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

In this episode, Dr. Jenn sits down with Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers - a brilliant Ph.D., LMFT, Sex Therapist and author. This episode mainly explores shame, which is at the core of so much sexual dysfunction.

They discuss:

• The roots of shame and how it can present in your sex life/relationships

• How the political and cultural climate can affect shame

• How did America become s*x negative?

• S*x & Religion

• How family of origin affects attachment

• What is normative curiosity?

• Showing up authentically in love

• Hesitation & Self Doubt

• S*x education

• Psychedelic’s and their place therapeutically

This is a behind the scenes, organic conversation between two sex therapists. Give it a listen and let us know what you think!

You can find Dr. Tina at:

www.TinaSchermerSellers.com

www.NWIOI.com

www.ThankGodForSex.org

Instagram: @drtinashameless @NWInstituteOnIntimacy

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

In this episode, Dr. Jenn talks to Roylin Downs, owner of Trystology -- an online and brick and mortar sex toy store. She offers a unique perspective on what customers are seeking when they shop for erotic play.

We discuss:

- Crowd pleasers (favorite toys)

- Options for men, women and couples play

- How to know your toy is high quality and safe

- Her philosophy of "an orgasm a day."

- Address the pushback regarding lube, vibrators, solo play

Here are the toys we discuss:

• Lelo Enigma
• Lovense Ambi
• Zumio S
• The Arouser
• Zumio I
• Romp Free X
• We-Vibe Touch X
• Jimmyjane Form 2 Pro
• Le Wand Feel My Power
• Tenga SVR Vibrating Ring
• Jimmyjane Curve Gripp

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#podcast #couplestherapy #sexpositivefeminism #sextherapy #relationships #therapy #growth #confidence couplescounseling #partnership #drjennkennedy #thepleasureproject #thepleasureprojectpodcast #sexuality #sternberg #typesoflove #love #sextoys #partnerplay #sextherapy101 #vibrator

In this episode, Dr. Jenn discusses considerations for both individuals and couples who are over 50 and wanting a vibrant s*x life.

She breaks down the biological, psychological and interpersonal considerations that influence the 50 + set and discusses how this shows up clinically. Dr. Jenn also normalizes the issues that arise for people in this stage of life and how that influences or enhances their approach to s*x. ------ #podcast #sextherapy #couplescounseling #therapy #longtermrelationships #sexafter50 #couplesgoals #vivalavulva #sextherapy101 #desire #menopause #couples #relationships #pleasure

Jennifer Love is a wealth alchemist, money therapist and the CEO of LivWeal Institute. Since 2001, she has help impact-focused leaders and entrepreneurs go from being spent, stuck, and self-critical to running profitable multi-million dollar businesses—with full confidence, and a deeply nourished life.

Jennifer hosts retreats called “Dear Money, Let’s Talk”™ which guides participants through a process of heart-to-heart conversations to grow ‘get-through-anything’ kind of self-trust. She helps participants cement unshakable self-worth, and amplify their value for more powerful exchanges with others.

Dr. Jenn and Jennifer Love have a candid and meaningful conversation about both money and wealth—which are not one and the same.

Topics include:

⁃ How wealth impacts worth

⁃ Common misconceptions about wealth

⁃ How money affects relationship (including s*xual) dynamics

⁃ Cultivating a healthier relationship to money and earning

⁃ Retreats for those who need to shift their inner dialog about money

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#podcast #love #pleasureprojectpodcast #drjennkennedy #therapy #couplescounseling #therapy #couplestherapy #romance #partnership #longtermrelationship #pleasureproject #intimacy #relationships #jenniferlove #wealth #alchemy #money

In this episode, Dr. Jenn talks about the eight Types of Love as defined by Sternberg. There are 8 different configurations within relationships, and often times couples (or throuples) have one or two of the elements, but not all three.

These elements include -

Passion: sexual attraction, lust, flirtation

Intimacy: feeling close to, understood by and vulnerable with another

Commitment: agreements about the configuration and boundaries of the relationship

These configurations can change throughout the lifetime, and throughout the dynamics of a pairing.

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#podcast #love #pleasureprojectpodcast #drjennkennedy #therapy #couplescounseling #therapy #couplestherapy #romance #partnership #longtermrelationship #pleasureproject #typesoflove #sternberg #intimacy #relationships