Finding Intimacy Again After Infidelity – The Pleasure Project

Betrayal is a serious stressor on any relationship. Some couples weather the storm and rebuild a better, more grounded partnership. In this episode of the Pleasure Project, Dr. Jenn and Michelle Mays discuss the considerations for couples who are in later states of recovery work and navigating intimacy.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• The stages of Braving Hope®
• The Sexual Alarm System
• Attachment
• Creating safety
• Understanding arousal, first with self then with partner
• Reclaiming sex life that was often never good to start
• Newness of intimacy – even with a longtime partner

Michelle Mays is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor in both Virginia and Washington DC, and a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and Supervisor. She was trained by Pia Mellody in the Post Induction Therapy model for treating developmental trauma and is currently completing her PhD in Clinical Sexology and certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples.

She is a member of the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health, the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals, the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy, the American Counseling Association, and the Northern Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors Association.