Grief is the New Normal Podcast: Episode #27 Sex & Sorrow: Exploring Grief’s Impact on Intimacy with Ellen Benezra, LMHCA

Dr. Heather Taylor hosts a conversation with Ellen Benezra, LMHCA, a sex therapist, to explore the intersection of grief and sexuality. Ellen shares her journey to becoming a sex therapist and discusses how grief impacts individuals and couples in various ways, including libido changes and communication challenges. They also delve into how identity shifts, particularly with aging, can influence sexual experiences. Practical advice and resources, such as the book 'Come As You Are,' are provided to help normalize and navigate these complex emotions. The episode underscores the importance of open communication and understanding in supporting a healthy sexual relationship during times of grief.   00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal 00:33 Meet Ellen: A Journey into Sex Therapy 02:53 Exploring the Intersection of Grief and Sexuality 04:28 Impact of Grief on Couples and Individuals 10:15 Strategies for Couples to Navigate Grief 17:25 Understanding Sexual Excitation and Inhibition 20:03 Grief, Aging, and Sexuality 24:58 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts 27:58 Conclusion and Contact Information   Link to Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski, PhD--> https://a.co/d/927nDjN --------------------------------------- Ellen Benezra, MACP, LMHCA is the cofounder of The Wellness Collective. As a sex-positive and pleasure-focused therapist, she is deeply passionate about helping individuals and couples cultivate healthy and fulfilling relationships with themselves and others. She believes that sexuality is an integral part of our lives, and it plays a significant role in the dynamics of our relationships. Her career is dedicated to guiding individuals and couples through the complexities of intimate relationships. She address a wide range of issues including sexual dysfunction, low libido, infidelity, communication problems, intimacy issues, and other challenges that can arise in personal relationships. By creating a safe and non-judgmental space, she fosters an open and honest communication – a crucial element to developing healthy and fulfilling relationships. Learn more about her on her website at www.wellnesscollectivenw.com --------------------------------------- I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in Washington state. I've been practicing grief therapy since 2012 and am passionate about changing the narrative of grief in our current cultural climate. Grief is a universal lived experience and as such needs to be something we talk about without the taboo attached. I hope you'll join me as we work to adjust to the new normal we are living in and support one another in that process. https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com [email protected]   Dr. Taylor is also a co-founder of 'The Mourning Movement,' with Jen Reisinger, LMHC. The Mourning Movement aims to create spaces for grief education and community support to reduce isolation and stigma around grief. Be sure to sign up for more modern grief insights and resources at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/resourcesandnewsletter https://www.themourningmovement.com [email protected] ------------------------------------- Opening Music by The Dadicorns Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor All Rights Reserved.   This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.