In this episode, Cyndi sits down with Dr. Laurie Watson, certified sex therapist, to talk openly about the challenges law enforcement couples face with intimacy and connection. They dive into the pursue–withdraw cycle, how emotional "armoring up" impacts relationships, and the ways trauma and stress from the job interfere with a healthy sex life.
What You'll Learn:
Why police marriages often struggle with intimacy
How the pursue–withdraw cycle damages connection
The impact of trauma, stress, and emotional "armoring up" on sex and marriage
Tips for rebuilding trust, intimacy, and desire in law enforcement relationships
How to break negative cycles and start talking about sex without shame
Cyndi Doyle, founder of Code4Couples®, is a licensed professional counselor supervisor, retired police spouse, and author of Hold the Line. She's joined by Dr. Laurie Watson, licensed marriage and family therapist, certified sex therapist, and co-host of the Foreplay Radio podcast.
📌 Free Resource
📖 Grab your copy of Hold the Line: Protecting Your Law Enforcement Relationship → https://www.amazon.com/Hold-Line-Protecting-Enforcement-Relationship-ebook/dp/B08TPRTY9G#customerReviews
🎤 Book Cyndi to Speak
Want Cyndi to train your department or speak at your event? → https://code4couples.com/training/
00:00 – Intro & guest welcome
02:30 – What is the pursue–withdraw cycle?
08:00 – Law enforcement culture & intimacy struggles
15:00 – Hormones, desire, and differences in couples
22:00 – Trauma, PTSD, and emotional armoring
30:00 – Breaking cycles & rebuilding intimacy
40:00 – Practical tips for police couples
43:00 – Where to find Dr. Laurie Watson
