In this NEW episode, Dr. Finlayson-Finlayson-Fife uses questions from her Facebook Group members to drive an important discussion about emotional infidelity. During the conversation, Dr. Finlayson-Fife explains why emotional affairs are so compelling, the impact they have on relationships, and how those who have experienced emotional infidelity can navigate forward wisely. Listen to the full episode to learn more about:  * Intimacy Avoidance * Self-Deception * Intimacy vs Closeness * Important considerations post-disclosure * Trust vs Trustworthiness If you are interested in learning m ..read more

Meaningful connection with others is what gives us an important network of support and sustenance throughout our lives; however, creating and maintaining this type of connection isn't always easy. And these days it is easier than ever to avoid the work of connection by distracting ourselves with screens. Access to the entire world in the palms of our hands has tremendous benefits, of course, but all too often we use technology as a way to escape our lives and relationships. As nice as it sounds to not face difficult realities head-on, when we avoid, we limit our growth and ability to connect ..read more

Making mistakes is a fundamental part of human development.  Many of us were taught that if we followed the rules we could avoid the pain and frustration of making mistakes. And while it is true that leaning on the wisdom of others and making wise decisions can prevent suffering, none of us are exempt from the mistake-making process. Because making mistakes isn’t an aberration from the plan, it is a process that is foundational to it. Mistakes, by design, are how we learn.  As with all growth, mistake-making is an uncomfortable process. When our choices result in pain and suffering f ..read more

**Learn more about Dr. Jennifer's How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex Course HERE** When we need the validation of our spouse, we severely limit our ability to be collaborative partners and parents. Growth and collaboration require a willingness to set our egos aside enough to consider differing perspectives and uncomfortable truths about ourselves. When our ego runs the show, we care more about proving we are right than working together to find a shared solution.  In this NEW conversation with Crystal of The Parenting Coach Podcast, Dr. Finlayson-Fife discusses how we can create h ..read more

**Get Your FREE Ticket to the Raising a Happy, Healthy Teen Digital Summit HERE** TJ and Ashley’s story is a familiar one for many.  Their marriage started out happily enough. They were young college students and enjoyed each other a lot during their first few years together. But things changed when TJ started graduate school during an economic downturn. TJ felt a tremendous amount of anxiety about his financial future, given the dim prospects for most students at the time. Competition was fierce and in TJ’s determination to ensure his family’s economic stability, he dedicated himself t ..read more

**JOIN US IN AUSTIN for the Art of Desire Workshop!** The process of developing our psychological muscles isn’t all that different from the process of developing our physical muscles. Both are difficult. Both involve discomfort. Both require time, persistence, and patience. And both are easiest when we have a motivation that propels us through the discomfort. Fear, self-hatred, and compliance with external expectations are poor motivators. Living according to our higher selves and striving to embody what we value are much stronger motivators!  Our ability to grow, develop, and live ..read more

**JOIN US for the Art of Desire Workshop in Austin, TX! Click HERE for more information!** In this NEW episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife takes questions from her audience about desire dynamics and the unique challenges faced by both the higher-desire spouse and the lower-desire spouse. In the discussion Dr. Finlayson-Fife discusses how couples can work together to create a more collaborative dynamic and what to do if only one spouse is interested in addressing the desire discrepancy. Listen to the full episode to learn more about: * Difficult Conversations * Dealing with Disappointment * Accommod ..read more

**Last Chance to Save 25% on ALL Full-Length Courses!** It has been said that our brains are our most important sexual organs and, it's true--the quality of our sexual experiences has everything to do with the meanings that are playing out in our minds either consciously or under the surface. Meanings that expand our sense of self and make us feel alive (like freedom and choice) increase our desire, while meanings that constrict us (like obligation or shame) shut down our desire and kill any chance of us having a passionate, fulfilling experience. Recently, I joined Tammy Hill of the Live Yo ..read more

Choosing to love with your whole heart means accepting the risk of disappointment, loss, and grief.  These difficult realities come in many forms throughout a lifetime—unmet expectations, unfulfilled hopes and dreams, shifts in belief, broken promises, illness, and ultimately, death.  Facing acute loss is a harrowing and sobering experience, in part because it wakes us up to just how little control we have over our circumstances. But being compassionate towards ourselves in the process and finding the courage to keep moving forward, even when the path is riddled with uncertainty and ..read more

We have a cultural stereotype about masculinity that can often make us blind to the challenges and self-doubt that many men grapple with in regards to their sexuality. While men and women may express their anxieties about sexuality differently, the truth is that men have just as difficult of a time coming to peace with their sexuality as women do.  In this episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Tammy Hill of the Live Your Why Podcast for a discussion on masculinity and how our cultural messaging has impacted men’s ability to accept themselves as sexual beings.  Listen to the full ..read more