Audio interview with Dr. Karen Berry on the Open Nesters Podcasts. Have a listen!
Show Summary
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Karen Berry, an experienced marriage and sex therapist with a soulful, spiritual approach that resonates with us as Open Nesters. We kick off our Love, Sex, and Intimacy series for February by diving into the importance of intimacy and how it can be expanded in partnerships.
Dr. Berry highlights the complexity and acquired taste of intimacy, emphasizing the connection between grief, loss, and the capacity for an erotic life. We explore the concept of building the architecture of a sacred container in relationships, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and honoring the unique dynamics of each partnership or group.
The main focus of the conversation is on the significance of slowing down in building intimacy and connection. As Open Nesters, we share personal insights from our own experiences, discussing the challenges of slowing down in conversations and how it can lead to frustration and miscommunication. We emphasize the need to prioritize spending enough time with our partners to truly understand their needs and desires.
Dr. Berry provides valuable strategies and recommendations for fostering vulnerability and intimacy in relationships. We delve into the importance of becoming embodied and finding a soft center before engaging in conversations with our partners. Slowing down allows for better outcomes, even in difficult topics or conversations that may spark anger or fear. We talk about the role of anger as a natural response when we’re scared and how it impacts our ability to truly connect.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Berry recommends accessible resources, such as books by Stan Tatkin, that delve deeper into deepening relationships and embracing the grieving process. We also discuss the significance of maintaining quality time together and the power of reconnecting through shared experiences and positive emotions.
We also touch on the challenges of meeting expectations in relationships, particularly in polyamory, acknowledging that every couple is unique and demands compassion and understanding. Slowing down and being vulnerable can lead to surprising discoveries and deeper connections.
Amir and I end the episode with gratitude for our growing community and invite listeners to explore past episodes on love and sex, as well as to subscribe to the podcast. And we encourage you to get excited about upcoming episodes in February, which promise to bring more fascinating and alternative topics on love and sex.