Brave Love Great Sex – Couples Therapy Podcast — Podcast

547: How to Become Safe with Touch 05.06.2026 31p

Welcome Brave Lovers! Today we are exploring the work of psychotherapist Ruth Cohn, and her research on the effects of childhood neglect. Join Laurie and George as they tackle the sensitive topic of childhood neglect on the adult intimate relationship. Our hosts share how not having physical or emotional connection at key times of struggle, creates an emptiness. We are often left without words to describe our experiences or comforting touch. They highlight the dilemma of healing and how getting connected in adult relationships can create fear. Often the thing we need is blocked because we sometimes don't know how to manage when we get what we need. Listeners will learn how to put words to these places, understand more about your needs and how therapies like sensate focus work. Take care with this episode and share your feedback on our socials @BraveLoveGreatSex Don't forget to pre-order a copy of our book today! Check out this episode's sponsor (and help the pod!): Uberlube.com -- Laurie's long-time favorite lubricant! Order some today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

546: Oral Sex For Him 29.05.2026 36p

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, we are talking all about fellatio. This is a NSFW episode but very good for your relationship! Join Laurie and George today as they tackle this topic on the giving and receiving of oral sex. We are focused on the men in this episode and detail the importance of hygiene, grooming and reassurance. You'll learn how to have it be a more pleasurable experience for the giver and receiver. This erotic way to connect may bring up some discomfort but we encourage you to have this conversation with your partner and explore. Make sure to pre-order a copy of our book Brave Love, Great Sex now, available on September 15th! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

545: Joe & Myra Sitdown 22.05.2026 1ó

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, we are joined by a couple live in the studio! Join us as we welcome long-time friends of Dr. Laurie, Joe and Myra. They share with us their forty-year love story and the role that physical intimacy and emotional closeness have played in keeping their bond strong over the years. Joe and Myra talk about friendship being a foundation of love, how they navigated the difficult caretaking years, and keeping their attraction and desire alive. Turning towards each other, a strong belief they could weather the storms and even sharing vulnerabilities with each other to this day have created a strong and secure connection! Make sure to listen in and download this episode to hear from a real set of Brave Lovers! Order a copy of our book Brave Love, Great Sex coming out on September 15th. Available for pre-order now! Please support this episode's sponsor (and help the pod!): Uberlube.com -- The lubricant Laurie has recommended for 20+ years! Use the code BraveLove for a discount! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

544: How Saying Thank You Can Improve Your Relationship 15.05.2026 31p

In today's episode, we are talking to our Brave Lovers about the right way and wrong way to give thanks and appreciation to your partner. Saying 'thank you' has the opportunity to create closeness, connection and reinforce vulnerable expression. A casual, empty 'thank you' has the potential to disconnect, derail and seem like a dig. Join us today as we walk you through the differences between thank yous and how to meaningfully show your partner appreciation especially when they are open with you. Thank yous, grow thank yous when they are working and bountiful appreciation in a couple relationship helps you buffer external storms. George and Laurie's expert role play will guide you on getting 'thank yous' right in your relationship. Make sure to pre-order a copy of our book Brave Love, Great Sex for more on this! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Foreplay Replay - Cracking the Nut - How to Breakthrough the Hard Shell Around Your Partner 11.05.2026 33p

Are you tired of having the same fight over and over? Would you like to discuss things without triggering your partner. Can you imagine that underneath your partner's defense lies a hurt and even below that a need? George tries to help make it simple, in a nutshell there are three parts to how we react in a conflict - our protection, our hurt, and our need Together Laurie and George make sense of defensiveness and role play a different way to reach each other. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

543: Fighting the Cycle Together 08.05.2026 31p

Welcome Brave Lovers! In this episode, we are tackling the negative cycle. Join Laurie and George as they discuss why just knowing your negative cycle is not enough. Couples that create lasting change unite together against the negative cycle. Listen in as we show you how to externalize the negative cycle to be something you can unite against. Partners that work to see the problem as something separate than the individuals have a better chance to express vulnerabilities. Vulnerability invites the partner into the solution rather than making them part of the problem. When couples work to solve problems together they create more security and relational safety. Make sure to rate and review this episode and share it with your partner! Fight that cycle together and be brave! Check out this episode's sponsor (and support the pod!): Uberlube.com -- Laurie's long time favorite personal lubricant! She keeps samples for clients to take in her offices! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

542: Caregiving in Families 01.05.2026 31p

In today's episode, we are discussing caregiving in families. Different approaches in parenting is a common place couples can experience disconnection and divide. Join George and Laurie as we invite you to explore what caregiving looks like for you and where those roots developed. Love must exist with limits and sometimes we can be in a tug of war; either being too hard or too soft. Where do you fall in the caregiving system? Can you tap into the emotional needs or do you need to tolerate the discomfort around setting limits? Listen in to learn more about how our attachment system responds to caregiving needs and how to get on the same page with your parenting partner. Let's lessen the divide and raise strong families! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

