Episode 79: Sexual Health and Intimacy with Dr. Joe Kort

Jul 7, 2020

When we’re talking about marriage, sex is an important topic. So in the month of July,  we are talking ALL about sex and intimacy. I’m kicking off the month with Dr. Joe Kort. Dr. Joe is a Licensed Sex and Relationship Therapist who is trained in Sex Therapy and Imago Relationship Therapy (you know I love my Imago peeps!). Dr. Kort specializes in working with sexual dysfunction, relationship concerns, and with individuals identifying as LGBTQ and presenting issues.

Something I see a lot in my work is when someone gets caught cheating, and then they claim to be a sex addict. One of the reasons I wanted to talk with Dr. Joe was to ask him, “What is a sex addict?”  Dr. Joe shares why he thinks there is no such thing as sex addiction and what he sees within his work instead.

We also explore whether or not porn is a sexual health crisis, how to negotiate erotic differences, and maneuvering through a mixed-orientation relationship. 

Some deep stuff here, folks!

Show Highlights

• There is a difference between sex addiction therapy and sex therapy - not all therapists are created equal. (9:00)
• Why the term sex addiction boxes people in. (12:00)
• How to broach the subject of porn, open-relationships, and other vulnerable conversations about sex. (15:14)
• How erotic orientation differs from sexual orientation. (20:00) 
• Is porn a sexual health crisis? (23:22)
• Negotiating erotic differences with your partner and having erotic empathy. (34:09) 
• How you can recover from infidelity. (36:00)

Learn More About Dr. Kort:
Dr. Joe Kort is a Licensed Sex and Relationship Therapist. He is trained in Sex Therapy and Imago Relationship Therapy. Dr. Kort specializes in working with sexual dysfunction, relationship concerns, and with individuals identifying as LGBTQ and presenting issues. He is the author of four books: 10 Smart Things Gay Men Can Do To Improve Their Lives, 10 Smart Things Gay Men Can Do To Find Real Love, LGBTQ Clients in Therapy: Clinical Issues and Treatment Strategies, and Is My Husband Gay, Straight, or Bi?: A Guide for Women Concerned about Their Men. Dr. Kort is a blogger for Psychology Today. He is also the Co-Director of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes’ LGBTQIA Affirmative Therapy Certification and the Couples and Sex Therapy Certification Programs. He works with Modern Sex Therapy Institutes to provide Certification trainings including Sex Therapy Certification and continuing education to mental health and medical professionals around the world. He also has a podcast, www.SmartSexSmartLove.com. His website is www.JoeKort.com 

Resources & Links:

Dr Kort’s website
Dr. Kort’s  on Twitter
Dr. Kort’s  on Facebook
Kate on Dr. Joe’s Podcast
The Ultimate Divorce Survival Guide
Should I Stay or Should I Go Facebook Group