Are you in a sexually frustrating cycle of not getting the physical touch or love you want? Wishing your partner saw you as attractive, sexy, and desired you in a sexual way? Do you feel like your partner avoids you sexually? Wishing you and your had more playful, erotic, frequent, passionate sex? When you and your partner talk about sex, does it start a pile up of anxiety and conflict? Want to understand what is underneath the cycle of avoidance, rejection, and sexual disconnection in your marriage? Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling by improving emotional intimacy tools as well as sexual desire and sexual intimacy.
Feeling strong as parents or in your careers, but disconnected sexually?
Do you and your partner have past experiences of religious trauma that play a role in sexual shame, guilt, and anxiety?
Let’s talk about all the pieces of the pie when it comes to breaking the cycle of sexual rejection, avoidance, withdrawal, and a sexless marriage.
Are you fighting or arguing about sex and feeling hopeless afterwards?
Do you have a sexless marriage? Wanting better communication skills, more intimacy and a better sex life? Are you stressed and frustrated with the state of your relationship and feeling sexually rejected, or avoiding sex all together? Stuck and needing help rebuilding sexual desire? It can be overwhelming without a safe place. Katie Ziskind, certified sex therapy informed profession and Gottman level two marriage counselor, helps distant couples rebuild their sex life.
You get a safe place to talk about sex and intimacy in a confident and comfortable way. Couples can overcome emotional distance issues rooted in anger, betrayal, secret keeping, and infidelity.
Is trauma coming up around your sexuality due to a religious upbringing? Are you having the same arguments and can’t seem to resolve conflicts around sexual needs? Has romance and intimacy fallen to the back burner due to parenting and career development?
Katie Ziskind, certified sex therapy informed profession and Gottman level two marriage counselor, specializes in helping you learn to handle complex emotions and stress in your marriage in more effective ways. You both learn fun skills to help each other feel desired, wanted, significant, and appreciated again.
To begin, click below to book your couples session for specialized help breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and rebuilding playfulness and pleasure.
When your marriage isn’t going well, Katie Ziskind helps you rebuild emotional intimacy and sexual intimacy. Learn to talk about sex comfortably. Katie Ziskind helps you rekindle the love you once had and feel passion again. You both can create a strong, safe emotional bond and an authentic, pleasurable, erotic, and satisfying sex life through couples counseling.
Emotional intimacy and sexual intimacy go hand in hand.
Together, you and your partner can work together to help each other feel desired, wanted, significant, and appreciated emotionally and sexually. At Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching, Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling.
How do we know if we are in a sexless marriage?
In the intricate dance of marriage, sexual intimacy serves as a cornerstone of connection, passion, and emotional fulfillment. When you are in a sexless marriage, you often feel alone, unwanted, ignored, unattractive, distant, sad, insecure, hurt, and more. Sex can be a metaphor for feeling close, secure, bonded, and loved.
However, when the flame of desire begins to flicker and fade, it can cast a shadow over your most intimate bond.
If you find yourself questioning whether you’re in a sexless marriage, it’s crucial to recognize the signs. At Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching, you get support to reignite the spark of intimacy.
Katie Ziskind helps couples explore common signs of a sexless marriage and how couples therapy can offer a pathway to healing, connection, and renewed passion.
Signs of a sexless marriage can manifest in various ways. Recognizing these signs is the first step towards addressing underlying issues and rebuilding intimacy.
To begin, click below for couples sessions to start breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and to openly talk about your sex life.
Some common signs of a sexless marriage include:
Infrequent or No Sexual Activity:
One of the most obvious signs of a sexless marriage is a significant decrease in sexual activity or a complete absence of sexual intimacy. If you and your partner rarely engage in sexual activity or have not been intimate for an extended period, it may indicate a deeper issue that needs to be addressed.
Lack of Physical Affection:
Along with a decrease in sexual activity, a lack of physical affection such as hugs, kisses, or cuddling can also be a sign of a sexless marriage. Physical touch is an essential aspect of intimacy, and its absence can indicate underlying relationship issues.
Avoidance of Sexual Topics:
In a sexless marriage, couples may avoid discussing sexual topics altogether. Conversations about sex may be uncomfortable or met with resistance from one or both partners, leading to a lack of communication and understanding about each other’s needs and desires.
Resentment or Frustration:
Feelings of resentment or frustration may arise when one partner feels rejected or undesired due to the lack of sexual intimacy in the marriage. These negative emotions can further strain the relationship and create distance between partners.
Emotional Disconnect:
A sexless marriage often leads to an emotional disconnect between partners. The lack of physical and emotional intimacy can erode the bond between couples, leading to feelings of loneliness, dissatisfaction, and alienation.
If you recognize these signs in your marriage, it’s essential to address them openly and honestly with your partner. Communication is key to understanding each other’s needs, desires, and concerns, and seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor can provide support and guidance in navigating these challenges.
Couples therapy at Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching offers a safe and supportive environment where you and your partner can explore your feelings, concerns, and desires surrounding intimacy.
A trained Gottman level two marriage therapist such as Katie Ziskind can help you identify underlying issues contributing to the lack of sexual intimacy in your marriage. As well, you can work together to develop strategies for rebuilding trust, connection, and passion.
Through couples therapy with a focus on your sex life, you can learn effective communication skills. Furthermore, you can explore ways to reignite the spark of desire, and address any unresolved issues or conflicts that may be impacting your relationship.
Additionally, marriage therapy with Katie Ziskind at Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching provides a space for exploring the many pieces behind sexual avoidance and sexual rejection. There may be individual concerns or insecurities related to intimacy. As well, you can work together to develop sex-positive strategies for overcoming issues as a couple.
Ultimately, couples therapy can offer a pathway to healing, growth, and renewed intimacy in your marriage. By addressing the signs of a sexless marriage and seeking support together, you can strengthen your bond. You don’t have to feel hurt, lonely, and rejected.
Couples therapy with Katie Ziskind at Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching can help you and your spouse deepen your connection, and rediscover the joy and passion that brought you together in the first place.
In conclusion, recognizing the signs of a sexless marriage is the first step towards addressing underlying issues and rebuilding intimacy.
Couples therapy at Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching offers a safe and supportive environment for exploring your feelings, concerns, and desires surrounding intimacy and developing strategies for reigniting the spark of passion in your relationship.
Remember that with commitment, effort, and support, it is possible to overcome the challenges of a sexless marriage and create a relationship filled with love, connection, and fulfillment. At Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching, Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling.
How can feeling overly responsible, mentally stressed, stuck in parenting mode, and in a to-do list mindset hinder sexual desire, seeing yourself as a sexy being, and deserving of sexual, erotic pleasure?
In the whirlwind of daily life, it’s easy to find yourselves buried under a mountain of responsibilities. From managing careers to tending to household chores, and especially navigating the demands of parenting, the mental load can feel overwhelming.
But, amidst this chaos, have you stopped to consider how these pressures might be affecting your intimate connection?
Furthermore, feeling overly responsible and mentally stressed can undoubtedly take a toll on your ability to experience sexual desire. Being in go-go-go mode can make you angry, irritable, annoyed, and very challenging to see yourselves as sensual beings deserving of erotic pleasure. Let’s delve into how these factors intertwine and hinder the intimacy you crave.
Firstly, the relentless cycle of responsibility leaves little room for spontaneity or relaxation, crucial ingredients for sexual desire to flourish. Now, when we look at breaking the cycle of a sexless marriage and sexual avoidance patterns through sex and intimacy-specialized couples therapy, we need to value our bodies as sexual beings.
When your mind is preoccupied with to-do lists and concerns, it’s challenging to shift gears and embrace your sensual side.
Instead of seeing yourselves as sexy beings deserving of pleasure, you may view intimacy or sex as just another task to check off the list. Sex should not be something you complain about having to do. It can be hard when sex feels like another to-do list item. Sex and intimacy focused marriage counseling with Katie Ziskind helps you both be present, playful, and intentional in your sexual activities.
Furthermore, being stuck in parenting mode can blur the lines between your roles as caregivers and lovers. Constantly prioritizing the needs of your children may leave you feeling disconnected from your own sexual desires. As well, you and your spouse may become disconnected from your sexual identities outside of parenthood.
Katie Ziskind specializes in help you and your partner in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling by understand the many pieces of the pie.
Marriage counseling with Katie Ziskind helps you remember that nurturing your relationship as a couple is just as important as tending to your family responsibilities.
Moreover, the pressure to perform sexually can exacerbate feelings of stress and inadequacy.
Approaching intimacy with a mindset akin to ticking boxes on a to-do list robs you of the opportunity to fully immerse yourselves in the pleasure of the moment. This performance-oriented approach can lead to dissatisfaction and further distance you from experiencing erotic pleasure.
As well, feeling mentally stressed and overwhelmed can negatively impact your self-perception, including how you view your own bodies and sexuality.
It’s not uncommon to struggle with negative body image or feelings of unworthiness when under constant pressure. To add, these negative thoughts can erode your confidence.
Stress, anxiety, and self-consciousness can make it difficult to see yourselves as deserving of sexual pleasure.
To begin, click below to book your couples session for specialized help breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and rebuilding playfulness and pleasure.
So, what can you do to break free from these constraints and reignite the flame of intimacy in your relationship?
Marriage therapy at Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching can help you start acknowledging the impact that stress and responsibility have on your sexual connection.
You can learn how to communicate openly with each other about your feelings and experiences, and recognize that you’re in this together. More so, you can work together to make a conscious effort to carve out time for relaxation and pleasure. For instance, you might go out to breakfast, date nights, sensual massages, or simply enjoy each other’s company without distractions.
Couples counseling helps you challenge the notion that intimacy should be approached with a checklist mentality.
To add, marriage counseling focus on being present in the moment and exploring each other’s desires with curiosity and passion. Essentially, marriage counseling helps you embrace your bodies and celebrate the unique beauty and sensuality that each of you brings to the relationship.
Above all, prioritize self-care and prioritize your relationship. Remember that you are not just parents or providers. But, you both also lovers deserving of joy, pleasure, and fulfillment.
By nurturing your connection and embracing your sexuality, you can create a foundation of intimacy that withstands the challenges of parenthood.
From sex and intimacy-focused couples counseling, you can strengthen your bond as a couple by improving your sex life.
In conclusion, feeling overly responsible, mentally stressed, stuck in parenting mode, and trapped in a to-do list mindset can indeed hinder your ability to experience sexual desire. This stress prevents you from seeing yourselves as deserving of erotic pleasure.
But with intentionality, communication, and a willingness to prioritize your relationship, you can break free from these constraints. From marriage therapy with Katie Ziskind, you can rediscover the joy of intimacy while balancing your to do list and parenthood. Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling by teaching couples to offer each other support regarding mental load and sharing responsibilities. At Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching, Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling.
To begin, click below for couples sessions to start breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and to openly talk about your sex life.
Process and share the mental load to rebuild sexual desire through sex and intimacy-focused marriage counseling
In sex and intimacy-focused couples therapy, Katie Ziskind delves into the intricacies of mental load. Having a heavy mental load has a profound impact on relaxation and sexual desire in your long-term relationship.
Picture this: a cluttered mind filled with deadlines, responsibilities, and never-ending to-do lists.
How does this mental clutter affect our ability to unwind and connect intimately and sexually with your partner?
Couples counseling at Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching is a safe place explore the concept of mental load. Katie Ziskind helps you understand the often-overlooked influence of mental stress on your emotional, sexual, and physical well-being.
You and your partner can gain positive, practical strategies to lighten and share the mental load as a team. More so, sex and intimacy-focused marriage therapy at Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching paves the way for deeper relaxation. You can develop skills like present moment thinking. Together, you both can understand how relaxation supports heightened sexual desire.
Mental load refers to the cognitive and emotional burden associated with managing various aspects of life. More so, mental load often falls disproportionately on one individual within a relationship or household.
Here are some examples of mental load:
For instance, mental load includes planning meals, grocery shopping, cleaning, and maintaining the household tasks. These contribute to mental load, requiring ongoing attention and organization. This encompasses managing the emotional well-being of family members, providing support during challenging times, and mediating conflicts or disagreements within the household.
As well, budgeting, paying bills, and monitoring expenses can create significant mental strain. This is especially so if one person in the relationship is primarily responsible for these tasks. Furthermore, keeping track of birthdays, anniversaries, school functions, and other significant dates often falls under mental load. These require constant attention and organization. As well, this includes tasks such as scheduling appointments, making arrangements for events or gatherings, and planning vacations.
What are other examples of the massive mental load and go-go-go mind?
Keeping track of medical appointments, prescriptions, and health concerns for oneself and family members can be mentally taxing. This is especially true when dealing with chronic illnesses or complex healthcare needs. Balancing career demands, navigating office politics, and meeting job expectations can contribute significantly to mental load. These impact overall well-being and relationship dynamics. Arranging childcare, planning activities, ensuring children’s needs are met, and managing their schedules all add to the mental load, particularly for parents.
To add, thinking about long-term goals, financial planning, and career aspirations can add to mental load. Remembering to stay in touch with friends and family, planning social engagements, and nurturing relationships require ongoing emotional and cognitive effort.
These examples illustrate the diverse responsibilities and pressures that contribute to mental load. Communication is key to find balance. Whether you’re struggling to find balance amidst the chaos of daily life or seeking ways to reignite the spark in your relationship, marriage counseling helps. Having a heavy mental load can be a limiting factor when it comes to creating a regular, frequent, and healthy sex life.
In general, when we look at breaking the cycle of a sexless marriage through sex and intimacy-specialized marriage therapy, we need to understand how to relax the mind. The mind is the biggest sex toy. So, a relaxed mind is key for being able to enjoy sexual pleasure and be present mentally.
Katie Ziskind brings a holistic, sex and intimacy-focused approach to couples counseling.
Marriage therapy can help in reducing stress and fostering open communication with your partner in cultivating a healthy and vibrant sex life. Stress can be a significant barrier to sexual desire and arousal. To add, it impacts both physical and emotional intimacy within your relationship. By actively addressing stress and sharing your concerns with your partner, you can work together to rebuild sexual desire and arousal while strengthening the bond between you.
When stress levels are high, the body’s natural response is to prioritize survival over pleasure.
This can lead to decreased libido, difficulty becoming aroused, and challenges achieving orgasm. Additionally, stress can manifest as tension in the body, making it difficult to relax and fully engage in sexual activity.
By actively reducing stress through techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and self-care practices, you both can create a more conducive environment for intimacy and sexual satisfaction.
Furthermore, confiding in your partner about your stressors can foster a sense of emotional closeness and trust.
To begin, click below to book your couples session for specialized help breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and rebuilding playfulness and pleasure.
How can sexual performance anxiety and how feeling self-consciousness and insecurity about body smell, vulva smell, penis smell, ect lead to an avoidance of sexual activities?
The precursors to intimacy and sex are an intricate tapestry. And, sexual performance anxiety can cast a shadow over your most intimate of moments.
This leaves feelings of self-consciousness and insecurity in its wake. Whether it’s concerns about body odor, vulva smell, or penis smell, these anxieties can create barriers to sexual fulfillment.
Fears of smelling bad, or fears of facing rejection or criticism for smelling bad lead to avoidance of intimate activities. Sex and intimacy-focused couples counseling helps you both explore the impact of sexual performance anxiety on playfulness. Marriage counseling with Katie Ziskind offers strategies for overcoming self-consciousness and embracing body confidence in the bedroom.
Sexual performance anxiety can manifest in many forms. For instance, you may carry worries about your physical appearance to concerns about your sexual performance and satisfaction. Feelings of self-consciousness and insecurity about body odor, vulva smell, or penis smell can be particularly pervasive. These self-conscious fears can make it hard to be mentally present. They can make enjoying pleasure very hard. And, these strike at the core of your sense of self and identity.
Part of breaking sexual rejection cycles means developing a positive body image and positive, affirming self-talk.
To begin, click below for couples sessions to start breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and to openly talk about your sex life.
These anxieties can lead to avoidance of sexual activities, reluctance to initiate intimacy, and feelings of inadequacy or shame in the bedroom.
It’s essential to recognize that concerns about body odor or genital smell are common and normal experiences for many people. To add, the human body has its own natural scent. And, it can vary based on factors such as hygiene, diet, and hormonal fluctuations. However, societal norms and expectations around cleanliness and body odor can contribute to feelings of shame or embarrassment about your natural scent. Many advertisements and marketing scams are geared to make women feel insecure sexually.
Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling by teaching about body positivity, self-love, and strongly encourages couples to compliment each other sexually.
Body shame and embarrassment leads to heightened self-consciousness and anxiety in what could be pleasurable, intimate, erotic activities.
Moreover, the pressure to meet unrealistic standards of physical perfection perpetuated by media and society can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and insecurity in the bedroom.
Couples may feel pressure to live up to these ideals, leading to heightened anxiety and self-doubt about their bodies and sexual performance.
So, how can couples overcome sexual performance anxiety and embrace body confidence in intimate moments?
Firstly, sex and intimacy-focused couples counseling with Katie Ziskind helps you foster open and honest communication with your partner. Marriage counseling gives you a safe space to confide in your spouse about your anxieties and insecurities.
Sharing your concerns may be new a first. But, this emotional vulnerability can help alleviate feelings of shame or embarrassment. Talking about your body image and body scent creates opportunities for mutual support and understanding.
Remember that your partner likely has their own insecurities and anxieties. As well, sharing your vulnerabilities in sex and intimacy-focused marriage therapy can strengthen your bond and deepen your connection.
Additionally, practicing self-care and prioritizing hygiene can help alleviate concerns about body odor or genital smell. Maintaining good hygiene practices, such as regular bathing, wearing clean underwear, and practicing safe sex, can help you feel more confident and comfortable in intimate situations.
To begin, click below to book your couples session for specialized help breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and rebuilding playfulness and pleasure.
However, it’s essential to remember that everyone’s body has its own natural scent, and there is no shame in embracing your body’s natural odor.
Furthermore, challenging negative thoughts and beliefs about your body and sexuality can help you cultivate a more positive and accepting relationship with yourself.
Couples therapy supports self-love and positive affirmations. Practice self-love and body acceptance by focusing on your strengths and celebrating the unique qualities that make you who you are.
Remember that beauty and attractiveness come in many forms, and true intimacy is about connection and authenticity, not meeting unrealistic standards of physical perfection.
Notably, sexual performance anxiety and feelings of self-consciousness and insecurity about body odor, vulva smell, or penis smell can create barriers to intimacy and sexual fulfillment in your relationship.
However, by fostering open communication, practicing self-care, and challenging negative beliefs about your body and sexuality, you can overcome these anxieties and embrace body confidence in intimate moments.
Overall, sex and intimacy-focused marriage therapy helps you remember that true intimacy is about connection, acceptance, and authenticity.
When we look at breaking the cycle of a sexless marriage and sexual rejection through sex and intimacy-specialized marriage counseling, we need to understand what helps create pleasurable sexual experiences.
Focusing on pleasure over performance is essential, rather than having obligatory sex. You don’t have to give, give, give to your partner, which often means forfeiting your own sexual pleasure. Being connected to your sexual self isn’t about changing yourself in anyway. Intimacy is not about getting lip filler, botox, plastic surgery, or looking a certain way. It isn’t about working out at the gym four hours per day. You don’t have to wait to experience sexual pleasure until you lose or gain weight. It isn’t about getting a certain shape body, to then be worth of pleasure and sexual excitement.
Anyone of any shape or weight can and deserves to experience sexual pleasure. And, intimacy is not about having a hard penis or having penetrative sex. It isn’t about having sex a certain number of days per week.
Having an amazing sex life is about feeling like it is easy to and it is safe to let out your authentic sexual self. This mean getting to know yourself as a sexual being and viewing yourself as worthy of sexual pleasure. It means dismantling negative feelings like shame, guilt, and anxiety around performance. Sex and intimacy-focused marriage therapy with Katie Ziskind helps you support each other in feeling confident about your bodies.
Rather, by embracing your body’s natural scent and inner beauty, you can cultivate a deeper and more fulfilling sexual connection with your partner.
To begin, click below for couples sessions to start breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and to openly talk about your sex life.
Building a positive body image and seeing yourself as sexy are a key parts in having a healthy sex life.
In addition, when we look at breaking the cycle of a sexless marriage through sex and intimacy-specialized couples counseling, we need to understand the importance of emotional vulnerability.
Sharing your feelings and vulnerabilities allows for mutual support and understanding, strengthening the emotional connection between you.
When you both feel supported and validated, you are more likely to feel comfortable and secure in expressing your desires and needs, both inside and outside the bedroom.
Essentially, effective communication is key in navigating stress and its impact on sexual intimacy. By openly discussing how stress is affecting you and your relationship, you can work together to find solutions and support each other through challenging times.
This may involve setting aside dedicated time for relaxation and intimacy and prioritizing self-care practices. Sex and intimacy-focused marriage therapy gives you a safe space to communicate in positive ways.
In summary, reducing stress and fostering open communication with your partner are essential components of a healthy sex life.
By addressing stressors together and creating a supportive environment for intimacy, you both can rebuild sexual desire and arousal while deepening your emotional connection.
Remember, sex and intimacy-focused couples counseling helps you both in prioritizing self-care and maintaining open lines of communication. These are vital steps towards cultivating a fulfilling, pleasurable, and satisfying sexual relationship.
At Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching, Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling by addressing both emotional and sexual needs and desires.
You may be amazing at parenting together, be great at running your home, or building your career, but need help with emotional expression and sexual intimacy.
For one, you may excel at parenting together, thrive in managing your household, or soar in your career endeavors. But, your sex life and sexy time is suffering.
You both feel really strong in your ability to navigate the complexities of daily life as a team. This togetherness in parenting is commendable. As well, it is positive that you both show dedication to building a strong foundation for your family. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily responsibilities, it’s essential to acknowledge that you both need help in the sexual intimacy realm.
Sex and intimacy-focused couples therapy with Katie Ziskind supports you when you both need help prioritizing other crucial aspects of your relationship: emotional expression and erotic intimacy.
While you may be experts at coordinating schedules, orchestrating family activities, and tackling household chores, expressing your emotions and having a healthy sex life takes a different tool kit.
Marriage therapy at Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching can help you both maintain a fulfilling sexual connection together. Prioritizing a playful, sexual connection requires a different set of skills.
Let’s explore why nurturing emotional expression and prioritizing erotic intimacy are vital components of a thriving relationship.
Firstly, effective emotional expression lays the groundwork for deeper intimacy and connection between you both. Sharing your thoughts, fears, and vulnerabilities fosters trust and understanding. A deeper emotional understanding of each other strengthens the bond between you. However, in the midst of busy schedules and competing priorities, it’s easy for emotional communication to take a backseat. You may find yourselves relying on practical, fact-focused discussions rather than delving into sharing your emotions.
Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling by offering guidance regarding emotional expression, vulnerability, and emotional intimacy.
To begin, click below to book your couples session for specialized help breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and rebuilding playfulness and pleasure.
Being vulnerable emotionally supports regular sexual intimacy.
Additionally, maintaining a vibrant and fulfilling sex life is essential for sustaining intimacy and passion in your relationship. However, juggling parental responsibilities, career demands, and household chores can leave little time or energy for erotic intimacy. As a result, you may find yourselves prioritizing practicalities over pleasure, neglecting the sensual and erotic aspects of your relationship.
It’s crucial to recognize that seeking help or guidance in these areas does not diminish your capabilities as parents or partners. Just as you turn to experts for advice in other aspects of your lives, seek support through sex and intimacy-focused couples counseling. Katie Ziskind specializes in marriage therapy which helps to enhance emotional expression and erotic intimacy in your relationship.
Couples therapy or doing a three day marriage therapy bootcamp retreat are both proactive steps towards nurturing a more physically fulfilling relationship. So, when we look at breaking the cycle of a sexless marriage and sexual avoidance patterns through sex and intimacy-specialized couples therapy, we need to understand the role of emotional expression.
So, how can you cultivate emotional expression and prioritize erotic intimacy in your relationship through sex and intimacy-focused marriage counseling?
Marriage counseling supports you both by carving out dedicated time for open and honest communication. Outside of marriage counseling, you can work together to create safe spaces where you can share your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
In sex and intimacy-focused marriage counseling, you both can practice active listening and empathy. This means making an effort to truly understand your partner’s perspective.
Essentially, sex and intimacy-focused marriage counseling helps you explore ways to reignite the spark of passion and desire in your relationship.
Katie Ziskind, sex and intimacy specialist, encourages you both to prioritize intimacy by scheduling regular massages and date nights.
You can team up to explore new experiences together, and embrace spontaneity in your romantic encounters. Marriage therapy can help you remember that intimacy is not just about physical connection but also about emotional closeness and vulnerability.
Don’t hesitate to seek guidance or support if you’re struggling to navigate these challenges on your own. Whether through sex and intimacy-specialized couples therapy, you both can deepen your emotional connection and enhance your sexual intimacy.
In general, while you may excel in many areas of your lives, it’s essential to recognize that emotional expression plays a major role in erotic intimacy. Rebuilding these areas requires intentional effort and nurturing.
By prioritizing open communication, vulnerability, and passion in your relationship, you can cultivate a deeper sense of connection and fulfillment with your partner. Remember that seeking help or support is a sign of strength. Taking part in sex and intimacy-specialized marriage counseling allows you to focus on growth together. To note, couples counseling is about investing in your emotional and sexual well-being is a gift to yourselves and your relationship.
At Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching, Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling by addressing both emotional and sexual needs and desires.
Do you want to change your generational pattern for the better and have a more connected marriage than you have been shown?
Navigating the complexities of building a strong and emotionally secure relationship can be challenging, especially when faced with childhood trauma. Sex and intimacy-specialized couples therapy gives you a safe place to talk about the legacy of parental relationships and childhood trauma. You and your spouse may not have exemplified positive marital dynamics.
However, it’s essential to recognize that regardless of your upbringing, you have the power to cultivate a secure and emotionally intelligent bond with your partner. In sex and intimacy-specialized marriage counseling, we will explore tools for supporting emotional validation.
Katie Ziskind, sex and intimacy specialist and Gottman level two marriage counselor teaches couples skills for building emotional security.
You can your spouse will learn positive strategies for nurturing a secure and emotionally intelligent bond in your relationship. This supports discussing childhood trauma and learning how to be more emotionally connected than what you saw your parents demonstrate.
Firstly, let’s discuss the importance of emotional validation in fostering a sense of connection and understanding between partners. Emotional validation involves acknowledging and accepting each other’s feelings, even if you may not necessarily agree with them. It’s about creating a safe space where both partners feel heard, respected, and validated in their emotional experiences. By practicing active listening, empathy, and validation, you can build a foundation of trust and emotional intimacy in your relationship.
Next, let’s explore skills for building emotional security within your relationship.
Emotional security is essential for creating a sense of stability, trust, and predictability in your partnership.
One crucial skill for fostering emotional security is communication. Open and honest communication allows you to express your needs, concerns, and vulnerabilities, while also creating space for your partner to do the same. Additionally, couples counseling teaches you both how to practice empathy and compassion towards each other’s emotional experiences. In turn, this process helps to create a supportive and nurturing environment where both of you feel valued and understood.
Now, let’s discuss how to build a secure and emotionally intelligent bond after having parents who may not have demonstrated a positive marriage.
It’s essential to recognize that your upbringing may have influenced your expectations, beliefs, and behaviors in relationships. However, you have the power to break free from negative patterns and create a new narrative for your own partnership. Many of us watch and witness parents yell, scream, throw things, get angry, call each other names, and be critical. As well, many of us watch parents and caregivers stonewall, give each other the silent treatment, avoid conflict, and never verbalize or share emotions.
Sex and intimacy-specialized couples counseling helps you start by reflecting on your past experiences. From there, you can team up and work on identifying any unhelpful patterns or beliefs that are impacting your relationship. Then, you can both consciously choose to adopt healthier communication styles. This means increasing conflict resolution strategies, which improve your relational dynamics. Working through the process of breaking generational patterns prioritizes emotional connection and security. Gaining awareness around childhood patterns can help you be intentional about creating a loving, passionate bond.
To begin, click below for couples sessions to start breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and to openly talk about your sex life.
Here are some practical strategies you both can gain in sex and intimacy-specialized marriage therapy for nurturing a secure and emotionally intelligent bond:
Practice active listening: Listen to your partner with an open heart and mind, seeking to understand their perspective without judgment or defensiveness.
Validate each other’s emotions: Acknowledge and accept your partner’s feelings, even if you may not agree with them. Avoid minimizing or invalidating their experiences.
Cultivate empathy and compassion: Put yourself in your partner’s shoes and strive to understand their emotions and experiences from their perspective. Show compassion and support in times of distress or difficulty.
Communicate openly and honestly: Foster open and honest communication by expressing your needs, concerns, and feelings in a respectful and constructive manner. Encourage your partner to do the same.
Prioritize self-awareness and self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and how they may impact your relationship. Be willing to acknowledge and address any areas for growth or improvement.
Seek support when needed: Don’t hesitate to seek couples therapy or marriage counseling when you’re facing challenges in your relationship. A Gottman level two trained therapist, such as Katie Ziskind, provides guidance and support. As well, you both gain intimacy specific tools for strengthening your emotional bond.
At Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching, Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling by addressing both emotional and sexual needs and desires.
Sex and intimacy-specialized marriage counseling helps you understand and gain awareness for generational patterns and improve communication.
In general, building a secure and emotionally intelligent bond in your relationship requires intentional effort, communication, and self-awareness.
By practicing emotional validation, fostering emotional security, and consciously choosing healthy relational patterns, you can create a strong and resilient partnership that withstands the test of time. Remember that your past does not dictate your future.
With dedication and commitment, you can cultivate a deeply fulfilling and emotionally secure bond with your partner. Breaking generational patterns is one piece of the pie when it comes to breaking the cycle of sexual avoidance and sexual rejection. In addition, when we look at breaking the cycle of a sexless marriage through sex and intimacy-specialized couples therapy, we need to understand how pleasure is created and felt.
Many times, women ad vulva owners do not want to have sex because sex is painful, dull, and boring. Women need 45-90 minutes of foreplay, where as men or penis owners only need 4-8 minutes of foreplay. When a female’s body is not properly warmed up, penetrative sex is unpleasant, burns, and is painful. As well, in order to make sex fun and pleasurable, Katie Ziskind helps couples lengthen foreplay.
To begin, click below to book your couples session for specialized help breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and rebuilding playfulness and pleasure.
Couples often don’t understand the needs of the female pleasure system, leading to a disinterest in sex and sexual rejection cycles.
Marriage therapy at Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching offers sex positive skills for understanding the female body. Females need more time to feel sexually aroused and sexually excited than penis owners or males. Vulva owners need 45-90 minutes of foreplay and the male body or penis owners only need 4-8 minutes of foreplay.
To note, there needs to be more time for excitement, anticipation building, and playfulness to support female sexual pleasure. Furthermore, females often become disinterested in sexual activities when all activities are penis-focused or male pleasure-oriented. A female may reject her partner and avoid having sex because it simply doesn’t feel pleasurable.
In the journey of cultivating a thriving and fulfilling relationship, the topic of sexual intimacy is often shrouded in mystery, misconceptions, and societal taboos. Yet, fostering a sex-positive mindset and embracing education around sexual desire is paramount for nurturing a deep and passionate connection with your partner. In sex and intimacy couples counseling, we explore the importance of foreplay.
Katie Ziskind, sex and intimacy specialist, Gottman level two marriage counselor, offers sex-positive education on in marriage therapy.
Particularly, couples work on building sexual desire and understanding how a female partner feels wanted and desired. Sex and intimacy-focused couples counseling gives you both a safe place to gain understanding regarding the needs of the female body. You can understand navigating the differences in sexual arousal between genders.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to recognize that sex positivity is about embracing sexuality as a natural and healthy aspect of human experience. It involves challenging societal norms and stigmas around sex. Sex positivity is about promoting open and honest communication, and fostering a culture of consent, pleasure, and empowerment.
Incorporating sex-positive education into marriage counseling creates a safe and supportive environment for you both to explore your sexual desires, address concerns, and deepen your connection with each other. Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling by understanding the female sexual arousal system and the ingredients for building sexual desire.
One of the key benefits of sex-positive education is its role in building sexual desire and helping a female partner feel wanted and desired.
Many women may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or insecurity in their sexual relationships, particularly if they have internalized societal messages that prioritize male pleasure over their own.
Sex-positive marriage counseling with Katie Ziskind, Gottman level two marriage therapist, encourages couples to explore mutual desires. You get a safe place to communicate openly about your needs and preferences, and prioritize pleasure and satisfaction for both of you.
By fostering a sense of validation, acceptance, and appreciation for each other’s desires, you both can cultivate a more fulfilling and satisfying sexual connection.
Furthermore, sex-positive education helps couples understand the unique needs of the female body and the importance of foreplay in enhancing arousal and pleasure.
To begin, click below for couples sessions to start breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and to openly talk about your sex life.
Research has shown that the female pleasure system typically requires more time and stimulation to reach optimal arousal compared to the male body.
While penis owners and male-bodied individuals may require only 4-8 minutes of foreplay, female-bodied individuals often need 45-90 minutes of foreplay to fully engage their arousal mechanisms. This means a vulva owner needs about five or ten times longer to reach orgasm.
By understanding and respecting these differences in arousal patterns, couples can create a more pleasurable and satisfying sexual experience for both partners.
In addition to understanding the physical aspects of arousal, sex-positive education in marriage therapy with Katie Ziskind also encourages couples to explore the emotional and psychological components of intimacy.
Building anticipation, emotional connection, and trust are essential elements of fostering a deeply fulfilling sexual relationship.
Through open communication, experimentation, and a willingness to explore new experiences together, you both can deepen your emotional bond and enhance your sexual connection.
In general, incorporating sex-positive education into marriage counseling is essential for building sexual desire. Having frequent, pleasurable sex is about making a female partner feel wanted and desired.
Sex and intimacy-specialized couples therapy provides understanding the needs of the female body, and support when navigating differences in arousal between genders.
By embracing a sex-positive mindset, couples in counseling can create a safe and supportive environment for exploring their desires.
You get a safe space for addressing concerns, and nurturing a deep and passionate connection with each other. Remember that sexual intimacy is a journey of exploration, communication, and mutual pleasure. With the right support and sex positive education in marriage counseling with Katie Ziskind, you can cultivate a deeply fulfilling and satisfying sexual relationship with your partner.
At Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching, Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling by addressing both emotional and sexual needs and desires.
To begin, click below for couples sessions to start breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and to openly talk about your sex life.
What are some ways to incorporate longer, more pleasure-oriented foreplay, and incorporate anticipation-building touch during 45-90 minutes of foreplay?
In the pursuit of deepening intimacy and igniting passion in your relationship, the role of foreplay cannot be overstated. While the notion of foreplay often conjures images of hurried kisses and fleeting touches, there exists a realm of possibility beyond this hurried encounter—a realm where time slows down, anticipation builds, and pleasure unfurls like petals in bloom. Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling by providing sex positive education on foreplay.
In sex positive couples counseling for breaking the cycle of a sexless marriage, you can explore ways to incorporate longer, more pleasure-oriented foreplay.
As well, you both can delve into the art of exploring erogenous zones through gentle, lingering, anticipation-building touch.
Think of foreplay as the core of your sexual experience.
First, foreplay is more than just a prelude to intercourse. It’s an opportunity to connect with your partner on a deeper level, to explore their body and desires, and to build anticipation for the pleasures yet to come. By extending the duration of foreplay, you create space for relaxation, exploration, and heightened sensitivity. Foreplay lays the foundation for a more fulfilling, exciting, and satisfying sexual experience.
To begin, click below to book your couples session for specialized help breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and rebuilding playfulness and pleasure.
So, how can you incorporate longer, more pleasure-oriented foreplay into your lovemaking routine?
Here are some suggestions:
Set the Scene:
Create a romantic atmosphere conducive to relaxation and intimacy. Dim the lights, play soft music, and indulge in sensual delights such as scented candles or massage oils.
Communicate Openly:
Talk to your partner about your desires, fantasies, and boundaries. Encourage them to do the same. Open communication builds trust and allows you to tailor your foreplay to each other’s preferences.
Slow Down:
Resist the urge to rush through foreplay. Instead, savor each moment, allowing time for gentle caresses, kisses, and exploration. Focus on the sensations and the connection between you and your partner.
Explore Erogenous Zones:
Erogenous zones are areas of the body that are particularly sensitive to touch and can elicit pleasurable sensations when stimulated. Take the time to explore your partner’s erogenous zones, paying attention to their reactions and cues. These may include the neck, ears, nipples, inner thighs, and genitals, among others.
Experiment with Different Techniques:
Incorporate a variety of touch techniques into your foreplay repertoire, including light strokes, kisses, nibbles, and massage. Pay attention to your partner’s responses and adjust your touch accordingly.
Build Anticipation:
Tease and tantalize your partner with anticipation-building touch. Use gentle, lingering strokes to heighten their arousal and leave them yearning for more. Experiment with different speeds, pressures, and patterns to keep things exciting.
Embrace Sensual Activities:
Expand your definition of foreplay to include sensual activities such as bathing together, mutual massage, or sharing fantasies. These activities can deepen your connection and enhance the overall intimacy of your encounter.
Remember, the goal of extended foreplay is not just to prolong the pleasure but to deepen the connection and intimacy between you and your partner.
By taking the time to explore each other’s bodies and desires, you can create a more fulfilling and satisfying sexual experience that leaves you both feeling cherished, desired, and deeply connected.
In conclusion, incorporating longer, more pleasure-oriented foreplay and exploring erogenous zones through gentle, lingering, anticipation-building touch is a powerful way to elevate intimacy and passion in your relationship.
Embrace the opportunity to slow down, connect with your partner on a deeper level, and savor the sensual delights that foreplay has to offer. Remember, the journey of sexual exploration is one of mutual discovery and pleasure, and with the right mindset and approach, you can create moments of pure bliss and connection with your partner.
In addition to learning about lengthening foreplay to create more anticipation and support female sexual pleasure, pornography addiction issues can lead to sexual avoidance and sexual rejection cycles. A pornography addiction can lead to a sexless marriage, due to the disinterest in real-life partner sex.
Can pronography induced erectile dysfunction can lead to low sexual desire when it comes to real life sex in with your spouse?
Now, in the realm of modern sexuality, the widespread accessibility of pornography has transformed the landscape of sexual expression and exploration.
While pornography can serve as a source of arousal and fantasy for some, it’s essential to recognize the potential pitfalls that excessive and compulsive use of pornography can have on intimate relationships. Pornography is often very male pleasure focused, leading to unrealistic expectation in real life partner sex.
In sex positive couples counseling for breaking the cycle of a sexless marriage, Katie Ziskind explores the phenomenon of pornography-induced erectile dysfunction (PIED). It is important to talk about the impacts of compulsive pornography use when it comes to understanding sexual avoidance. And, in sex positive couples counseling, you can talk about pornography-induced erectile dysfunction. Pornography-induced erectile dysfunction impacts sexual desire, emotional connection, and intimacy within your marriage.
As well, pornography-induced erectile dysfunction occurs when an individual becomes reliant on pornography as their primary source of sexual arousal. Unfortunately, pornography-induced erectile dysfunction makes it impossible to become aroused by a real life person. Compulsively using pornography hurts a person’s ability to become aroused by real-life sexual encounters with their partner.
A person may avoid sex in real life to isolate and watch pornography because it is easier than reading a partner’s emotions or giving.
This reliance on pornography can lead to a host of challenges in the bedroom, including difficulty achieving and maintaining erections, low sexual desire, and performance anxiety.
Moreover, compulsive pornography use can desensitize individuals to real-life sexual stimuli. Pornography-induced erectile dysfunction happens because compulsive pornography use makes it increasingly challenging to become aroused by your partner’s touch, presence, and emotional connection.
One of the most significant consequences of pornography-induced erectile dysfunction is the erosion of intimacy and emotional connection within your marriage.
When one partner’s sexual desires are primarily fueled by pornography, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy, rejection, and disconnection for the other partner. To add, the inability to engage in mutually satisfying sexual experiences can create a sense of isolation and marital withdrawal. Not talking about pornography-induced erectile dysfunction further creates disconnection.
Likewise, a lack of physical connection from compulsive pornography use drives a wedge between you both and undermining the foundation of trust and intimacy in your relationship.
Furthermore, pornography-induced erectile dysfunction can perpetuate a cycle of shame, guilt, and secrecy, further exacerbating the disconnect between partners.
Individuals struggling with pornography-induced erectile dysfunction may feel ashamed of their reliance on pornography and may go to great lengths to hide their habits from their partner. A person may keep their porn use a secret and feel shame for compulsively using pornography. This secrecy only serves to deepen the divide between partners and perpetuate feelings of isolation and loneliness. Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling by helping couples talk openly about pornography use.
So, how can couples navigate the impact of pornography-induced erectile dysfunction and reclaim intimacy in their relationship?
First and foremost, open and honest communication is essential. Sex and intimacy-focused marriage therapy with Katie Ziskind helps couples openly talk about pornography-induced erectile dysfunction. Couples must be willing to address the issue head-on and have difficult conversations about the impact of pornography on their relationship. Working with Katie Ziskind, Gottman level two marriage counselor and sex and intimacy specialist, specializes in sexual health and intimacy issues.
Additionally, couples in counseling with Katie Ziskind can explore strategies for reducing reliance on pornography and rekindling intimacy in their relationship.
This may include setting boundaries around pornography use. Not keeping secrets and being fully honest is essential. As well, engaging in couples therapy with a focus on sex and intimacy is a key part of overcoming pornography-induced erectile dysfunction. Prioritizing quality time together outside of the bedroom to reconnect emotionally and strengthen your bond is essential. To add, it is important to address underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem that may be contributing to compulsive pornography use. There may be past trauma experiences that need processing.
To begin, click below to book your couples session for specialized help breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and rebuilding playfulness and pleasure.
By recognizing the signs of pornography-induced erectile dysfunction and addressing the issue proactively, couples can work together to reclaim intimacy, rebuild trust, and strengthen their bond.
In general, pornography-induced erectile dysfunction damages intimacy, emotional connection, and sexual satisfaction within your marriage.
To note, overcoming pornography-induced erectile dysfunction requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to confront difficult truths. It means being honest, open, and vulnerable in order to rebuild emotional and sexual intimacy. As well, there are amazing rewards of reclaiming intimacy and connection with your partner. The process of couples counseling is well worth the effort.
In addition to pornography-induced erectile dysfunction when looking at the cycle of sexual avoidance, sexual rejection, and sexual disconnection, there are other contributors. Furthermore, when looking at the cycle of sexual avoidance, sexual rejection, and sexual disconnection in couples therapy, Katie Ziskind talks about increasing affectionate touch.
In a sexless marriage, touch often becomes emotionally charged, leading to sexual avoidance, rejection, and loneliness.
This means all touch immediately makes you or your partner think of penetrative sex, leading to anxiety. The moment you start kissing, you start thinking of sexual performance. Right now, all touch may feel like it has expectations of sex attached. So, you avoid and don’t have any touch. “Will I stay hard?” “Should I be giving more now?” “How can I make my partner orgasm?” “Will I be able to orgasm?” “What if this isn’t a successful experience?” “Am I a good lover?” In order to break the cycle of sexual avoidance, sexual rejection, and sexual disconnection, diversifying touch is essential. Incorporating touch that doesn’t lead to sex is key in overcoming a sexless marriage.
At Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching, Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling by giving you a safe space to talk about touch.
Let’s talk about the power, need, and importance of non-sexual touch in your marriage when it comes to rebuilding your libido.
In the intricate dance of intimacy, the language of touch speaks volumes. While sexual touch undoubtedly has its place in nurturing desire and passion, it’s essential not to overlook the importance of affectionate, gentle, non-sexual touch in fostering connection. Affectionate touch that doesn’t lead to sexual activity necessarily is key in rebuilding libido in your relationship.
Through sex and intimacy-specialized couples counseling with Katie Ziskind, you both can explore the importance of diverse forms of touch. Overall, this means doing more long hugs, handholding, and showering together, in supporting a healthy, fulfilling sex life.
In a culture saturated with sexual imagery and expectations, it’s easy to overlook the intimacy of non-sexual touch. However, research has shown that engaging in affectionate touch can release oxytocin, the “love hormone.” Oxytocin promotes feelings of trust, bonding, and connection between you both.
By incorporating diverse forms of touch into your daily interactions, you create opportunities to deepen emotional intimacy. As well, touch strengthens your bond, and lays the foundation for a more playful, satisfying sexual relationship.
One of the key benefits of non-sexual touch is its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation, both of which are essential for nurturing desire and arousal.
To begin, click below for couples sessions to start breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and to openly talk about your sex life.
When you engage in gentle, affectionate touch with your partner, it sends signals to your brain to release stress-reducing hormones.
To add, touch creates a sense of calm, relaxation, and contentment. This relaxed state of mind sets the stage for more pleasurable and satisfying sexual encounters. Relaxation is the precursor to sexual arousal and sexual excitement. So, from relaxation, you are free from the mental pressure and tension that can hinder intimacy.
Moreover, non-sexual touch helps to cultivate a sense of safety and security within your relationship. Emotional safety is essential for building trust and vulnerability.
When you feel safe and supported in your partner’s embrace, you are more likely to open up emotionally and express your sexual desires and needs more freely.
To add, this level of emotional intimacy lays the groundwork for deeper sexual connection and exploration. So, as you feel comfortable and accepted in each other’s presence, you’ll open up sexually.
Diverse forms of touch also allow you to explore and celebrate your partner’s body in new and exciting ways. So, add in more long hugs that envelop you in warmth and comfort. Increase handholding, which serves as a silent reassurance of your connection. When touch doesn’t have to lead to penis in vagina sex, touch becomes more playful. Each form of touch carries its own unique significance and beauty.
Showering together can be a sensual and intimate experience. You can bond as you wash away the stresses of the day and revel in the closeness of each other’s presence.
Incorporating non-sexual touch into your daily routine doesn’t require elaborate gestures or grand displays of affection.
Instead, it’s about being present and attuned to your partner’s needs and desires, and finding opportunities to connect in meaningful and authentic ways.
Sadly, many couples in sexless marriage stop offering affectionate touch. You probably have fond memories of sharing a gentle caress as you pass each other in the hallway. And, you may wonder how to share a lingering hug before bed like you once did. Sex positive couples therapy can help you see that each touch serves as a way to reaffirm your love and commitment to each other.
In general, the importance of affectionate, gentle, non-sexual touch in nurturing intimacy and rebuilding libido cannot be overstated.
To begin, click below for couples sessions to start breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and to openly talk about your sex life.
By incorporating diverse forms of touch into your relationship though working with, Katie Ziskind, sex and intimacy specialist, Gottman level two marriage counselor, you can reincorporate comforting touch.
Comforting touch supports safety and relaxation, which are key elements for sexual arousal and sexual excitement. From comforting touch, erotic touch can evolve. You both can create opportunities to deepen emotional connection, reduce stress, and celebrate the beauty of physical intimacy in all its forms.
Sex and intimacy specialized marriage counseling helps you both understand that intimacy is not solely defined by sexual activity but by the depth of emotional connection too. Intimacy is about embodying closeness that you share with your partner.
Through marriage therapy with Katie Ziskind, you both can embrace the power of touch and watch as your relationship flourishes and your libido reawakens.
There are many pieces of the pie when it comes to low sexual interest, a disinterest in sex, and sexual avoidance cycles. In addition to affectionate touch, improving calm, gentle, and caring communication is key for improving your healthy sex life. Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling by teaching skills for both emotional intimacy and sexual bonding.
How can reducing Gottman’s four horsemen of the apocalypse help you in creating a healthy sex life?
In the intricate dance of love and intimacy, communication serves as the cornerstone upon which healthy relationships are built. If you are getting arguments, sexual intimacy can seem unsafe on an emotional level. Just as a sturdy foundation supports a magnificent structure, effective communication forms the bedrock of a fulfilling and satisfying sex life.
During the process of sex and intimacy-focused marriage counseling for breaking the cycle of sexual avoidance and sexual rejection, Katie Ziskind explores the importance of reducing Gottman’s “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.” To note, these are criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. When these show up, they a signals and predictors of separation. They leave each person feeling alone, unimportant, insignificant, uncared for, shameful for having needs, and distant. Stopping these when they show up in your communication is a key part in building healthy communication and fostering a vibrant sexual connection in your relationship.
Katie Ziskind, certified sex therapy informed professional and Gottman level two marriage therapist, helps couples use empathy when communication.
At Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching, Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling by supporting empathetic, emotionally expressive communication.
Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship expert, identified the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” as destructive communication patterns that can erode the fabric of a relationship over time.
For one, criticism involves attacking your partner’s character or personality. And, contempt manifests as disdain or disrespect towards your partner. Defensiveness occurs when you deny responsibility or blame your partner for issues.
As well, stonewalling involves withdrawing from communication or shutting down emotionally. These communication patterns can create barriers to intimacy, trust, and emotional connection, ultimately impacting your sex life. Sometimes, we learn these growing up and carry unhealthy generational patterns into our own relationships. And, sometimes, we don’t even realize we are using these exceptionally negative ways of speaking. When these show up, you and your partner are often in a state of fight, flight, and freeze.
To begin, click below to book your couples session for specialized help breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and rebuilding playfulness and pleasure.
So, how does intimacy-focused marriage counseling for breaking the cycle of sexual avoidance and sexual rejection help with reducing the “Four Horsemen” and contribute to creating a healthy sex life?
First and foremost, reducing criticism and contempt creates a safe and supportive environment for expressing desires, needs, and concerns related to intimacy.
When you refrain from attacking your partner’s character or belittling their feelings, you create space for open and honest communication about your sexual desires and preferences. This fosters a sense of trust and vulnerability. Vulnerability lets you both to explore new sexual experiences and deepen your connection with each other.
Similarly, reducing defensiveness involves taking responsibility for your actions. As well, empathetic communication means acknowledging your partner’s feelings and perspective.
When you approach sexual issues with an open mind and a willingness to listen, you create opportunities for constructive dialogue and problem-solving.
Rather than placing blame or deflecting responsibility, you can learn to work together as a team to address challenges and find solutions that meet both of your needs.
Additionally, reducing stonewalling involves staying emotionally engaged and present during conversations about sex and intimacy. When you withdraw from communication or shut down emotionally, you create a barrier to intimacy and connection. You can learn how to stay open and receptive in intimacy-focused marriage counseling for breaking the cycle of sexual avoidance and sexual rejection. And, you’ll be creating a more emotionally secure martial bond in the process.
By remaining open and receptive to your partner’s concerns and desires, you create opportunities for deepening emotional intimacy and strengthening your bond as a couple.
By reducing the “Four Horsemen” and fostering healthy communication, you create a solid foundation for building a fulfilling, pleasurable, playful, and satisfying sex life.
Effective communication allows you to express your desires and needs, listen to your partner’s perspective, and work together to navigate challenges and obstacles that may arise. This creates a sense of intimacy, trust, and connection that enhances sexual satisfaction and fulfillment for both partners.
In general, reducing Gottman’s “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,” criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling, helps your sex life.
Safety emotionally is essential for building healthy communication and creating a vibrant sex life in your relationship. By fostering open and honest dialogue and taking responsibility for your actions, you can support a strong sexual connection. As well, a healthy sex life means remaining emotionally engaged. From intimacy-focused marriage counseling for breaking the cycle of sexual avoidance and sexual rejection, you can learn to create opportunities for deepening intimacy, trust, and connection with your partner.
Essentially, effective communication is the key to unlocking the full potential of your relationship and experiencing the joy, passion, connection, and fulfillment of a truly satisfying sex life.
In addition to Gottman’s four horsemen of the apocalypse and understanding empathetic communication, there are other pieces of the pie when it comes to sexual avoidance.
Many couples get stuck in a cycle of sexual avoidance because they are dealing with shame and guilt around their own sexualities. You may have been raised in a strict, conservative, or abstinence-based culture that was very religious. Experiences of religious trauma can be very damaging when it comes to seeing yourself as a sexual being. It may be difficult for you to get into a sexually open mindset because shame, guilt, and fear blocks away. Growing up in a very religious culture can make you feel shame, fear, guilt, and anxiety around your own sexual expression
How can being raised in a strict, religious, conservative, purity-culture, abstinence-culture lead to sexual shame, guilt, and anxiety?
Growing up in a strict, religious, conservative environment steeped in purity culture and abstinence teachings can leave a lasting imprint on one’s relationship with sexuality.
While these teachings may be well-intentioned, they often instill deep-seated feelings of shame, guilt, and anxiety surrounding sex. And, religious trauma hinders healthy and fulfilling sexual expression and embodiment in adulthood.
In intimacy-focused marriage counseling for breaking the cycle of sexual avoidance and sexual rejection, Katie Ziskind explores the ways in which being raised in a strict, religious, and conservative environment can impact your sex life.
Katie Ziskind, sex and intimacy specialist and Gottman level two marriage therapist, offers strategies for overcoming sexual shame and embracing pleasure-oriented sexual expression in your relationship.
First and foremost, it’s essential to acknowledge the pervasive influence of purity culture and abstinence teachings on your beliefs and attitudes towards sex. Messages of sexual shame and guilt are often internalized from a young age, leading to a distorted view of sexuality as sinful or dirty. To add, these traumatic religious teachings can create barriers to embracing your sexuality fully and experiencing pleasure without judgment or fear.
Moreover, the emphasis on abstinence and purity can create unrealistic expectations and anxieties surrounding sex.
To begin, click below for couples sessions to start breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and to openly talk about your sex life.
Couples raised in such environments may feel pressure to conform to rigid standards of sexual morality.
To add, you may carry feelings of inadequacy or fear of judgment from God if you engage in sexual activity outside of marriage, like an open marriage. Or, fear if you engage in pre-marital sex. As well, you may carry fear and guilt if you explore your sexual desires like masturbation. This fear of judgment and condemnation from God can manifest as anxiety or avoidance of sexual intimacy. Sexual shame, guilt, and fear from religious trauma further complicates efforts to cultivate a healthy and fulfilling sex life.
Additionally, the lack of comprehensive sex education in conservative environments can leave you both ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of sexual relationships in adulthood.
Without access to accurate, medically-based information and resources, couples may struggle to communicate effectively about their desires. Without having a safe place to talk about sexual needs, and boundaries, sexual pain, misunderstandings, frustration, and dissatisfaction in your bedroom. At Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching, intimacy-focused marriage therapy helps break the cycle of sexual avoidance and sexual rejection. Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling by assessing the root causes of emotional security and sexual intimacy issues.
What are some examples of fear-based messaging and narratives adolescents are taught and misinformation due religious trauma?
Fear-based messaging and misinformation due to religious trauma can have profound effects on adolescents’ beliefs, behaviors, and mental health long into adulthood.
Sexual Shame and Fear of Sin:
For one, many adolescents raised in strict, conservative, religious communities often receive messages that equate sexual desires and behaviors with sin and immorality. You may have learned that any form of sexual expression outside of heterosexual marriage is sinful and will lead to damnation or punishment. To add, this fear-based messaging can instill deep-seated shame and guilt surrounding sexuality long into adulthood. Being told these far-based messages leads to anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulties forming healthy relationships.
Gender Roles and Expectations:
Religious teachings often prescribe rigid gender roles and expectations, reinforcing patriarchal values and norms. Girls are taught to give, give give, and always pleasure their husband. And, sex is a woman’s duty when married, to keep her husband happy. As well, many women are blamed if their husband is unfaithful. You may have been taught that as a woman, you should be submissive and obedient to men, while men are expected to be dominant and in control. These messages can perpetuate harmful power dynamics and contribute to gender-based discrimination and violence.
Fear of Hell and Eternal Damnation:
More so, many religious traditions include teachings about the concept of hell or eternal punishment for those who do not adhere to specific beliefs or practices. Adolescents may be indoctrinated with fear-inducing narratives about the consequences of questioning or rejecting religious teachings, leading to feelings of terror, anxiety, and existential dread.
Stigmatization of Mental Health:
Some strict, conservative, purity cultures and religious communities view mental illness as a sign of spiritual weakness or possession by evil forces. Adolescents struggling with mental health issues may be discouraged from seeking professional help or treatment. This leads to further isolation, suffering, and deterioration of their well-being.
Misinformation About Science and Evolution:
In some strict, conservative, purity cultures and religious contexts, adolescents may be taught creationist beliefs that reject scientific theories such as evolution and the Big Bang. They may be discouraged from critical thinking and inquiry-based learning. Unfortunately, this leads to a mistrust of scientific knowledge and a reluctance to engage with evidence-based perspectives.
Cultural and Religious Superiority:
Adolescents raised in strict, conservative, purity cultures and religious communities may be taught that their beliefs are the only true or valid ones. And, other religions or cultures are portrayed as inferior or misguided. This ethnocentric worldview can foster prejudice, intolerance, and a lack of empathy towards those who hold different beliefs or identities.
Fear of Apostasy or Excommunication:
As well, adolescents may be warned against questioning or doubting religious teachings, as doing so could result in social ostracism, excommunication, or the loss of community support. This fear of rejection can prevent adolescents from exploring their own beliefs and values authentically. Being raised in a strict, conservative, purity culture leads to internalized shame, fear, and self-censorship.
To begin, click below to book your couples session for specialized help breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and rebuilding playfulness and pleasure.
Sex and intimacy focused marriage therapy with Katie Ziskind helps you work towards creating a sex positive marriage environment.
These are just a few examples that highlight how fear-based messaging and misinformation due to religious trauma can negatively impact adolescents’ development, mental health, and well-being. In sex positive couples counseling, you get a safe place to reflect on what you were taught in adolescent years by your community. When raised in a strict, conservative, purity culture, your parents, educators, and religious leaders may have caused you to carry far, shame, and guilt.
Couples counseling helps you and your partner team up navigate the challenges of religious trauma and heal from its lasting effects. At Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching, Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling by bringing awareness to the impact of purity culture, sexual shame, and guilt that may be blocking intimacy.
So, how can couples therapy help you overcome the impact of sexual shame and anxiety stemming from a conservative upbringing and embrace pleasure-oriented sexual expression in your relationship?
Firstly, sex positive marriage therapy helps you challenge the beliefs and attitudes instilled by purity culture and abstinence teachings. Marriage counseling with Katie Ziskind helps you recognize that sexuality is a natural and integral aspect of human experience, deserving of acceptance, respect, and exploration. Sexual orientation may change, evolve, and grow over time too.
Sex positive marriage therapy with Katie Ziskind gives you both a safe space to engage in open and honest conversations about your upbringing and the impact it has had on your views of sex. By sharing your experiences and concerns, you can validate each other’s feelings. As well, you can work together to create a more sex positive, supportive and understanding marital environment.
Additionally, sex positive marriage therapy helps you educate yourselves about sexuality and pleasure outside of the confines of conservative teachings. Katie Ziskind can recommend resources such as books and podcasts that promote a sex-positive and pleasure-centered approach to intimacy.
To begin, click below to book your couples session for specialized help breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and rebuilding playfulness and pleasure.
Explore new techniques, fantasies, and desires together, allowing yourselves to embrace pleasure without guilt or shame.
Furthermore, prioritize communication and consent in your sexual relationship. At home, you can create a safe space where you can express your desires, needs, and boundaries openly and honestly. You can stop having sex out of obligation or because you feel it is your duty. Couples therapy helps you respect each other’s autonomy and agency. In sex positive marriage therapy, you can learn to prioritize mutual pleasure and satisfaction in your sexual encounters.
Finally, be patient and compassionate with yourselves as you navigate the journey towards overcoming sexual shame and embracing pleasure-oriented sexual expression. Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling. She helps you improve and grow together by improving emotional bonding skills and understanding sexual intimacy needs.
Unlearning deeply ingrained beliefs and attitudes takes time and effort, but with dedication and support from each other, you can break free from the constraints of your conservative upbringing and create a relationship characterized by intimacy, connection, and pleasure.
In general, being raised in a strict, religious, conservative environment can have profound implications for your relationship with sexuality. This background leads to feelings of shame, guilt, and anxiety that impact your sex life.
You can begin pushing back by challenging these beliefs and attitudes in couples therapy. And, marriage counseling is a place to gain education about sexuality and pleasure, communication and consent, and invoke patience and compassion.
Together, you can overcome the legacy of sexual shame and embrace a more fulfilling and pleasure-oriented sexual expression in your relationship.
In addition to experiencing religious trauma and carrying shame and guilt from a conservative background, there are other pieces of the pie when it comes to a sexually avoidant cycle. Breaking the cycle of sexual rejection, sexual withdrawal and sexual loneliness means looking at your marriage holistically. This next part may not apply to all couples, but it does apply to some.
Some couples choose to open their marriage and end up with sexual challenges as a result. Opening your marriage, diversifying your sexual partners, and exploring your sexual orientation can all be incredibly positive. Notably, not every couple who opens their marriage or swings has negative sexual impacts.
To begin, click below for couples sessions to start breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and to openly talk about your sex life.
However, some couples that Katie Ziskind works with do struggle with their sexual connection together after opening their marriage.
Creating an open marriage, going to sex clubs, swingers clubs, dating other couples, or living a polyamorous lifestyle can impact your sex life. Katie Ziskind is a kink affirming, LGBTQIA+, queer affirming therapist. As a result of opening your marriage, swinging, going to a sex club, or inviting a third-party into a sexual experience, you may now be stuck in a cycle of sexual avoidance.
Sometimes, opening a marriage can lead to a variety of different emotions that diminish a sexual passion or block sexual intimacy.
For instance, you might feel inferior to your partner’s sexual partners. Or, you may have a kink or fantasy that you want to try, but your partner doesn’t want to do it with you. So, you open your marriage to explore it, but now you partner fears abandonment. Jealousy can also play a role in sexual expression and sexual intimacy. At Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching, Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling by giving you a safe space to talk about your open marriage and the impacts.
How can marriage couples counseling can help you and your partner stay strong as a couple through changes like opening your marriage and lifestyle adjustments?
In the journey of love and intimacy, the path we choose to explore our desires and sexuality can take many forms.
For some, this may involve opening up their marriage, exploring sex clubs, kinks, or engaging in swinger activities. While these lifestyle choices can bring excitement and new experiences to your relationship, they can also present unique challenges and adjustments that impact your sexual desire and connection with your partner.
Opening up your marriage or exploring swinger clubs can have an impact on your sexual desire and sex life with your partner.
In sex positive marriage counseling with Katie Ziskind, you can explore how exploring open relationships can affect your sex life. The role of LGBTQIA+ queer and kink affirming marriage counseling in navigating these lifestyle adjustments is essential. Marriage counseling helps you in strengthening your bond as a couple while adjusting to new emotional sexual dynamics.
These experiences can ignite new passions, fantasies, and desires, creating opportunities for exploration and growth within your relationship. However, they can also bring up feelings of jealousy, insecurity, and uncertainty as you navigate the complexities of non-monogamous relationships.
One of the key benefits of exploring open relationships is the opportunity to deepen your connection and intimacy with your partner.
By exploring new experiences together, you create opportunities for open communication, trust-building, and mutual understanding. Engaging in shared experiences such as visiting sex clubs or attending swinger events can create a sense of adventure and excitement. Having diverse sexual experiences fosters a deeper bond between you and your partner.
However, navigating open relationships requires open and honest communication, clear boundaries, and a willingness to address any challenges or concerns that may arise.
Sex positive marriage counseling with Katie Ziskind is an invaluable resource for couples exploring non-monogamous relationships.
Katie Ziskind provides a safe space to discuss feelings, concerns, and desires openly and constructively. As well, Katie Ziskind, certified sex therapy informed professional, offers guidance, support, and tools for navigating jealousy, insecurity, and communication issues. She helps you and your partner strengthen your bond and navigate the complexities of your open relationship together. Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling by improving emotional security and sexual intimacy.
To begin, click below to book your couples session for specialized help breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and rebuilding playfulness and pleasure.
Furthermore, marriage counseling can help couples stay strong as a couple through the lifestyle adjustments that come with exploring open relationships.
Sex positive marriage counseling with Katie Ziskind provides a supportive environment where you can process your experiences, emotions, and desires. As well, you can work together to ensure that your relationship remains a priority amidst the excitement and novelty of non-monogamous exploration.
More so, LGBTQIA+, queer, and ENM affirming marriage counseling can help you and your partner establish healthy boundaries, build trust, and deepen your connection. This time each week in couples therapy ensures that your relationship remains strong and resilient through the ups and downs of your open relationship.
In general, exploring open relationships can play a big role on your sexual desire and sex life with your partner, bringing excitement, passion, and new experiences to your relationship. However, it can also present unique challenges and adjustments that require open communication, trust-building, and mutual understanding.
Sex positive marriage counseling with Katie Ziskind helps couples navigating non-monogamous relationships. She provides guidance, support, and tools for strengthening your bond, which ensure that your relationship remains strong and resilient through the lifestyle adjustments that come with exploring open relationships.
To begin, click below to book your couples session for help breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling and get comfortable talking about your sex life.
When it comes to breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling, Katie Ziskind is a certified sex therapy informed professional.
When you are in a cycle of sexual avoidance, you feel lonely, depressed, confused, self-conscious, low and self-esteem, anxious, insecure, and reject it. You may wonder if your partner still finds you attractive or sexy. Parts of you wonder what is really going on and how to break this cycle of sexual disconnection. It’s an awful feeling to experience being cast aside or feel sexually unwanted. To add, these intense emotions can lead to arguments and conflicts with your spouse that don’t get you anywhere. When you and your partner are arguing about the frequency of sex or what you like to do sexually, working with Katie Ziskind helps.
Katie Ziskind specializes in couples therapy with distant couples who need help rebuilding emotional vulnerability and emotional security as well as sexual desire and sexual intimacy. She has additional training as a Gottman level to marriage therapist and emotionally focused couples therapist. Licensed as a marriage and family therapist in multiple states, Katie Ziskind helps couples who are stuck in a cycle of sexual avoidance. At Wisdom Within Counseling and Coaching, Katie Ziskind specializes in helping distant couples in breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling by giving you a safe space to talk about all things related to sex, your sexuality, sexual expectations, and sexual desire.
Where does Katie Ziskind offer distant couples support for breaking sexual avoidance cycles in marriage counseling?
Katie Ziskind is licensed as a marriage and family therapist in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida.
In New Jersey, Katie Ziskind is licensed as a marriage and family therapist. She supports couples living in Alpine, Short Hills, Mendham, Summit, Rumson, Westfield, Saddle River, Far Hills, Princeton, Upper Saddle River, Millburn, Bernardsville, Colts Neck, Moorestown, Mountain Lakes, Franklin Lakes, Harding Township, Holmdel, Ridgewood, Glen Ridge, Essex Fells, Watchung, Ho-Ho-Kus, Tenafly.
Sex and intimacy-focused marriage therapy is available in Atlantic County, Bergen County, Burlington County, Camden County, Cape May County, Cumberland County, Essex County, Gloucester County, Hudson County, Hunterdon County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Morris County, Ocean County, Passaic County, Salem County, Somerset County, Sussex County, Union County, and Warren County, New Jersey.
Can we receive marriage therapy living in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, Katie Ziskind, specialist in sex and intimacy with couples offers support in Fairfield County, Hartford County, Litchfield County, Middlesex County, New Haven County, New London County, Tolland County, and Windham County.
Marriage therapy with a focus on sex and intimacy issues is available in Greenwich, New Canaan, Darien, Westport, Weston, Ridgefield, Wilton, Fairfield, Avon, Simsbury, Glastonbury, Farmington, Old Greenwich, Riverside, Southport, Southington, Avon, Mystic, Niantic, East Lyme, Old Saybrook, Middlebury, Middletown, West Hartford, Madison, Guilford, Easton, Essex, Redding, Branford, Woodbridge, Orange, New Preston, Newington, Wethersfield, Stonington, Kent, Washington, and Clinton.
Katie Ziskind, certified sex therapy informed professional, Gottman level two trained marriage therapist, supports couples in Florida.
As well, in Florida, couples therapy is available in Naples, Palm Beach, Key Biscayne, Fisher Island, Miami Beach, Jupiter Island, Coral Gables, Boca Raton, Sarasota, Longboat Key, Fort Lauderdale, Harbor Beach, Las Olas Isles, Orlando, Windermere, Tampa, Davis Islands, Delray Beach, Miami Shores, Weston, Cocoa Beach, Wellington, Parkland, Aventura, Pinecrest, Coral Springs, Winter Park, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Belle Isle Bay, Harbor Islands, Surfside, Bal Harbour, Gulf Stream, Golden Beach, Weston, and Melbourne Beach.
In Florida, Katie Ziskind helps couples in a sexless marriage in Alachua County, Baker County, Bay County, Bradford County, Brevard County, Broward County, Calhoun County, Charlotte County, Citrus County, Clay County, Collier County, Columbia County, DeSoto County, Dixie County, Duval County, Escambia County, Flagler County, Franklin County, Gadsden County, Gilchrist County, Glades County, Gulf County, Hamilton County, Hardee County, Hendry County, Hernando County, Highlands County, Hillsborough County, Holmes County, Indian River County, Jackson County, Jefferson County, Lafayette County, Lake County, Lee County, Leon County, Levy County, Liberty County, and Madison County.
As well, couples counseling is available in Manatee County, Marion County, Martin County, Miami-Dade County, Monroe County, Nassau County, Okaloosa County, Okeechobee County, Orange County, Osceola County, Palm Beach County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, Polk County, Putnam County, St. Johns County, St. Lucie County, Santa Rosa County, Sarasota County, Seminole County, Sumter County, Suwannee County, Taylor County, Union County, Volusia County, Wakulla County, Walton County, and Washington County.