541: Understanding Your Sexual History 24.04.2026 37p

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, Laurie and George detail the importance of knowing your sexual history. Getting clear on our sexual stories can help us better understand what is happening and identify the heart of the problem. Listen in as Laurie details questions she asks her clients in sessions to learn more about; your relationship with touch, physical affection, quality of sex and all things orgasm. This episode will help you get clear on your own stories around sex and ways to engage in meaningful conversations with your partner. Don't forget to pre-order our book Great Love, Brave Sex, coming out September 15th! Give us a follow on our socials @BraveLoveGreatSex for updates and relationship tips! Check out this episode's great sponsor (and help the pod!): Uberlube.com -- Laurie's long-time favorite personal lubricant that she recommends to all her clients! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Foreplay Replay - Keeping It Married and Hot! 20.04.2026 28p

We promise fidelity in marriage - a promise of an erotic life with our partner. So what gets in the way? Why do people joke that marriage is where sex goes to die? George and Laurie believe facing the discouragement that couples might feel, is better than settling for low engagement. They explore how men and women may stabilize each other and destabilize each other at different points - in the emotional and sexual cycles. It's complicated and George and Laurie dig in! #couplescounseling #couplestherapy #vulnerability #marriage #anxiety #foreplayradiosextherapy #sextherapy #withdrawer #lovequotes #marriagetherapy #EFT #couplescounseling #marriageadvice #insecurities #intimacy #communication #sex #sexuality #coregulation #marriagecounseling #pursuer #attachmenttheory #EFTtherapist #emotionallyfocusedtherapy #couples #secureattachment #pursuerwithdrawer #attachment #emotions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

540: Celebrating the Sexual Pursuer 17.04.2026 33p

In today's episode, Laurie and George dive deep into the world of the sexual pursuer. They explore the underlying attachment and connection needs of the sexual pursuer and help SPs develop emotional regulation and language around expressing these needs. If you identify as an SP in your cycle and struggle with rejection or disconnection this episode is for you to learn how to; self-soothe and invite your partner into your world. We take care in this episode not to pathologize or diagnose the needs of the SP but to help couples engage in compassionate and effective communication. Intimacy is a shared world between lovers, where tangible attachment is created. If this sounds like you make sure to download and listen to this show! Our book, Brave Love, Great Sex is now available for pre-order on Amazon. Secure your copy today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Foreplay Replay - 10 Things to Not be Ashamed of During Sex 13.04.2026 36p

Sights, sounds and smells OH MY! There are many aspects to sex that can cause embarrassment for partners. We are here to let you know that so many things you are worried about are NORMAL! Join us in this episode to hear our list of '10 things not to be ashamed of during sex'. Maybe you were told that women weren't supposed to make noises during sex or incorporating a vibr@tor was wrong. Whatever the message was, you may be dealing with shame around sex that stops you from having an earth-shattering orgasm and a healthy sex connection between partners. Listen to Laurie and George break down the top 10 things that cause shame that shouldn't and how to have these types of conversations with your partner. We encourage you to ask yourself what messages did you receive around the thing that causes shame, have you ever shared it and how is it affecting you? Come along with the experts, download this episode and share with your partner so you can move from shame to sensation together! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

539: But I Said I'm Sorry 10.04.2026 33p

Have you ever felt like your apologies just don't cut it? In today's episode we are discussing the formula on how to give a good apology. Repair is an essential component of a healthy relationship and often the standard, "I'm sorry," can do more harm than good. Join hosts Laurie and George to learn why your current attempts at apology fall flat and what a meaningful apology sounds like. You'll learn how to keep the focus on your partner, not you, express care and become skilled at repairing. Our expert demo clearly demonstrates a bad apology and the better route to apology. If you've ever struggled in this area this episode is for you! Like our episodes? Then you'll love our book! Make sure to pre-order a copy of our book 'Brave Love, Great Sex' on Amazon now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Foreplay Replay - Sue Johnson Talks Sex! 06.04.2026 40p

FOREPLAY welcomes Emotionally Focused Therapy, founder Dr. Sue Johnson to talk with us about George's driving and the sexual cycle. We laughed together about their early relationship and more seriously about George asking for help after 9/11 with the couples he was seeing and Sue's generous response. Sue gives us a keen example of a uber sexual pursuer and how his needs for attachment drive him even thought his behavior pushes his partner away. Listen up to our discussing with someone who has changed the world with her theory and life's work! For an EFT Therapist or to purchase her bestselling books LoveSense or Hold Me Tight - contact Sue's organization: ICEEFT.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

