Ep. 86 A Conversation About Navigating Libido Differences in Relationships with Lauren Fogel Mersy and Jennifer Vencill

The Wright Conversations

Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy is a licensed psychologist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology and completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Minnesota’s Institute for Sexual and Gender Health. She has advanced training in Gottman Method couple therapy, and emotionally focused couple therapy. She specializes in sexual health and relationships, and owns her own private practice in Minnesota. She is the co-author of the book, Desire: An Inclusive Guide to Navigating Libido Differences in Relationships.

Jennifer A. Vencill, Ph.D., is a board-certified clinical health psychologist and AASECT-certified sex therapist, practicing primarily in Mayo Clinic's Menopause and Women's Sexual Health Clinic and Transgender and Intersex Specialty Care Clinic.

Hey everyone! Welcome to today’s episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today’s episode, I’m joined by Lauren Fogel Mersy and Jennifer Vencill to talk about changing terminology around libido and desire, how to talk about libido differences in relationships, and the importance of education. We also talk about the misconceptions around desire stereotypes, sex therapy vs couples therapy, pain and libido, and how to deconstruct our sexual script.

Let’s delve in!

In this Episode You’ll Learn:

• [01:25] A bit about Lauren and Jennifer.
• [04:58] Libido and desire.
• [06:40] Differences vs mismatched.
• [09:50] How libido differences manifest.
• [13:24] Starting the conversation.
• [17:44] Zombie facts.
• [23:44] The importance of education.
• [24:56] Is non-monogamy a good solution?
• [29:48] Sex therapy or couples therapy?
• [37:19] Libido and pain.
• [38:34] Deconstructing our sexual script.

Quotes:

• “There’s not usually one person that’s the problem.” [12:55]
• “Pain is a big underlying factor for many people.” [37:41]

Connect with Lauren Fogel Mersy

Website: drlaurenfogel.com.

Instagram: @drlaurenfogelmersy.

TikTok: @drlaurenfogelmersy.

Connect with Jennifer Vencill

Instagram: @drjennifervencill.

Connect with Rachel Wright

Website: https://rachelwrightnyc.com

Instagram: @thewright_rachel

Twitter: @thewrightrachel

Resources

desire-book.com.

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