Beyond the Bedroom: How to Create Relationship Intimacy

Relationship intimacy is complicated.In this podcast episode, Dr. Jenn Kennedy, a clinical sexologist and licensed marriage and family therapist, unpacks the complexities of relationship intimacy, diving deeply into the challenges couples face when navigating sex and desire. Dr. Kennedy breaks down the common struggle of desire discrepancy—when partners have mismatched levels of sexual interest—and explains the emotional, biological, and relational factors that often drive these differences. She candidly reveals why most therapists aren’t adequately trained to handle issues around sexuality and how this impacts the relationships of the couples those therapists work with.With humor and wisdom, Dr. Kennedy offers actionable strategies that will help couples reconnect, emphasizing the power of newness and intentionality to revitalize intimacy. Whether it’s learning to plan creatively or rethinking what sex means, Dr. Kennedy’s advice is refreshingly accessible and empowering.This episode isn’t just about relationships—it’s about redefining intimacy and discovering how to create a more connected, fulfilling partnership.About Dr. KennedyDr. Jenn Kennedy is a clinical sexologist and licensed marriage and family therapist based in Santa Barbara. In her private practice, Dr. Jenn sees couples and individuals in the areas of relationships, sex, addiction and LGBT. In 2019, she founded her clinical group practice, Riviera Therapy, and under this umbrella, she supervises up-and-coming clinicians. In 2023, Dr. Jenn launched The Pleasure Project, which is dedicated to helping us all have a better sex life. Through this venture, Dr. Jenn hosts a podcast called The Pleasure Project with Dr. Jenn Kennedy and she offers small group intensives for women and couples called The Pleasure Circle. Dr. Jenn has been quoted in Redbook, Reader’s Digest, Forbes Health, DailyOm, Shondaland, Parade, Allure, Yahoo!life and others. She is often tapped to discuss intimacy and sexuality for therapists and physicians.Connect with Dr. KennedyYou can connect with Dr. Kennedy on LinkedIn at Dr. Jenn Kennedy and Facebook at Riviera Therapy.  You can follow Dr. Kennedy on YouTube at Dr. Jenn Kennedy, on Instagram at Dr Jenn Kennedy and on her Podcast Pleasure Project:  Sex and Relationships.  To find out how to work with Dr. Kennedy visit her website at Pleasure Project.Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach and Consultant, Lawyer, Author, and Speaker who is dedicated to helping people make the best decisions possible for themselves, their families, and their future - especially in stressful times. You can check out Karen's videos on YouTube.You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on her own website at karencovy.com.