Kamen works as a lifestyle management consultant who explores the art and science of happiness as a speaker, author, and positive psychology expert. Through her globally syndicated podcast, books, media appearances, and documentary film, Lisa has impacted millions of people around the world.

LISA CYPERS KAMEN

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Wired for Desire: Attachment Style, Emotional Safety & the Truth About Intimacy

Growing up, very few of us had kitchen table conversations about how vulnerability builds intimacy and emotional safety in relationships. Instead, most of us were handed a survival guide that taught us to “never let them see you sweat” and to “be strong.” As a result, walking into adult relationships and talking intimately about our attachment styles and desires can be terrifying. Yet, finding the courage to share our true desires—free from shame or fear—transforms not just our sex lives, but deepens the connection with our partners and ourselves.

*This episode explores human sexuality and is intended for mature listeners.

For tips on how to bring attachment theory into the bedroom, Positive Psychology Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with two emotionally focused therapists and co-authors, Laurie Watson, PhD, LMFT, and George Faller, LMFT.

Laurie and George unpack what causes desire discrepancy in couples, and why it’s rarely just about sex. They share expert strategies for rebuilding desire in marriage, fostering emotional safety in relationships, and helping couples break free from the exhausting pursue-withdrawal cycle to reconnect on a deeper level.

Original Air Date Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Tune In:

Meet Our Guest:

Laurie Watson, PhD, LMFT, and George Faller, LMFT, have spent a combined seven decades in the therapy room. Their new book, Brave Love, Great Sex: Harnessing Attachment Theory for Passionate Relationships, distills what they’ve learned there.

Laurie is an AASECT-certified sex therapist and an ICEEFT-certified emotionally focused therapist. She founded the Awakenings Center for Couples and Sex Therapy in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is the author of Wanting Sex Again: How to Rekindle Desire and Heal a Sexless Marriage.

George is a renowned Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) trainer and the founder of Success In Vulnerability. Before his career in therapy, he spent years as a New York City firefighter — including on 9/11 — learning what it takes to stay calm in a crisis.

Book: Brave Love, Great Sex: Harnessing Attachment Theory for Passionate Relationships

Laurie Watson, PhD, LMFT, and George Faller, LMFT—The Connection of Attachment Style & Sex Drive:

Correlating attachment style and sex drive. {3:12}
Strategies for rebuilding desire in marriage. {6:33}
Fostering emotional safety in relationships. {15:59}
Personal fulfillment accompanies relationship intimacy. {25:16}
Tips to achieve brave love and great sex. {28:36}

Like what you’re hearing?

WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING?

Check out the Harvesting Happiness podcast episode library and special More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Follow Laurie Watson, PhD, LMFT, and George Faller, LMFT:

Shareables:

“Happiness and sex go hand in hand.” @LisaKamen on @HH_TalkRadio Share on X “Without good sexual attachment, partnerships and marriages are at risk.” @bravelovegreatsex on @HH_TalkRadio Share on X “Menopause is like the earthquake that shakes the cracks in the relationship.” @bravelovegreatsex on @HH_TalkRadio Share on X “Most women don't get to the bedroom through hormones; they get there through their minds.” @bravelovegreatsex on @HH_TalkRadio Share on X

Grab More Joy Below:

Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now? Explore lifelong relationships as part of your journey to happiness.

H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day. Our lifelong relationships have a big influence on this journey.