Sex After Betrayal: Navigating Sexuality, Safety, and Connection (Episode #118)

Sex After Betrayal: Navigating Sexuality, Safety, and Connection In this episode of the Human Intimacy Podcast, Dr. Kevin Skinner and Marianne Michaelis explore one of the most confusing and emotionally charged topics couples face after betrayal: sexuality after discovery. Why do some couples stop having sex entirely while others become more sexual after betrayal? What does it mean if a betrayed partner still desires intimacy? And how do couples navigate sexuality in ways that are emotionally safe and healthy? Together, they discuss the impact betrayal has on sexual desire, emotional bonding, pornography, hypersexuality, shame, and the confusion many individuals feel surrounding intimacy after discovery. The conversation introduces the concept of “sexual self-mastery” and emphasizes the importance of awareness, communication, emotional safety, and intentionality in rebuilding intimacy. This episode offers compassionate guidance for individuals and couples trying to better understand their sexuality, emotions, and relationship dynamics during recovery and healing. Resources Mentioned The Betrayal Bond by Patrick Carnes Sensate-focused therapy concepts Sexual self-mastery Emotional regulation and communication skills Pornography and relational intimacy research HumanIntimacy.com