Since April is known for its showers, we thought it was the perfect time to challenge couples to “shower their partner with appreciation.” Think of it as emotional nourishment—a way to water the roots of your relationship and help it grow strong and connected.

At Sparrow Counseling, we believe that education is a key part of building healthy, confident relationships—especially when it comes to sexual health and anatomy.

Sex is often one of the most intimate parts of a relationship, but also one of the hardest to talk about. It can bring up feelings of shame, fear of rejection, or uncertainty about what’s “normal.” Our culture, media, and upbringing all shape our expectations about sex—but they don’t always leave us with realistic or helpful tools to navigate intimacy with a partner.

Sex therapy offers a space to pause and ask:
What does healthy sexuality actually look like for us?

One of the most common concerns we hear from couples is that intimacy has faded from their relationship. Whether due to stress, life changes, or simply falling out of the habit, many partners struggle with how to reignite their physical connection. When intimacy feels distant, the pressure to “fix” things quickly can feel overwhelming, but jumping straight back into sex isn’t always the best approach. Instead, we encourage couples to take a gradual, intentional path back to closeness through sensate focus activities.

As therapists, we often hear couples say, “I have a high sex drive, and they have a low sex drive. What do we do about this?” It’s a common concern, but the way it’s framed can be misleading. The terms “high” and “low” libido oversimplify something that is actually much more nuanced and dynamic.

Many people assume sex therapy is only for couples experiencing dysfunction, but in reality, it’s a space for any couple who wants to deepen their connection, explore intimacy, and navigate the natural changes that occur over time. Whether you're in a new relationship, facing a shift in your sex life, or simply wanting to improve communication around intimacy, sex therapy can offer guidance and support.

John and Julie Gottman’s research shows that successful relationships are built on the accumulation of small, everyday moments. These moments often come in the form of bids for connection, but they can be easy to overlook—especially when they’re subtle.

Let’s dive into the difference between emotional and physical bids, why they matter, and how you can start noticing and responding to them in ways that strengthen your bond.

Have you ever reached out to your partner—maybe with a joke, a gentle touch, or a simple question—only to feel ignored or brushed off? Or maybe your partner does this to you, and you don’t even realize it. These small moments may seem insignificant, but they hold the power to either strengthen or weaken your relationship over time.