BT18 Speech 02 - The Sex-Starved Marriage: Helping Couples Bridge the Gap - Michele Weiner-Davis, MSW

Description: This session addresses the challenge of mismatched sexual desire, a dynamic that affects one in three couples and can erode both physical and emotional intimacy. It outlines a three-part model: helping the lower-desire partner build empathy, encouraging acts of “real giving” to increase mutual care, and educating couples on the human sexual response cycle. The presentation guides therapists in facilitating open, collaborative conversations to rekindle emotional and sexual connection.

Syllabus Description: One out of every three couples struggles with mismatched sexual desire---a formula for marital disaster. When one spouse is sexually dissatisfied and the other is oblivious, unconcerned, or uncaring, sex isn't the only casualty; a sense of emotional connection can also disappear. Helping couples bridge the desire gap can be challenging when one spouse appears unmotivated or lacks empathy. It can also be challenging when therapists feel uncomfortable discussing sex. This speech presents a collaborative model for partners to work together to turn around the decline in their sex lives and reignite their emotional connection.

Educational Objectives:

1. Discuss ending the vicious cycle of refusing or always asking for sex which leads to more anger, more refusal, and less desire.
2. Discuss that sex is not only about physical release; it’s also about connection.
3. Utilize new approaches to increase their partner's empathy and willingness to change. 

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*