if there is a designed conversation. It is important to be intentional and make a suggestion to your partner, and be open minded to their feedback. We make a clear distinction between this conversation and one that is pressure filled. From this episode you will take away how to design this conversation, taking in feedback and how to bring up taking new sexual risks together. Keep it hot, y'all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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://www.patreon.com/foreplayrst Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode we are discussing how to shift from protection to pleasure. George and Laurie dive deep on what couples need to do to regain safety and repair so they can begin to tap into their erotic excitement. Pursuers and withdrawers will be able to identify their fears that create emotional and sexual blocks and what they need to share to their partner. This helps the relationship heal and repair old wounds that keep the cycle stuck and active. When couples do this they can begin to shift to more pleasure focused connection. Safety and reassurance will lead partners to excitement and exploration. Great lovers repair their fears together and use that new, safer energy to explore. Stay current on all our upcoming events at foreplayrst.com Keep it hot y'all! Please check out this episode's sponsor (and help the pod!): Uberlube.com -- Laurie's favorite lube for the last 25 years! Use the code 'foreplay' and get 10% off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With wedding season upon us, Laurie and Adam turn to discussing honeymoons and the relational changes that occur -- even for long-term couples. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know there are different types of touch? In today's episode, Laurie and George share the work of sex researcher Barry McCarthy on the different types of touch and why they matter. Join us in learning about affectionate, non-demand pleasure and sensual/erotic touch. All kinds of touch are important for emotional and sexual connection. Yet, a quick shift from affectionate to sexual touch can trigger the negative cycle. Our hosts will help listeners understand the differences and when and where to engage in each style. If you've been in a pattern where a hug can lead to sex or to an argument this episode will shine light on what happened and what to do next. Make sure to follow along as we work on rebranding our pod and on our exciting upcoming events!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What sexual cues turn women on? Here’s a hint—interest is sexy! 32% of women lack sexual interest, according to a research study by Meston & McCall, “Cues Resulting in Sexual Desire for Women.” The study found that increased sexual cues resulted in increased frequency for females. In this episode, we’ll talk about the many cues that trigger a woman’s desire!  Female sexual desire has a more emotional component to it; Women are more externally triggered in relationship factors and setting; connection and presence. What kind of cues increase her desire? Let’s get specific. In this episode, Laurie and George break down the cues from the study: emotional bonding cues, erotic/explicit cues, visual/proximity cues, and romantic/implicit cues.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Laurie is joined by Urologist and men's health expert Dr. Dan Khera-McRackan of Raleigh, NC. Men of varied ages experience issues with premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and prostate health. Dr. Dan joins us today to reassure men and provide confidence in seeking treatment for these issues. He explains how hormones impact male anatomy, that anxiety is often a driver of ED and successful ways to break this cycle including medicine and psychotherapy. While these experiences may be temporarily embarrassing with treatment, support and communication they are often easily resolved and improve relationship health. They warn against ignoring these issues because you may be feeling embarrassed as they could be indicators of underlying health conditions. Both experts recommend that men seek treatment early and begin having regular prostate checks at age 45. Laurie reminds men, "Don't rest, get the test!"  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our world with its focus on physical perfection, we all have aspects of our body which we criticize, and even avoid looking at in the mirror. These critical thoughts can intrude before, during, and after sex, diminishing our ability to be in the moment with our partner. We talk through this thorny issue as an example of how to begin to address it with your partner.Check out our sponsor: ⁠Uberlube⁠ for the best in siilcone-based lubricants! As George says, silicone makes everything is a little bit better. Get 10% off with the coupon code 'foreplay'! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, we are joined by couple therapy expert and EFT trainer Rebecca Jorgensen. We discuss ways to tend the flame in the bedroom; practices couples can utilize for security and safety to increase their pleasure and have more fun! Dr. Jorgensen leads us in a conversation on what happens to the body and arousal when we don't feel safe and what partners need to do to maintain and improve safety. When our bodies feel safe, tended to and cared for, sex is more playful, creative and adventurous. Want to invite something new into your sexual routine? This episode will teach you how to do it the right way, the conversation you need to have before you try this and how partners can work together to navigate this in the bedroom. Rebecca and Laurie are hosting a women's only retreat in Salt Lake City, November 5th and 6th. The focus of the retreat will be honoring your body and exploring eroticism, femininity and ways to embody your sexual self! If you are always taking care of others and the ticker tape to-do list runs through your head during sex, this retreat is for you. Head over to our website www.foreplayrst.com to sign up today! Check out Dr. Jorgensen's web presence: EFT Counseling and Education Center: https://www.eftcounseling.org/our-clinic/our-clinical-team/   Building A Lasting Connection, Connection System®L: https://www.buildingalastingconnection.com/mentor-connection-system/   Intensive Couple Therapy: https://drrebeccajorgensen.com/intensive-couple-therapy/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes sex is awesome; sometimes not. This episode shows you how to turn up the heat when it's not! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode we are answering the question 'why we need each other to feel safe?' Join hosts, Laurie and George as they breakdown the definition and importance of co-regulation. A necessary experience beginning in childhood and spanning the life cycle ,co-regulation is the process of someone being responsive to our distress and needs. We don't outgrow this need but we do get better at self-regulation as we get older. The need for co-regulation shows up in our adult intimate relationships all the time. If you think about it, you most certainly know when it goes wrong! Listen in today as we discuss how co-regulation shows up in the sexual cycle and how the safety it provides is the launchpad to adventure and exploration. Are orgasms co-regulating? Download this show today and hear how! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve talked about the cycle before and we’re talking about it again. This time we explore what EFT calls Stage 2. Why? because after de-escalating conflict there’s more to do to get closer with your partner! Join Laurie and George for this episode to understand how your moves and your partners moves impact one another and the deeper, unseen meanings they have. When we start to understand the good reasons we are missing each other there is opportunity to connect. Does your partner’s criticism represent their hope for the relationship? Does their silence mean they are trying to keep the pressure low? Hear how we flip the script to help you keep it hot!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices