Language of Love with Dr. Laura Berman

Even when we love our in laws, we all also love our space, right? But what do you do when your mother-in-law starts showing up unannounced like she’s got her own set of keys?In this Language of Love session, I dive into a challenge so many couples face: how to set healthy boundaries with in-laws. Shannon, one of my listeners, writes in to share her frustrations about her mother-in-law's frequent, unannounced visits since moving close to her husband’s hometown. While she appreciates her mother-in-law's help, it’s starting to affect her personal space and her relationship. Shannon's husband doesn't see an issue, and she’s unsure how to navigate this tricky situation without hurting anyone's feelings.We tackle: Why it’s your partner’s job to set boundaries with their family How to lovingly ask for space without causing tension The importance of being a united front in your marriage Simple steps for creating healthy boundaries that honor both relationships Why it’s okay to say no to unannounced visits and still maintain a loving connection If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by a well-meaning but over-involved family member, this episode is for you. And remember, the most important relationship in your family is between you and your partner—it’s the foundation for everything else.I also share my own experiences with grief and how it’s transformed my life, offering insights and resources from my Good Grief course, available on my website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered why something meant to be pleasurable can sometimes feel uncomfortable or even painful? In this Language of Love Bite, I tackle an important issue we don’t discuss nearly enough—pain during sex. This common experience affects up to 75% of women at some point in their lives, but the good news is that you don’t have to just live with it. There are real reasons behind it, and more importantly, real solutions!I walk you through the top causes of painful sex, from dryness and pelvic floor issues to more complex conditions like endometriosis. By the end of this episode, you gain the tools and knowledge to address the pain and rediscover pleasure.We break down the different types of sexual pain and explore what triggers them. Whether it’s hormonal shifts, skeleton-muscular issues , or underlying medical conditions, I provide tips and treatments to help you take back control and enjoy intimacy without discomfort.In this Bite I share:  Common causes of sexual pain The role of hormonal changes in causing vaginal dryness and discomfort Vaginismus and how involuntary muscle contractions make intercourse painful Various medical conditions like endometriosis and interstitial cystitis that can lead to sexual pain Effective treatments such as pelvic floor physical therapy, hormone therapy, and medical evaluations Why using the right lubricants can make all the difference Need for medical evaluation to identify underlying issues Struggling with pain during sex? You don’t have to suffer in silence. Explore APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) to find pelvic floor therapists. Want to deepen your connection with your partner? Check out my course on Quantum Sex to learn how to elevate your love life.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever met someone and felt an instant connection, like you’ve known them forever? Isn’t it amazing how some people seem to resonate with your very soul? That magical feeling isn’t just coincidence; it’s what we call a “soul friend,” and trust me, it’s more enchanting than you might think!In this episode of The Language of Love Conversation, I’m excited to sit down with the incredible Sah D'Simone—meditation teacher, artist, and bestselling author of Spiritually Sassy. Together, we’re diving deep into the power of community and connection. But here’s a thought: can you really grow without a support system? Sah introduces his transformative "SAH Method," focusing on somatic activated healing, and shares insights from his latest book, Spiritually We: The Art of Relating and Connecting to the Heart.Here’s what you can expect from this enlightening conversation: The magic of soul friends and how they help us grow Why social media can’t replace real, meaningful connections Sitting with discomfort and why ‘cancel culture’ doesn’t help How vulnerability and somatic healing practices make us stronger The link between emotional well-being and physical health How loneliness impacts personal growth and relationships Tips for deepening your connections with others The importance of radical honesty and authenticity in friendships How to start meaningful conversations that lead to real connection Make sure to grab a copy of Sah’s new book! You can also connect with Sah through his website or find him on Instagram for more inspiration and insights.Looking for more support on your healing journey? Head over to my website for courses, including the popular Good Grief course. Remember, you’re never alone in this journey.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Postpartum sexuality—how often do we actually talk about it? Probably not enough. You’re healing, emotions are high, and intimacy might feel like a distant thought. Meanwhile, your partner might be quietly wondering how to approach it too. So, how do you bring up such a sensitive topic without making it feel like walking on eggshells? And how do you open up when you’re still figuring things out yourself?In this episode of The Language of Love Sessions, I tackle a heartfelt question from a listener, Jessica, a listener who’s six months postpartum and trying to navigate intimacy in her marriage after a traumatic birth. I offer some compassionate advice on how to communicate openly with her husband and emphasize that honesty and vulnerability are key. Don’t forget to check out my website for personalized courses like “Quantum Sex,” designed to support your unique journey.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve all been there—life throws us a curveball, and we’re left dealing with trauma. And as much as we’d love just to hit the "ignore" button, trauma has this sneaky way of creeping into our relationships.In this Language of Love Bite, I dive into the deep end of trauma. We're talking all kinds here—sexual, physical, emotional, rejection, humiliation, abandonment, and betrayal trauma. It's a lot, I know, but recognizing these traumas is the first step to healing.Here is what we explore: A deeper understanding of sexual trauma and common misconceptions about consent The many faces of emotional abuse and how it shows up How trauma impacts your self-worth, trust, and intimacy Why professional support is key to recovering from trauma Be sure to check out TraumaHealing.org, where you can find a list of somatic experiencing therapists in your area, and start exploring the support you deserve. Visit my new platform, Grief Healing Collective, for resources designed to help you release grief and loss in a nurturing, transformative environment. Also, don’t forget to check out my website for courses, products, and books that will help you in the realm of love and healing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lot of people, especially women, still freak out about a few gray hairs or a new wrinkle. So, why not flip the script?In this episode of The Language of Love Conversation, I sit down with the "Midlife Muse," clinical psychologist, speaker, and author Dr. Amanda Hanson, to dive into the tricky subject of aging—especially for women. Society pushes us to stay forever youthful, but Amanda’s here to remind us that aging can be a beautiful spiritual journey filled with wisdom. Why should our looks stay frozen in time while everything else changes?Together, Amanda and I encourage women to stop chasing unrealistic beauty standards and embrace their own unique beauty. It’s time to age on our own terms, with more self-love, a little humor, and a community of women who lift each other up!Here is a sneak peek of what we talk about:  Unrealistic expectations regarding women's appearances as they age The impact of societal pressures on self-image and self-worth What’s behind the normalization of cosmetic procedures among younger women The manipulative marketing tactics of the beauty industry and their implications The importance of self-love, self-respect, and confidence in aging The influence of family dynamics and childhood experiences on perceptions of beauty Strategies for cultivating self-awareness and fortitude  in the face of media consumption The disparity in how aging affects women compared to men in various industries Check out Amanda’s work on her website! Also, visit my website for more resources such as books, courses, and products aimed to help you learn to love and be loved better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you’re unsure how to come clean with your partner about something from your past? It’s uncomfortable, right?In this episode of The Language of Love Sessions, one of my listeners, Sasha, finds herself in a tough spot—she’s not sure how to come clean to her partner after being less than honest about her sexual history. We’ve all had moments where telling the truth feels scary, right? How do you face that kind of conversation? I help Sasha navigate the importance of being open and real with her partner. After all, isn’t love about embracing each other’s pasts, imperfections and all? We also discuss how self-worth and emotional growth can create a deeper, more genuine connection.In this session, we cover:  The importance of honesty in relationships How to approach difficult conversations about past sexual history The implications of hiding personal information from a partner Discussing emotional and psychological aspects of past relationships Affirmation of self-worth beyond sexual history Are you ready to explore deeper connections and transformative experiences? Visit my website for personalized courses like 'Quantum Sex' and more, each thoughtfully crafted to support your unique journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trust issues are the sneaky villains behind many relationship troubles. Those past betrayals and broken promises make it hard to open up again. But here’s the bright side: rebuilding trust isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about turning old wounds into a fresh start. In this Language of Love Bite, I give my advice on how to build trust in relationships, especially for those dealing with past betrayals or trust issues from their upbringing.Remember to visit my website where you can explore my diverse collection of books and courses on love, sex, and relationships. Don't forget to tune in regularly to the Language of Love podcast for insightful discussions and expert advice designed to help you love more deeply and be loved more fully. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you grappling with the profound weight of grief and wondering if you'll ever find your way through? Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the idea that healing from loss should follow a straightforward path, only to be met with the unpredictable twists and turns of your emotions?In this  episode of The Language of Love Conversation, I’m chatting with the incredible David Kessler—one of the world’s top experts on grief and loss. With his decades of experience and six impactful books under his belt, David brings a wealth of wisdom to our conversation. We explore how grief isn’t this neat, linear process but rather a winding, sometimes messy road. David’s insights remind us that acceptance isn’t a single moment but a continuous journey, and finding meaning often comes from those small, everyday moments rather than grand gestures.We also have a real talk about the importance of community and support, especially how connecting with others who get it can be a total game-changer. David’s new companion workbook is a treasure trove of practical tips and exercises to help process grief and find light in the dark. Plus, we touch on tackling those tricky feelings of guilt and shame, with David guiding me through some eye-opening exercises. Here is a sneak peek: Personal experiences with grief, particularly the loss of a child The non-linear nature of the grieving process Importance of finding meaning after a tragedy Emotional complexities and stages of grief The role of community and support in healing Challenges of managing practical matters during grief The impact of guilt and self-blame in the grieving process The societal perceptions and stigma surrounding prolonged grief Don’t forget to explore Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief workbook. Also, check out prolongedgrieftalk.com and the Tender Hearts Grief Support Group.Visit my website for additional grief courses, including the 'Good Grief' course. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many parents feel uneasy when it comes to talking to their kids about sex—it’s a tricky subject, and you’re not alone if it makes you uncomfortable. But the question is: when’s the right time to start? Should you bring it up before they hit adolescence or wait until they’re teenagers? In this Language of Love Session, I’m chatting with Linda, a listener who recently found herself knowing she needs to have the long-overdue “talk” with her 16-year-old daughter, but she’s torn. How do you start that kind of conversation without sounding judgmental or making it super awkward? We dive into how to navigate these critical conversations with care, respect, and a little bit of humor—because, let’s face it, we all need a bit of that when it comes to talking about sex with our kids! In this session, we cover:  The importance of early conversations about sex with kids My tips and tools for how and what to cover in sex ed with your kids  Effective approaches for parents to address sexual health and safety Creating the kind of dialogue with kids that keep them confiding in and talking to you  Empowering children to understand their sexual desires as part of healthy sexuality  My book, Talking to Your Kids About Sex: Turning “The Talk” Into a Conversation for Life is an invaluable resource for having those important discussions with your kids. Also, be sure to visit my website for tailored courses like “Quantum Sex” and others that are designed to meet your needs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices