Couples often face various challenges regarding the initiation of sexual activity, and these can differ based on individual preferences, communication styles, and societal norms. Here are some common challenges that both men and women might express, which I discuss in my new podcast.

Fear of Rejection: Women may fear that their partner will not be in the mood or will reject their advances, which can lead to feelings of embarrassment or insecurity.

Cultural and Societal Norms: Traditional gender roles can influence expectations, with some women feeling that it is not their role to initiate intimacy, leading to hesitation.

Self-Confidence Issues: Concerns about body image or sexual performance can make women hesitant to initiate sex, worrying that they might be judged or not meet their partner’s expectations.

Other common obstacles to initiation include: communication barriers, emotional state and stress, your partner’s reaction, prior experiences or a mismatch in libido.

Addressing these challenges typically involves improving communication, fostering mutual understanding, and building a supportive and non-judgmental relationship environment.

In this episode Dr. Jenn delineates Pleasure from. Desire.

She unpacks the various combinations of situations where desire and/or pleasure come into play and examines why each is valuable.

Pleasure Before Desire: Sometimes, pleasure can be experienced without prior desire, such as unexpected joy from a spontaneous event. This type of pleasure can enhance psychological well-being by bringing unexpected happiness and reduce stress.

Desire Leading to Pleasure: Desire often precedes pleasure, motivating individuals to pursue goals or activities that they believe will bring satisfaction. Desire is the wanting feeling that leads to action, which involves pleasurable outcomes.

Pleasure Without Desire

Immediate Gratification: Activities like consuming favorite foods or engaging in enjoyable hobbies can provide pleasure without a preceding desire.

Desire Without Pleasure

Unfulfilled Desires: Desires that are not met can lead to frustration, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. Think Blue Balls (or Lips) here. The anticipation of pleasure that never materializes can negatively impact psychological well-being.

#relationships #therapy #sextherapy101 #couplesgoals #vivalavulva

In this episode, Dr. Jenn talks about vulnerability. This is something that shows up both in your platonic and romantic relationships. Most of us, in theory, really want vulnerability. But dismantling our own obstacles and showing up wholeheartedly in relationship is challenging.

Often times, in couples counseling, both parties in the relationship want vulnerability but have a hard time achieving it. There are numerous verbal and nonverbal exchanges that signal safety and risk interpersonally. We start to initiate and then we retract or we perceive a rejection or hesitation, and we shut down. Vulnerability IS inherently a risk. And it also come with tremendous reward.

Are you curious about how vulnerability actually works in relationship?

Tune in to hear more.

If you have a topic you want to hear covered by a sex therapist, let us know at Jenn@PleasureProject.us

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#couplestherapy #sexpositivefeminism #sextherapy #relationships #therapy #growth #confidence couplescounseling #partnership #drjennkennedy #thepleasureproject #shame #sexualshame #culture #religion #empowerment #thepleasureprojectpodcast #sexuality #love #partnership #grouptherapy #vulnerability