Story perspectives

Reviving Intimacy: Therapists Guide Couples to Communicate

3/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sex therapist Natasha Silverman notes that many women experience 'responsive desire,' unlike men's 'spontaneous desire.'
Silverman explains that this mismatch can cause misunderstandings and feelings of inadequacy.
Couples are encouraged to communicate openly about their needs and explore intimacy beyond intercourse.
Therapist Aoife Drury adds that intimacy involves nurturing connections and addressing distractions.
Couples who have not had sex for years can rebuild through small gestures and honest conversations.

History

Historical Context

The Sexual Revolution of the 1960s marked a significant shift in societal attitudes towards sexuality, driven by figures like Dr. Alfred Kinsey, whose research revealed that many women experienced responsive desire. This period, influenced by the women's movement and the counterculture, encouraged open discussions about intimacy and relationships, ultimately reshaping modern dynamics and promoting healthier partnerships. By 1971, 75% of Americans accepted premarital sex.

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Story summary

Sex therapist Natasha Silverman notes that many women experience 'responsive desire,' unlike men's 'spontaneous desire.'
Silverman explains that this mismatch can cause misunderstandings and feelings of inadequacy.
Couples are encouraged to communicate openly about their needs and explore intimacy beyond intercourse.
Therapist Aoife Drury adds that intimacy involves nurturing connections and addressing distractions.
Couples who have not had sex for years can rebuild through small gestures and honest conversations.

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