In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome the incredible Dr. Vonda Wright, a double board-certified orthopedic sports surgeon who specializes in working with athletes and active individuals. Dr. Wright shares her passion for empowering women, especially as they navigate perimenopause and menopause. We explore everything from hormone health to the importance of lifting weights, brain health, and how to thrive through midlife.

Dr. Wright shares eye-opening insights about how estrogen impacts our bodies, the importance of understanding our hormonal changes, and the power of weight training to maintain bone density and overall health. We also chat about the societal pressures on women and how we can shift our mindset to not just survive but thrive during midlife. Trust us, you’re going to walk away with practical tips and tons of motivation to embrace this next phase of life.

Episode Highlights:
[0:01] - Introduction to Dr. Vonda Wright and her unique expertise in women's health.
[1:12] - Dr. Wright discusses her approach to treating the whole person.
[5:26] - Midlife health journeys, hormonal changes, and challenges.
[10:47] - Dr. Wright breaks down the biological changes that happen in midlife and the importance of menopause literacy.
[17:59] - How hormone therapy can impact your long-term health and well-being.
[21:26] - The crucial role of weight training in midlife and why it’s a game-changer for women.
[27:01] - Dr. Wright’s perspective on alcohol in midlife: what the science really says.
[30:20] - Laura asks about the impact of running on joint health—Dr. Wright’s expert answer might surprise you!
[33:51] - Information about the upcoming Women’s Health Conversation Summit and how to join. We will be there!

Resources:

• Dr. Vonda Wright’s website: https://www.speaker.drvondawright.com/
• My Alloy: https://www.myalloy.com – Online menopause care
• MIDI Health: https://www.joinmidi.com – Menopause care platform
• Opt Health: OptHealth.com – Personalized menopause and hormone care
• Women’s Health Conversations Summit (November 8-9, 2024, Lake Nona, FL): https://www.drvondawright.net/summit2024

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

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In this empowering episode of Insights from the Couch, we continue our deep dive into women’s sexuality with the incredible Dr. Laurie Watson. Together, we tackle the complexities of sexual desire, intimacy, and pleasure as women navigate through midlife and beyond. Dr. Laurie shares her wisdom on how to maintain a vibrant sex life despite the challenges of menopause, societal pressures, and the inevitable changes in our bodies. Whether you’re in the midst of these changes or simply curious about what lies ahead, this conversation is packed with actionable insights that will leave you feeling inspired and more connected to your own erotic self.

Episode Highlights:
[00:18] - How virgins can ensure a positive first experience.
[01:17] - Reflecting on the challenges of staying embodied during intimacy.
[02:41] - Laurie explains why clitoral stimulation is key to most women’s orgasms.
[04:59] - Addressing the impact of menopause on sexual desire.
[11:22] - Colette questions whether men really crave variety.
[15:07] - Laurie debunks myths about menopause and sexuality.
[19:34] - The importance of developing an “erotic core” and how it can transform your sexual experience at any age.
[22:16] - Laurie shares how post-menopause sex can be the best of your life and invites listeners to her upcoming women’s retreat.

Resources:
For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Hey everyone! In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most layered and intriguing topics: women’s sexuality at midlife. We’re joined by the incredible Dr. Lori Watson, a renowned sexologist and couples therapist, who brings her extensive expertise to help us unpack the complexities of sex and desire as we age. From dealing with low libido and the pressures of long-term relationships to navigating the challenges of erectile dysfunction and emotional disconnection, we explore it all. Whether you're grappling with the changes that come with midlife or looking to keep the spark alive in your relationship, this episode is packed with insights that you won’t want to miss!

Episode Highlights:
[01:24] - Colette and Laura introduce Dr. Watson and set the stage for a deep dive into midlife sexuality.
[03:02] - Exploring the common struggles of low desire in long-term relationships and the impact on self-esteem.
[05:46] - Discussion on the expectations and realities of sex frequency in marriage, touching on the societal norms and pressures.
[10:00] - Addressing the emotional and physical factors that affect sexual desire, including stress, body image, and the bristle effect.
[17:33] - Dr. Watson discusses what’s “normal” for sex in long-term marriages and how to maintain an erotic connection over the years.
[20:58] - Insight into how couples can tackle the issue of a partner losing sexual interest and the underlying causes like health issues and emotional withdrawal.
[36:43] - Understanding the life force of sexuality and how to reconnect with your own sensuality and desire for a fulfilling sex life.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

In this heartfelt episode of Insights from the Couch, we’re diving into a topic that hits home for so many of us—coping with the empty nest. We get real about the grief, the unexpected feelings, and how to move from sadness to embracing this new chapter in life.

Join us as we share our own experiences of adjusting to an empty nest, the challenges that come with it, and the surprising positives that can emerge from this life phase. If you’re feeling lost, uncertain, or just a bit overwhelmed by the quiet, this episode is for you. Let’s navigate this journey together and find ways to make this time not just manageable, but truly fulfilling.

Episode Highlights:
[1:45] - Colette shares her summer of truly empty nesting, with both daughters away.
[3:21] - The three stages of the empty nest: Grief, Relief, and Joy.
[5:39] - The isolation of the empty nest and finding ways to fill the newfound free time.
[11:47] - Moving from grief to joy: Embracing the new reality.
[14:44] - The importance of allowing space for sadness.
[19:45] - The impact of enmeshment and control.
[27:36] - The freedom and personal development opportunities.
[30:55] - How to navigate the empty nest with grace.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Are you just going through the motions, stuck in a mental rut? Or are you truly living with vitality, curiosity and psychological flexibility? In this insightful episode, we're discussing the core signifiers of authentic mental wellness. You'll gain perspective on whether you're just surviving or actually thriving psychologically and emotionally. Get ready to assess your own mental health in a holistic way!

Episode Highlights:

[3:35] - Psychological flexibility: Holding two truths.

[9:46] - Allowing the full range of emotions.

[14:39] - Knowing yourself: Beliefs, apologies, asking for help.

[21:07] - Struggle with gifts and receiving appreciation.

[23:04] - Being curious, open and engaged.
[25:04] - Taking action to shift mental state.

[29:57] - Small interactions spark big mindset shifts.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website at insightsfromthecouch.org.

If you have questions, please email us at info@insightsfrothecouch.org. We would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

In this episode, we are joined by Abbe Barclay, a seasoned Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist. With over 30 years of experience, Abbe offers invaluable insights into the complex world of sexual addiction. We discuss the nuances of sex addiction, its impact on relationships, and effective paths to recovery. Whether you're personally affected or simply curious about the subject, this episode sheds light on a topic often shrouded in misunderstanding and stigma.

Episode Highlights:

[1:32] - Colette shares her personal connection to the topic.

[3:47] - Abbe explains how she started working with sex addiction.

[4:21] - Debunking common misconceptions about sex addiction.

[5:52] - The psychological underpinnings of sex addiction.

[7:42] - The cycle of addiction: preoccupation, ritual, acting out, and despair.

[10:07] - Key signs and symptoms to look for in a sex addict.

[12:57] - The importance of addressing underlying emotional and psychological issues.

[18:36] - Differences in how sex addiction presents in men and women.

[22:19] - The role of denial and the importance of trained therapists.

[23:24] - The healing process: what it takes to recover.

[25:13] - Resources and books recommended by Abbe for further education.

[32:49] - Final thoughts on seeking appropriate help and setting boundaries.

Resources:

• Abbe Barclay's private practice: Clarity Counseling Center
• Recommended Reading:
  • Sex Addiction 101 by Robert Weiss
  • Mending a Shattered Heart by Stefanie Carnes
  • Courageous Love: A Guide for Couples Conquering Betrayal by Stefanie Carnes
• Screening tests: Sexhelp.com
• Find a certified therapist: IITAP
• Seeking Integrity: https://seekingintegrity.com/

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

In today’s episode, we dive into a topic that hits close to home for many of us – overparenting. Are you the kind of parent who tends to hover, or maybe even bulldoze obstacles out of your child’s way? Join us as we discuss the various forms overparenting can take, its root causes, and most importantly, how it impacts the mental and emotional well-being of our kids. We share personal anecdotes, clinical insights, and practical advice to help you strike the right balance between being supportive and overbearing.

We also explore the broader implications of overparenting on societal norms and individual development, touching on how this trend affects not just kids but entire family dynamics. If you’ve ever found yourself questioning your parenting style or the cultural pressures driving you to be overly involved, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and discover how to foster independence and resilience in your children without stepping over the line.

Episode Highlights:

[1:04] - Discussing the prevalence of overparenting and its impact on mental health.

[2:19] - Different forms of overparenting and their origins in fear and protectiveness.

[3:34] - The impact of special needs on parenting styles and the unique challenges it presents.

[5:02] - Modern societal fears and their contribution to overparenting.

[6:36] - Real-life examples of extreme overparenting and its consequences.

[9:11] - The concept of "lawn mower parenting" and why it's detrimental.

[11:02] - Enmeshment and the importance of allowing children to develop their own identities.

[12:58] - Personal stories of the struggles and benefits of letting children face challenges.

[16:55] - The importance of failure in learning and development.

[18:06] - Balancing support with independence, especially for young adults.

[19:27] - Strategies for parents to avoid overparenting and promote resilience.

[21:45] - Addressing social pressures and the fear of judgment from others.

[23:52] - Encouragement for parents to give their children space and the benefits it brings.

[24:58] - The importance of frustration tolerance and resilience in children.

[26:42] - Final thoughts on being supportive without overparenting.

Resources:

• Dr. Becky Kennedy’s Book: Good Inside and Podcast: Good Inside
• Dr. Shefali Tsabary’s Book: The Conscious Parent
• Dr. Daniel Amen’s Book: Raising Mentally Strong Kids

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

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In this episode, we welcome Dr. Laura Meyers, a seasoned clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety-related disorders, PTSD, OCD, and high-risk populations. Dr. Meyers shares her profound insights on the impacts of menopause on mental health, drawing from her personal and professional experiences. We delve into the emotional upheavals that come with menopause, the societal stigmas surrounding it, and the importance of finding the right support. This conversation is packed with valuable information for anyone navigating this significant life transition.

Episode Highlights:

[01:32] The importance of specialization in therapy and Dr. Meyers' approach to high-risk populations.

[06:04] Discussing effective therapy approaches for anxiety and depression.

[14:31] Understanding the emotional functions of anxiety and depression.

[22:35] Dr. Meyers shares her personal menopause experience and its emotional impact.

[34:36] How menopause can change women's perceptions and life priorities.

[41:33] The effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy and CBT techniques during menopause.

[48:40] The empowering aftermath of menopause and finding balance in life.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!