Relationships & Intimacy
Evidence-based guides, tools, and worksheets to help you navigate intimacy — through new relationships, long-term partnerships, and everything in between.
Explainer Articles
A grounded look at how intimacy, attraction, and partnership evolve across the lifespan — and what the research actually says about sex, aging, and connection.
Explores the often-overlooked relationship between emotional closeness and sexual satisfaction — and why emotional intimacy may matter more than people expect.
Mismatched libido is one of the most common relationship challenges at any age. This article explains why it happens and what evidence-based approaches actually help.
Retirement changes more than your schedule. This article looks at how the shift affects partnership dynamics, intimacy, identity, and what couples can do to adapt well.
Re-entering the dating world later in life raises real questions — practical, emotional, and physical. This article offers honest, clinically grounded guidance for doing it well.
When one partner becomes a caregiver — or lives with a serious illness — the entire relational dynamic shifts. This article explores how couples can protect intimacy through it.
"Intimacy is not a destination — it is a practice. And like any practice, it can be learned, tended to, and rebuilt at any stage of life."
Tami-lee Duncan, M.Ed., R.PsychGuides & Toolkits
Talking to Partners · Article + Toolkit
Talking About Sexual Pain: A Practical Guide to Communicating With Your Partner
A longform clinical article covering the psychology of fear and avoidance in sexual communication, evidence-based conversation tools, what to do differently in new versus established relationships, and a full list of what to avoid. Supported by peer-reviewed research with APA-formatted references.
A quick-reference guide to every communication tool covered in Module 4 — the Sandwich Approach, the Mind Trick, Validation, Disarming, and more. Organized in four parts with a summary table at the end.
A practical guide for initiating and sustaining conversations about sex in long-term relationships — including how to create safety, reduce defensiveness, and stay connected.
A compassionate, research-grounded guide to navigating mismatched desire — for both the higher-desire and lower-desire partner. Practical strategies for finding a workable balance.
A step-by-step guide for couples working to rebuild sexual and emotional intimacy after a difficult period — illness, loss, conflict, or simply a long stretch of disconnection.
Worksheets
These worksheets are designed to be worked through at your own pace — ideally on paper. Each one accompanies a specific module or guide and is meant to help you organize your thoughts before a difficult conversation.
A guided two-exercise workbook for identifying your fears, organizing your thoughts, and preparing to talk to your partner about sexual pain. Includes a 5-step reflective framework.
Download WorksheetCommunicating About Sexual Pain
The resources in this section were developed specifically for people navigating sexual pain conditions such as vulvodynia, vestibulodynia, vaginismus, and pelvic floor dysfunction — and the relational challenges that come with them. All materials are clinically grounded and written in plain language.
A comprehensive clinical article covering the psychology of fear and communication avoidance, evidence-based strategies for new and established relationships, and what the research says about how open communication improves outcomes.
All the communication rules, tools, and what-to-avoid guidance from Module 4 in a single quick-reference document. Includes a summary table and guidance on when to seek professional support.
A structured workbook to complete before talking to your partner. Walks through identifying your fears, organizing your thoughts into themes, and checking in with your emotional state before the conversation.
All resources on this page are for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute therapeutic treatment or clinical advice. If you are experiencing significant relationship distress, sexual pain, or mental health concerns, please consult a qualified mental health professional or your healthcare provider. Tami-lee Duncan, M.Ed., R.Psych — Transcend Psychological Services.