EP486 - Beyond Impulse: Understanding Out-of-Control Sexual Behaviors

EP486 - Beyond Impulse: Understanding Out-of-Control Sexual Behaviors

Author: Dr. Nazanin Moali, Ph.D, Psychology of Sex | Couple Therapy | Sex Education April 14, 2026 Duration: 30:11

Welcome to Episode 486 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Juliane Maxwald who speaks to me about understanding our sexual symptoms as deeper unconscious communications.

 

In this episode, we talk about how sexual problems are rarely just about sex. In this day and age, people are always looking for a quick fix or a medical solution to their personal problems. Julianne beautifully explains that symptoms like low desire or trouble getting an erection are often our bodies telling us about deeper emotional needs, unresolved trauma, or hidden worries. 

 

Juliane Maxwald, MA, LP, CST, is a licensed psychoanalyst, couples therapist and AASECT-certified sex therapist based in New York City. She has over fifteen years of experience working with individuals and couples across a wide range of concerns, including sexuality and intimacy, trauma, addiction and compulsive behaviors, mood and anxiety disorders, and relational and family-of-origin dynamics.

 

Her work is grounded in contemporary psychoanalysis and informed by trauma theory, somatic awareness, and relational, sex-positive frameworks. Juliane specializes in helping people move beyond symptom-focused treatment—whether the symptom shows up as sexual difficulty, burnout, overwork, emotional numbing, or relational conflict—and toward a deeper understanding of the unconscious patterns shaping their lives.

 

In this episode, you will hear:

 

·      Reconceptualizing Sexual Dysfunction as Emotional Communication

·      The Risk of Excessive Medicalization of Personal Issues

·      Getting to Know the Unconscious Messages Behind Low Desire

·      Anxiety about performance and the need for approval

·      Using Relaxation Techniques Such as Beach Showers

·      How Repetition Compulsion Relates to Past Trauma

·      Examining the Underlying Factors of Compulsive Sexual Behaviors

·      Unpacking the Hidden Themes in Pornography Usage

·      Sexual Behavior That Is Out of Control as a Way to Control Emotions

·      Getting over sexual shame with curiosity and kindness

 

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Curiosity about human sexuality is universal, yet finding grounded, evidence-based conversations can be surprisingly difficult. That’s where Sexology comes in. Hosted by clinical psychologist and sex therapist Dr. Nazanin Moali, this weekly series moves beyond sensationalism and stigma to bring you thoughtful dialogues with leading experts, researchers, and therapists. Each episode delves into the nuanced psychology of sex, intimacy, and relationships, translating complex findings into relatable insights. You’ll hear conversations that address the questions many ponder but hesitate to voice, covering everything from desire and communication to the science of pleasure and emotional connection. Dr. Moali’s background in both couple therapy and sex education ensures these discussions are both academically rigorous and deeply practical. Rather than offering quick fixes, this podcast provides a compassionate space to understand the multifaceted nature of our sexual selves. Tuning in feels like gaining access to a candid, confidential forum where nothing is off-limits and everything is examined with respect and intellectual curiosity. For anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of personal or relational dynamics, Sexology offers a trusted, enlightening resource that demystifies the complexities of human sexuality through a scientific and therapeutic lens.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Sexology
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