The Paradox of Change - There has to be an I before We!

Elliot, Fifi, Lottie

Welcome to The Paradox of Change, where three experienced therapists guide you through the essential truth:I B4We - You have to have a relationship with yourself before you can have a relationship with others!We believe in understanding your needs, boundaries, and capacity for connection - because the most important relationship you'll ever have is the one with yourself.Meet Your Guides:Elliot Burgess - Individual therapist specializing in men's mental health and the foundational "I" work that transforms all relationshipsLottie Passell-Syms - Sex and intimacy specialist dedicated to couples therapy, helping partners navigate the "We" journey through deeper connection and authentic communication and better sex.Fi Sclif - Individual therapy and growth coaching focusing on mindset, money, and marketingWhat You'll Discover:•⁠  ⁠How self-discovery leads to relationship mastery•⁠  ⁠Lottie's proven couples therapy techniques for rebuilding intimacy and trust•⁠  ⁠Practical tools for infidelity recovery, trauma healing, and authentic communication•⁠  ⁠Insights into masculinity, femininity, and identity development•⁠  ⁠Strategies for navigating divorce, dating after trauma, and co-parenting•⁠  ⁠Real conversations about narcissistic abuse recovery and neurodiversity in relationshipsOur Philosophy:Inspired by Carl Rogers' wisdom: "When a client accepts themselves as they are, the curious paradox is that they then change." Whether you're working on yourself individually or as a couple, transformation starts within - heal your relationship with yourself, and watch every other relationship in your life flourish.Content You Can Expect:•⁠  ⁠Deep-dive conversations with mental health experts•⁠  ⁠Individual growth episodes ("The I Series") with Elliot, Fi & Lottie•⁠  ⁠Couples-focused content ("The We Series") with Lottie's expertise•⁠  ⁠"I B4We Deep Dives" - All three tackling complex topics together•⁠  ⁠Real stories of resilience and recovery•⁠  ⁠Practical tools you can use immediatelyWhether you're single and working on yourself, in a relationship needing guidance, or navigating life transitions, we're here as your collaborative guides, not distant experts, but fellow travelers who've walked these paths.New episodes every two weeks “|” 26+ episodes available now!Subscribe and join our community of people choosing accountability and growth! https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange

  1. Jul 12

    The Comments That Stopped Us In Our Tracks | SEXLESS MARRIAGE POC47

    You responded to our last few episodes about Sexless Relationships, in a way we didn't expect. Thousands of comments. Hundreds of stories. Some of them stopped us mid-session.This week, Elliot and Lottie sit down to read and respond to YOUR comments - the ones that were raw, unfiltered, and at times, devastating. Men who have been living in sexless marriages for 10, 20, even 30 years. Women reflecting on their own role in the breakdown. People asking the question they've never been able to ask out loud.We respond as therapists.  Honestly. Without judgment. In this episode: Why "you get what you tolerate" cuts deeper than it sounds The difference between guilt and shame in intimate rejection When infidelity becomes the conversation a couple never had What it means for a man when sex becomes a transaction How one person changing can shift the entire relationship dynamic The question that changes everything: "Who have I become in this relationship?" This is not a blame episode. This is not a fix-your-partner episode. This is a real conversation about what happens to good people inside broken intimacy dynamics - and what the path forward actually looks like.Leave a comment below. We read every single one.Subscribe for new episodes every week. 3 Therapists. 1 Honest Conversation.Watch POC 46 - She Wants Everything But Gives Nothing: THE PARADOX OF CHANGE 3 Therapists. 1 Honest Conversation. We believe there has to be an I before the We. Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@theparadoxofchange⁩  CHAPTERS 00:00 The Comments That Stopped Us 00:35 Why We're Reading Your Comments Live 01:51 "Men Need More Than Just Sex" - Mike's Comment 03:29 "She Made Me Feel Like a Sex Pest in My Own Marriage" 04:22 Guilt vs Shame - What's the Difference? 06:09 "I Lost Her and All My Friends in a Single Minute" 10:00 How to Set a Boundary Without Showing Weakness 12:16 "Never Forgive a Cheater" - Zero Tolerance vs Reality 14:31 When You Stop Wanting Sex With Your Own Partner 16:19 Dissolve or Evolve - Therapy as the Decision Point 17:55 "I Want Sex - But Not With You" 21:42 If She Takes Sex Off the Table, What Happens to Monogamy? 25:00 "The Sexless Is Literally Killing Me" - 30 Years 27:20 You Get What You Tolerate - Who Have You Become? 31:44 The Female Perspective - Trauma, Shame and Blockage 34:23 "Who Have I Become in This Relationship?" 36:43 Height, Self-Worth and the 5'7" Speech 39:32 "She Let Herself Go" - Is Physical Attraction an Excuse? 40:27 It Only Takes ONE Person to Change a Relationship 42:23 Subscribe and See You Next Episode 📝 Take the Relationship Assessment TEST: https://theparadoxofchange.com/Questi... 📖 Knowledge Article: https://theparadoxofchange.com/Knowledge 📌 Work with us: Book a session: [https://theparadoxofchange.com/GetThe...] Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange 📱 Follow us: Instagram: [  / theparadoxofchange  ] Podcast: [https://theparadoxofchange.buzzsprout...] 🤝 Sponsor: This episode is supported by www.ourbizz.com 🌐 Other ways to connect with us: Book Therapy with Elliot, Lottie or Fi & Access Resources: https://theparadoxofchange.com Listen to the Podcast: https://theparadoxofchange.buzzsprout... Follow on Instagram: @theparadoxofchange Explore All Links: https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange #sexlessmarriage #relationshipadvice #couplestherapy https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange How to find us: https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange

