Dr. Jenn Kennedy and Dr. Rob continue their conversation about finding satisfaction and intimacy after 50. They consider what it means to truly become a better person and partner, to evolve beyond betrayal toward empathy and intimacy. We often think that intimacy equals sex, but Dr. Kennedy challenges that notion and defines what a satisfied, committed relationship can really look like in the later years of life.

TAKEAWAYS:

[1:45] The impact of infidelity on a committed sexual relationship.

[7:20] Infidelity in a mature vs. younger couple.

[13:03] Intimacy, not just sex, is the ultimate goal.

[17:40] From discovery to reconnecting sexually, eventually.

[27:07] Moving from ‘I’m sorry to ‘I’m sorry I put you through that’.

[32:40] Reintroducing touch and talking without the expectation of sex.

[38:13] Scheduled sex and other tactics for navigating sexuality in older age.

[43:20] Train your mind to choose your partner.

[44:57] Battling the psychological landmine is not required to resume intimacy.

[46:40] What if we just don’t want to have sex anymore?

RESOURCES:

Sex and Relationship Healing

@RobWeissMSW

Sex Addiction 101

Seeking Integrity

Free Sexual Addiction Screening Assessment

Partner Sexuality Survey

Dr. Jenn Kennedy

Seeking Integrity Podcasts are produced in partnership with Podfly Productions.

QUOTES:

● “The breakdown in intimacy after infidelity is real.”

● “If the addict doesn’t start to actually change and show some progress, their sex life probably isn’t going to change either.”

● “Wherever you place your focus, growth will occur.”

● “You can have great intimacy and not have sex.”

Dr. Jenn Kennedy joins Dr. Rob to explore a rarely discussed topic – sexuality for the more seasoned. Dr. Kennedy tackles the two main ‘D’s’ of sexuality that bring couples into therapy after 50, considers what ‘better’ sex really looks like, and shares some of the main talking points that should be discussed in any conversation about sexuality as we age. Because like it or not, these are issues that every person has to face as they get older.

TAKEAWAYS:

[2:23] Dr. Kennedy’s third career tackles the topics that many therapist avoid.

[4:50] Generalities in sexuality expectations and roles over 50.

[8:35] Women over 50, their relationships and their sexuality.

[10:42] Presenting problems that bring couples to Dr. Kennedy.

[12:30] Dissatisfaction in a committed couple’s sex history.

[18:50] Do men know how to ask for what they want?

[24:05] Dysfunction is the greatest motivator for couples sex therapy.

[28:38] What does ‘better sex’ really look like?

[31:12] How body image impacts sexuality as we age.

RESOURCES:

Sex and Relationship Healing

@RobWeissMSW

Sex Addiction 101

Seeking Integrity

Free Sexual Addiction Screening Assessment

Partner Sexuality Survey

Dr. Jenn Kennedy

Seeking Integrity Podcasts are produced in partnership with Podfly Productions.

QUOTES:

● “The bedroom is a microcosm of the larger life.”

● “50 and beyond, more and more men are going to start having erectile dysfunction.”

● “The quality of the relationship has to feel work the tradeoff of the objectification of youth.”

● “When they’re able to articulate it, men say they want to be wanted.”

● “Your motivation to having sex matters.”

Dr. Rob and authors Lindsey Stanley and Dr. Stevie Hall continue their conversation about therapeutic separation, focusing on the impact that separation can have on children at different ages and stages. They explore ways to prove safety and stability for children throughout the process, navigating family events during separation, and why couples therapy may not be appropriate during a period of separation. This conversation provides exceptional insights into a critical step of healing after betrayal that can result in a stronger partnership.

TAKEAWAYS:

[1:22] External factors that contribute to the pressure of separation or divorce.

[3:16] Explaining separation to children in healthy and age-appropriate ways.

[7:00] Taking appropriate ownership in the face of external influences and challenges.

[10:09] Providing safety and stability for children despite anger and pain.

[11:22] Navigating family events throughout therapeutic separation.

[13:45] Building trust during the therapeutic separation process.

[16:56] The challenges of therapeutic separation when affairs are involved.

[19:02] Couples therapy may not be appropriate during a period of separation.

RESOURCES:

Sex and Relationship Healing

@RobWeissMSW

Sex Addiction 101

Seeking Integrity

Free Sexual Addiction Screening Assessment

Partner Sexuality Survey

Lindsey Stanley

Dr. Stevie Hall

Seeking Integrity Podcasts are produced in partnership with Podfly Productions.

QUOTES:

• “Share with children what is in their best health and wellness to know.”
• “You can acknowledge the pain and hurt to your kids, but you don’t necessarily have to share all the things with them.”
• “There needs to be an agreed upon script when disclosing to children.”
• “Privacy and honesty are different things.”