In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host and sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman engages in a deep conversation with married couple and therapists EJ and Tarah Kerwin. They discuss the impact of major life changes, such as pregnancy, postpartum depression, and menopause, on intimate relationships. The Kerwins share their personal experiences and professional insights on how to stay connected during stressful transitions. They emphasize the importance of compassion, communication, and creating frameworks for dealing with disconnection. The couple also offers practical advice on maintaining emotional and sexual intimacy, including the concept of ‘safety containers’ and the significance of small, consistent gestures of love and appreciation. Throughout the episode, they advocate for couples to work together in addressing their issues, stressing that while challenges are inevitable, they can lead to deeper, more fulfilling relationships.
00:00 Introduction to Better Sex Podcast
00:45 Meet EJ and Tarah Kerwin
01:39 Personal and Professional Journey
04:59 Challenges of Parenthood and Blended Families
07:51 Impact of Life Changes on Intimacy
09:27 Navigating Relationship Transitions
20:59 Acceptance vs. Resignation
25:04 Overwhelmed but Grateful
25:27 Navigating Fear in Relationships
26:22 Compassion and Emotional Safety
30:26 Grieving and Postpartum Depression
32:36 Maintaining Emotional Connection
38:42 Rebuilding Sexual Intimacy
43:31 Growth Through Adversity
47:38 Conclusion and Resources
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Tarah Kerwin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and EJ Kerwin is a Licensed Professional Counselor. They’re a married couple who co-founded the Relationship Renovation Counseling Center and cohost the top 1.5% ranked Relationship Renovation podcast to help couples suffer less and love more.