EP487 - When Desire Fades: Exploring the Hidden Reasons

EP487 - When Desire Fades: Exploring the Hidden Reasons

Author: Dr. Nazanin Moali, Ph.D, Psychology of Sex | Couple Therapy | Sex Education April 21, 2026 Duration: 32:03

Welcome to episode 487 of the Sexology Podcast! Today, I am excited to be joined by Courtney Fae Long, who speaks to me about understanding and resolving lost desire in long-term relationships.

In this episode, we talk about a common problem that many couples in long-term relationships have: the natural change and sometimes loss of sexual desire. When a partner's interest seems to fade, it's easy for our minds to jump to the worst possible conclusions. But in reality, it's often because of mismatched expectations, not a lack of attraction. Courtney and I talk about the myth of rushing through physical intimacy and why treating sex like a race often makes people feel disconnected. 

Courtney Fae Long, MSW, LC, CHt, is the creator of Sex Life Makeover and TEDx speaker whose work has been featured in NBC, Forbes, MSN, and Psychology Today. She specializes in highly sexual women who feel frustrated and unfulfilled. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) and certificates in Sexuality Education and Sex Therapy from the University of Michigan and has been teaching for 25+ years. Courtney brings a lighthearted, joyful approach to sex.

 

In this episode, you will hear:

 

●      The Myth of Sex in Football Style

●      Physiological Requirements for Extended Warm-ups

●      Going from Hustle Culture to Presence

●      The Idea of Foreplay All Day

●      Changing the Way We Do Date Night

●      How Mothering Changes Kill Sexual Desire

●      The Risks of Pretending to Enjoy and Have Orgasms

●      Talking About Changing Sexual Preferences

●      Growing the Parasympathetic Nervous System

●      The Twenty-Minute Cuddle and Connect Exercise

 

Ebook

 

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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: 50

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