538: How to Self-Soothe 03.04.2026 32p

Hello Brave Lovers! Join us today in our conversation on how to self-regulate when you are in conflict with your partner. We often discuss the power of co-regulation; when partners can be there and ease the distress of one another. However self-regulation is a powerful and necessary tool when your partner isn't available or their attempts to soothe you become a step in the negative cycle. Listen to Laurie and George today as they share how to self-regulate, when is a good time to use the skills and what it looks like in practice. Self-regulation gives us the opportunity to reflect on our behavior, the impact it has on our partner and what the underlying need is. Our book, Brave Love, Great Sex is out on September 15th. Make sure to pre-order your copy on Amazon today! our own individual responsibility to work on the cycle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Foreplay Replay - Women's Pleasure Techniques - Our 400th Episode!! 30.03.2026 31p

Today we are celebrating the 400th episode of Foreplay Sex Therapy Podcast! The idea for the podcast originated after Laurie was told by commercial radio that she was too spicy for broadcast. Their loss is our gain. Join Laurie and George today as they celebrate this major accomplishment AND give us all the details on women's pleasure! Listeners will walk away with do's and don'ts and many new techniques to help yourself or the lady in your life achieve sexual pleasure. If you love our show please leave us some love by rating and reviewing the podcast wherever you stream episodes. We need YOU to help us spread the word about Foreplay. Help us keep it hot y'all!! Thanking Joe our editor! Rebecca our faithful social media person, Krista - long-serving social advisor, SamGetsSocial, our new social media help!, Madison - our former social media person, Derek - our tech guru and Dr. Adam Mathews - friend and former co-host! Send you all love - couldn't have done it without you!!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

537: Stop Trying to Get it Right! 27.03.2026 33p

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode Laurie and George delve into the withdrawer's world and how their mission to get it right is so wrong. Inspired by a recent post from podcaster Steven Bartlett, they discuss the unrealistic expectations and pressure many withdrawers impose and the vicious avoidance cycle they get caught in when they can't meet those expectations. If you identify as a withdrawer in your negative cycle or you want more insight on your withdrawing partner this episode will teach you: what is happening and steps to take to break this habit. You'll learn how to set realistic expectations, reduce pressure and communicate clearly with your partner. It takes less than 10 minutes a day to create a better relationship! Take a page from our role play and address this in your relationship for a more secure connection. Our book Brave Love, Great Sex is now available for pre-order on Amazon. Secure your copy today! Support this episode's sponsor (and help the pod!): Uberlube.com -- Laurie's long-time favorite personal lubricant! Use the code BraveLove for a discount! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Foreplay Replay - Red Light; Green Light, Brain Regulation for Better Sex 23.03.2026 32p

Keeping connected is easier when we're in green brain - when our brain says we are safe, cared about and even loved - when we can relax, talk, listen with openness. Red brains are escalated, tense, maybe angry or in total shut down. Listen to George and Laurie talk about pulling a partner in red brain into the calm connected place where sex and connection can happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

536: How to Feel More Confident Naked 20.03.2026 39p

Welcome Brave Lovers! Have you ever lacked confidence about your body in bed? In today's episode, Laurie is joined by therapist Clare Stadlen, LCSW. Clare is the owner of CAS Counseling and an expert supporting individuals and families with eating disorders and body image concerns. Clare and Laurie engage in a rich conversation on intimacy and body image. They discuss the many ways women are conditioned to judge their bodies from an early age and how this can zap desire and increase criticism. Listen in for key tips on how to embrace your partner's gaze to increase confidence, intervene in the shame cycle around negative body image and unleash your inner goddess! For more information on Clare, visit www.CAScounseling.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Foreplay Replay - Can You Become Addicted to Viagra? 16.03.2026 29p

Welcome listeners! This episode centers on using Viagra or other medication to help with erectile dysfunction and if they are addictive. Join George and Laurie as they discuss the prescription medication, the reasons behind erectile dysfunction and danger signs to look out for. A key theme of the episode is communication with your partner around the use of Viagra. Make sure to catch this episode to have your burning questions answered and hear Laurie shine as our resident Sexpert! What questions about sex and relationships do you have? Make sure to visit our website and submit questions to our mailbag. If you find our podcast helpful please make sure to leave us a review and share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

535: I Never Want to Have Sex Again 13.03.2026 35p

Greetings Brave Lovers! Have you or your partner ever uttered this statement? This definitive declaration has been shared in our therapy offices many times and we are bringing it to today's episode to explore the reasons why and the ways to fix this issue. Join hosts Laurie and George as they get clear on what is going on for the sexual withdrawer that doesn't want to have sex. This is often a healthy response to relationship dysfunction but it becomes part of the negative cycle. Our hosts remind listeners that it is okay not to have sex if you don't want to but we need to be able to talk about it. Dive in with us as we share how to construct a healthy conversation, break through the avoidance and reduce the pressure this topic brings up. More pressure equals less sex and both partners need to work together to make interactions safer, better and less tense. George and Laurie's role play will give you the insight you need into your partner's world. Be Brave Lovers! Support this episode's Sponsor (and help the pod!): Uberlube.com -- Laurie's long-time favorite personal lubricant. Get some today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices