She’s back, and we’re going there.
Relationship therapist and wise woman Vivian Baruch returns to talk about the topics too many women were never taught to talk about: sex, intimacy, desire, and passion.
We dive into what sex actually means, the different kinds of intimacy that keep connection alive, and how to reignite desire in midlife when life, stress, and hormones get in the way.
It’s smart. It’s soulful. And it’s straight-talking, just how we like it.
Intimacy vs. @ 0:00
Jennifer and Vivian discuss the difference between intimacy and noting that intimacy encompasses physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual connection, while is just one aspect of intimacy. They emphasize that intimacy is much broader than just physical/ intimacy.
Barriers to Intimacy @ 6:15
Vivian outlines the key barriers that can prevent women fromdeveloping intimacy with themselves and their partners, including lack of self-knowledge, body image issues, societal myths and expectations around and relational factors like poor communication and unresolved conflicts.
The Five Gears of Intimacy @ 13:55
Vivian explains a framework of five "gears" or levels ofintimacy - affectionate touch, sensual touch, playful touch, erotic stimulation, and orgasmic/penetrative touch. She emphasizes the importance of building up through these gears gradually rather than jumping straight to the highest level.
Desire and Its Disruptors @ 30:33
Vivian dives deeper into the concept of desire, noting that it isthe most easily disrupted aspect of . She outlines five key categories of "brakes" that can inhibit desire - physiological, psychological, relational, and situational factors.
Understanding and addressing these brakes is key to reigniting desire.
Advice for Women @ 38:26
Vivian provides practical advice for women, recommending resources like the books "Come As You Are" by Emily Nagoski and "Mating in Captivity" by Esther Perel. She emphasizes the importance of self-education and seeking professional help if needed to develop a healthy, fulfilling intimate life.
Recap and Closing Thoughts @ 41:51
Vivian leaves the listeners with the key message that theirexperiences and desires are "normal" - there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to intimacy and she encourages women to be kind to themselves and focus on what brings them pleasure and fulfillment.
How can listeners find and follow you?
Website - https://vivianbaruch.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/vivianbaruch.successfulrelationships
LinkedIn– https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivianbaruch/
Connect With Jennifer Jefferies
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferjefferies/
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