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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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

In this candid episode, I talk with Ralph Brewer—author, YouTuber, and founder of @DadStartingOver and @RealHelpForMen—for an eye-opening and deeply personal conversation about marriage, attachment styles and the realities of sexless marriages. BOOK A SESSION ▶▶▶https://laurahow.com/online-coaching-sessions/

🔥 TOPICS WE COVER:

• Ralph’s personal story of betrayal, divorce, and rebuilding

• Why so many men feel alone and anxious in modern relationships

• What really lies beneath the "dead bedroom" issue

• The avoidant/anxious dynamic that keeps couples stuck

• How unresolved childhood wounds shape our romantic choices

• Tips for men on how to prevent (or repair) a sexless marriage

• Why sex matters so much for emotional health and connection

• The role of therapy, boundaries, and hard conversations in healing

• The importance of modelling connection for our children

💡 Ralph’s Message to Men:

Sex is the symptom, not the cause. If you want to heal your relationship, you have to start by healing yourself. That journey starts with awareness, connection, and accountability.

🎁 BONUS FOR LISTENERS:

👉 Visit help4men.com/love for free resources:

• FREE Dead Bedroom Fix video course

• FREE eBook: The Dead Bedroom Fix

• Coaching discounts & access to Ralph’s private support group

📚 Ralph’s Book: The Dead Bedroom Fix - https://amzn.to/44T9B3p

💻 Ralph’s Platforms: DadStartingOver.com | Help4Men.com

Whether you’re fighting for your marriage or just trying to feel like yourself again, this is a space for real talk, real growth, and real love.

💬 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE if you found this episode helpful. Your support helps us reach more people who need honest, heart-centered conversations about love, intimacy, and healing.

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🔗 Watch Next:

👉 The Sexless Marriage Anger Trap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN-9ra4AATs

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✔️ Marriage & relationship struggles

✔️ Long-term intimacy & communication

✔️ Building emotional strength & clarity

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🧠 Need help processing your emotions or reconnecting with your partner?

Book a 1-on-1 session: https://laurahow.com/online-coaching-sessions/

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💎 More Ways to Connect & Grow:

💠 Join Channel Membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE_Fs1wPifrghIGdSzsbrKg/join

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⌚️ Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro & Tech Issues

05:25 - Fatherhood & Modelling Love

21:07 - Childhood Trauma

27:32 - Fixing the Relationship

36:45 - The Dead Bedroom Fix

36:57 - Sex & Emotional Connection

46:08 - Ultimatums & Tough Decisions

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📌 Hashtags:

#SexlessMarriage #MarriageHelp #MensMentalHealth