Sexless Relationship Therapy Guide: How to Help Couples Restore Intimacy and Sexual Bond
Sexless marriages are far more common than most couples realise, and the impact is deeper than many therapists are trained to address.
In this episode, I break down why sex matters in long-term relationships, what’s driving the sharp rise in sexlessness, and how both therapists and couples can tackle it head-on.
This discussion is grounded in research, clinical experience, and the lived reality of countless couples.
If you’re a therapist, you’ll get a clear framework for addressing sexlessness in the therapy room.
If you’re part of a couple, you’ll understand what’s really going on and what you can do to change it.
I’ll cover:
Why sexlessness is rising so fast, and why that matters
The emotional, relational, and cultural fallout of avoiding sex
The narratives fuelling disconnection between men and women
Common therapeutic blind spots and how to address them
A practical framework to restore intimacy
Why sex isn’t “just a bonus”, it’s a core emotional need, like trust or respect
Question for You:
Do you think therapists and couples avoid talking honestly about sex?
Share your thoughts — I’d love to hear your perspective.
References & Further Reading:
Full blog post with citations: https://laurahow.com/sexless-marriage
Book a 1-to-1 session:
https://laurahow.com/online-coaching
Therapists — Work with me:
https://laurahow.com/work-for-me
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Twitter: @laurahow
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: The Sexless Marriage Crisis
00:41 Cultural Forces Driving Sexual Disconnection
02:03 The Power of Sexual Bonding
02:37 Why Sex Gets Ignored in Therapy
04:17 Statistics on Sexless Marriages
06:51 Trauma, Pain, and Safety Considerations
08:02 Is Sexlessness a Symptom or a Cause?
09:36 Key Questions to Assess the Sexual Dynamic
11:38 Willingness to Engage in Healing
12:41 Cultural Influences on Sex Between Men and Women
15:28 The Emotional Significance of Sex
18:00 Consequences of Sexual Neglect
19:51 Impact of Intimacy on Families and Children
20:53 Intentional Intimacy: Making Space for Connection
24:27 Barriers to Progress
27:45 Practical Strategies for Therapists
Tags:
#SexlessMarriage #MarriageTherapy #RelationshipHelp #IntimacyInMarriage #MarriageAdvice #MensMentalHealth #CouplesTherapy
