EP448 - Connection and Pleasure: Reclaim Lost Desire

Welcome to Episode 448 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I’m excited to be joined by Dr. Kate Balestrieri, who speaks to me about navigating low desire and reigniting intimacy in long‑term relationships.

In this conversation, Kate and I normalize the reality that everyone, including sex therapists, experiences fluctuations in sexual desire. She shares the multifaceted story behind her own temporary drop in libido, touching on burnout, perimenopause, pandemic stress, and relationship “growing pains.”

Dr. Kate Balestrieri, Psy.D is a Licensed Psychologist (Clinical and Forensic) in CA, FL, NY and IL. She is a Certified Sex Therapist, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist – Supervisor, and PACT III trained couples’ therapist.

The Founder of Modern Intimacy, a nationwide therapy practice, Dr. Balestrieri is a passionate advocate for mental, relational and sexual health. Throughout her work, Dr. Balestrieri focuses on helping people build resilience and recovery from what ails them to move from a position of pain or discomfort to one of thriving, holistically in their lives. Dr. Balestrieri is the author of What Happened to My Sex Life? A Sex Therapist’s Guide to Reclaiming Lost Desire, Connection and Pleasure, and is the host of the Get Naked with Dr. Kate podcast.

In this episode, you will hear:

· Normalizing Fluctuating Desire

· Multifaceted Roots Of Low Libido

· Love–Lust Divide In Long‑Term Bonds

· Stress And Burnout As Desire Dampeners

· Role Of Novelty And Mystery

· Dangers Of Obligatory Or “Pity” Sex

· The 30% Orgasm Gap Explained

· Embodiment And Pleasure Practices

· Rekindling Passion With Intentional Effort

It’s back, our L.A. Love Lab – Matchmaking Event! Happening Saturday, October 4, 2025 in Manhatten Beach, California with Dr. Moali and Dr. E…we hope you can join us and let us work our matchmaking magic on you!

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