    The Comments That Stopped Us In Our Tracks | SEXLESS MARRIAGE POC47
  2. Jul 7

    Is she pulling away, but wants ALL the benefits? Hits different when you're a Therapist!

    We explore the painful reality of "forced celibacy" and the emotional distance that often precedes a sexless relationship. Using a classic scene from American Beauty as a jumping-off point, we discuss how couples often lose their connection to each other long before the intimacy stops. You may also like our last episode: https://youtu.be/_qCEI1ONAPw We dive into the complex reasons why individuals might stay in a relationship that has lost its spark—whether it's for the comfort of the lifestyle, the home, or the fear of starting over. Most importantly, we talk about how to bridge that gap through "safety" in communication, sensate focus, and reclaiming your own identity within the partnership. In this video, you’ll learn: Why "freedom to touch" is the foundation of reconnection. The dangers of "negative reassurance" from friends and social groups. How competitive behaviors and "death by a thousand cuts" ruin intimacy. Practical steps to move from surviving to thriving in your relationship. Chapters 00:00 - The "American Beauty" Scene: When the couch becomes more important than the partner. 00:48 - What is disengagement? Reevaluating the desire to reconnect.  01:34 - Forced Celibacy: Living in a sexless relationship for the wrong reasons.  02:14 - The Pain of Restricted Touch: When a back rub feels like a reprimand.  03:22 - The Freedom to Touch: Creating safety before intimacy.  04:18 - Offering Solutions, Not Just Negatives: How to ask for what you need.  05:01 - Investing in Relationships: Moving past the cycle of resentment.  06:46 - The Human Connection: Why we stay in "purgatory."  07:28 - The Evolution of Change: Why your needs at 20 aren't your needs at 40.  08:35 - Deep Dive: Seeking benefits without the connection.  09:55 - Intimacy First: Eye gazing, hand-holding, and rebuilding arousal.  11:18 - Death by a Thousand Cuts: The "Ratchet" effect on relationships.  12:51 - The Loyalty Gap: Why talking to friends can sometimes make things worse.  14:14 - How Men vs. Women Process Emotional Depth.  16:44 - The Role of Trust: Identifying "High Libido vs. Low Libido" scripts.  20:44 - Character Assassination: When contempt enters the room.  22:15 - The Willingness to Repair: Can your relationship be saved?  23:51 - Competition in Relationships: Why two winners don't make a right.  26:35 - Curiosity vs. Defensiveness: Slowing down the triggers.  27:26 - Respect and the "Man Cave": Where do men fit in the modern home?  28:40 - Reassurance and Monogamy: Navigating inconsistent affection.  30:30 - Infidelity and Emasculation: Taking accountability for the shutdown.  32:44 - Diversifying Intimacy: Using Tantra and novelty to liven things up.  35:10 - Shifting the Dynamic: What happens when one partner starts to change? 📺 Watch an earlier Walk and Talk (POC 43): https://youtu.be/_qCEI1ONAPw to Ep 43] 📝 Take the Assessment: https://theparadoxofchange.com/Questionnaire 📖 Knowledge Article: https://theparadoxofchange.com/Knowledge 📌 Work with us: Book a session: [https://theparadoxofchange.com/GetTherapy] Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange 📱 Follow us: Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/theparadoxofchange/] Podcast: [https://theparadoxofchange.buzzsprout.com/] 🤝 Sponsor: This episode is supported by www.ourbizz.com 🌐 Other ways to connect with us: Book Therapy with Elliot, Lottie or Fi & Access Resources: https://theparadoxofchange.com Listen to the Podcast: https://theparadoxofchange.buzzsprout.com Follow on Instagram: @theparadoxofchange Explore All Links: https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange 💬 Community Question: Many of you have shared that intimacy didn't just 'stop' overnight, it was a slow fade. Looking back, what was the very first sign you noticed that the emotional connection was starting to drift? Was it a lack of touch, a change in how you talked, or something else?" Let us know in the comments below! ⬇️ #sexlessmarriage #relationshipadvice #affairrecovery #intimacy #marriageadvice #therapist #communication #theparadoxofchange #deadbedroom #skinhuger How to find us: https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange

  3. Jul 5

    No SEX but wants ALL the Marriage benefits? | A Therapists DeepDive

    If sex is off the table but the loyalty, the dinners, the emotional  availability are still expected - something in your relationship has  fundamentally broken down. And nobody is talking about it honestly. In this episode, therapists Elliot and Lottie go deep on one of the  most painful dynamics in modern marriage: when one partner pulls away  from intimacy but still wants all the benefits. This is Part 2. Watch  Episode 45 first: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beKbh19gICw&feature=youtu.be What we cover in this episode: - Why she pulls away - and what she's actually moving toward - The psychological impact of forced celibacy on a man's self-esteem,    confidence, and identity - Why removing sex without conversation is a form of control - The six types of intimacy - and why when sex leaves, emotional    connection walks out with it - Skin hunger, touch deprivation, and what chronic rejection does to    the body and mind - Why "it's my body, my choice" needs a conversation behind it - What the I before We principle looks like when you're stuck in a    sexless marriage - How to stop chasing the why and start navigating toward a real answer 00:00 Opening: the core conflict 00:59 Why sex gets removed from the relationship 04:12 Hidden influences, roles, and unmet needs 06:12 Silence, control, and emotional damage 08:22 Rejection, grief, and transactional dynamics 11:45 What intimacy really means 16:56 Relationship creeds, reviews, and growth 21:09 Men’s fear, boundaries, and self-respect 30:09 Why the “why” matters less than the response 33:07 Men’s needs, masculinity, and accountability 36:20 Closing: safety, vitality, and connection This isn't a takedown of women or a validation of bitterness. It is  three therapists having the honest conversation that nobody in your  life is willing to have with you. If this resonated, tell us in the comments. We read every single one. ───────────────────────────── THE PARADOX OF CHANGE 3 Therapists. 1 Honest Conversation. We believe there has to be an I before the We. Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@TheParadoxofChange ───────────────────────────── 📝 Take the Assessment: https://theparadoxofchange.com/Questi... 📖 Knowledge Article: https://theparadoxofchange.com/Knowledge 📌 Work with us: Book a session: [https://theparadoxofchange.com/GetThe...] Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange 📱 Follow us: Instagram: [  / theparadoxofchange  ] Podcast: [https://theparadoxofchange.buzzsprout...] 🤝 Sponsor: This episode is supported by www.ourbizz.com 🌐 Other ways to connect with us: Book Therapy with Elliot, Lottie or Fi & Access Resources: https://theparadoxofchange.com Listen to the Podcast: https://theparadoxofchange.buzzsprout... Follow on Instagram: @theparadoxofchange Explore All Links: https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange #sexlessmarriage #relationshipadvice #couplestherapy How to find us: https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange

  4. May 26

    I do want SEX just not with YOU

    On our Walk and Talk episode, we explore the reality of a sexless marriage (dead bedroom) and the silent pain of couples experiencing emotional and physical disconnection. Through raw, honest insights, we dissect how unspoken resentments, fear of rejection, and societal expectations can erode intimacy over time, and we offer practical strategies for rebuilding a genuine connection. Whether you are experiencing skin hunger, navigating a difficult season or looking to protect your relationship from drifting, this episode offers a compassionate, therapeutic perspective on restoring desire and safety. 📌 Main Topics Covered: The impact of emotional and physical rejection in long-term relationships How unspoken resentments and assumptions foster deep disconnection The role of self-awareness, therapy, and intentional communication in restoring intimacy Recognizing the subtle signs of emotional disengagement early Practical tools for couples, including yoga tantra and trauma work like EMDR Understanding love versus lust and maintaining desire over time Creating healthy boundaries and doing personal work to prevent relationship decay We believe intimacy after 40, intimacy after 50, intimacy after 60 - and the pain of no intimacy in marriage at any age - deserves an honest conversation. ⏳ Timestamps: 00:00 - The emotional toll of sexless relationships 00:26 - The significance of intimacy beyond sex 00:39 - Movie scene analysis: subtle cues of disengagement 01:41 - Recognizing rejection without words 02:53 - Deep pain of subtle rejection in relationships 03:29 - The exhaustion of unreciprocated love 03:32 - Why couples often avoid discussing their unmet needs 04:02 - The cycle of silence and emotional shutdown 05:10 - The realization of infidelity or emotional neglect 05:39 - Internal dialogues about cheating and unmet desires 06:04 - The contrasting needs: men needing sex for intimacy, women needing intimacy for feeling sexy 06:48 - How oxytocin fosters kindness and care 07:14 - The toll of overworking and feeling undervalued 08:00 - Resentment stemming from unspoken sacrifices and unmet expectations 09:20 - The importance of relationship conversations from the start 10:00 - Consequences of complacency and setup assumptions 11:16 - Recognizing emotional distance and potential solutions 12:13 - The necessity of expressing resentments before they fester 13:17 - Maintaining significance and loyalty in partnerships 14:07 - The impact of rejection and loneliness on men 15:17 - The distressing idea of infidelity and unmet sexual needs 16:04 - The difference between desire, love, and commitment 17:11 - How to respond to rejection with empathy and patience 18:04 - Navigating moments of sexual rejection thoughtfully 19:02 - Men’s pursuit and the desire for connection 20:32 - The importance of ongoing dialogue about desire and boundaries 21:12 - How the power struggle phase can erode love 22:41 - Moving beyond lust to genuine partnership 23:54 - Addressing physical and emotional barriers to intimacy 24:59 - Recognizing patterns across multiple relationships 26:13 - The significance of love in long-term commitment 27:09 - The dangers of the sexless marriage and unmet expectations 28:16 - The toll of loneliness and the importance of emotional safety 29:15 - The danger of manipulation and fear in vulnerability 30:21 - Deep Dive: Healing childhood wounds to improve intimacy 31:27 - Recognizing triggers rooted in past trauma 32:21 - Practical approaches: EMDR, hypnotherapy, and self-work 33:36 - The role of gradual intimacy-building practices 34:48 - The necessity of individual effort for lasting connection 35:25 - Responsibility and accountability in relationships 36:25 - Living intentionally and valuing time in life and love 36:54 - Closing thoughts and encouragement for brave conversations 📚 Resources & Links Mentioned: Daring Greatly by Brené Brown EMDR Therapy Info Yoga Tantra Guide The Dash by Linda Ellis The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle 🌐 Connect With Us: Book Therapy with Elliot, Lottie or Fi & Access Resources: https://theparadoxofchange.com Listen to the Podcast: https://theparadoxofchange.buzzsprout.com Follow on Instagram: @theparadoxofchange Explore All Links: https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange 💬 Community Question: If you've experienced a "sexless season" or are working through trust issues, how did you start the conversation with your partner? Let us know in the comments below! ⬇️ #sexlessmarriage #relationshipadvice #affairrecovery #intimacy #marriageadvice #therapist #communication #theparadoxofchange #deadbedroom #skinhuger How to find us: https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange

    I do want SEX just not with YOU
  5. May 11

    Is withholding Sex an infidelity - Hits different when you are a therapist | Deep Dive POC 42

    When Is Withholding Sex Considered Infidelity? A Deep Dive into Trust, Betrayal, and Boundaries Previous episode:    • Is withholding Sex an infidelity - Hits di...  We explore the complex nature of infidelity and betrayal in relationships, focusing on whether withholding sex for non-medical reasons qualifies as infidelity. With insights from therapy and real-world examples, we uncover how boundaries, micro-infidelities, and emotional shifts play a crucial role in understanding trust within long-term partnerships. In This Episode: Clarifies the difference between "infidelity" and "betrayal" Examines whether withholding sex constitutes a breach of trust Discusses boundaries and their importance Explores the impact of betrayal on relationships Presents practical tools for addressing misunderstandings Dedicated Knowledge Article: https://theparadoxofchange.com/Articl... Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 01:04 - Defining Infidelity and Betrayal 05:38 - Online Behaviours and Trust 10:08 - Practical Approaches to Prevent Betrayal 15:00 - Recognising Micro-Infidelities 20:20 - Setting and Respecting Boundaries 25:03 - Social Media's Role 30:12 - Repairing Trust and Recovery 35:00 - Final Reflections Resources & Links: Boundaries Flip Chart - Practical tool to identify and set healthy boundaries Imago Dialogue - Technique for safe, empathetic communication The Paradox of Change Website - Resources for couples and individuals seeking relationship growth Connect with the Hosts: Lottie - LinkedIn | Twitter Elliot Burgess - Website | LinkedIn Connect With Us Book Therapy & Access Resources: 🌐 https://theparadoxofchange.com How to find us: https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange

    Is withholding Sex an infidelity - Hits different when you are a therapist | Deep Dive POC 42
  6. Mar 25

    The Sexless Marriage Talk Hits Different When You're A Therapist Deep Dive

    What actually happens when sex disappears from a relationship, and why is it so hard to talk about? In this deep dive, therapist Lottie and Elliot go beyond the surface and into the real psychological dynamics behind sexless marriages: unresolved conflict, contempt, shame, and the moment a couple quietly becomes roommates. This is the conversation most couples never have, until it's almost too late. 💬 Have you experienced this in your relationship? Drop your thoughts in the comments — we read every one. Opening: The reality of the sexless marriage epidemic Physical touch & affection starvation The clip: shame, criticism & "she's softer and kinder" Why Sex Comes Off The Table: Unresolved conflict, resentment & emotional disconnection The Postage Stamp effect — grievances collecting over years Sex as a Need vs. Choice: The Male Experience: Contempt & The Four Horsemen: Gottman's framework: The Path Back: Rebuilding intimacy before sex Family of Origin & Love Languages: How childhood patterns resurface when limerence ends The Real Damage: The Vicious Circle Criticism kills desire 📌 TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - The Reality of Sexless Relationships 00:39 - The Clip: Why He Really Left (And The Shame Behind It) 01:10 - Why Does Sex Come Off The Table? 02:02 - The Postage Stamp Effect: How Unresolved Grievances Kill Desire 04:49 - The Three Pillars: Friendship, Intimacy & Sex 05:08 - From Lovers to Roommates — Or Worse 06:19 - Is Sex Actually a Basic Human Need? 07:15 - The Unilateral Decision: When One Partner Shuts It Down 08:49 - The Male Experience: Rejection, ED & Giving Up 10:57 - Gottman's Four Horsemen & The Role of Contempt 12:11 - Why Sex Is The Glue of a Partnership 12:59 - How We Address Contempt in the Therapy Room 14:16 - Consent, The "Why" & Reclaiming Lost Desire 15:15 - The Path Back: Intimacy Before Sex 16:47 - Family of Origin & How It Shapes Your Sex Life 17:14 - When Love Languages Collide: The Hidden Mismatch 19:27 - The Real Damage: What Denied Intimacy Does to Men & Women 21:24 - The Impact on Women: Rejection, Self-Worth & Begging For Love 22:28 - Revisiting The Clip: Shame, Criticism & Mutual Withdrawal 23:47 - The Vicious Circle: How Lack of Desire Feeds Itself 💬 Are you or your partner struggling with intimacy or a sexless relationship? Drop your thoughts in the comments — we read every one. 🔔 Subscribe for our Walk & Talk episodes with real therapist perspectives on love, cheating, intimacy, and everything in between. Follow us on:  🎙️ The Paradox of Change Podcast: https://theparadoxofchange.buzzsprout...  📲 Instagram/theparadoxofchange    📺 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange 📢 If you've experienced infidelity or are working through trust issues, let us know your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️ https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange 💔 why did my boyfriend cheat? 💔 why did my girlfriend cheat? 💔 why did my partner cheat? #sexlessmarriage #cheating #couplescoaching #relationshipadvice #affairrecovery #intimacy #limerence #marriageadvice #therapist #walkandtalk #SexlessMarriage #RelationshipAdvice #CouplesTherapy #IntimacyIssues #MarriageProblems #Contempt #GottmanMethod #TherapistTalks #LowLibido #SexualRejection Hosted by Lottie Passell-Syms (Sex & Intimacy Specialist), Elliot Burgess, and Fifi Sclif therapists who understand that healing starts within. https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange How to find us: https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange

    The Sexless Marriage Talk Hits Different When You're A Therapist Deep Dive

About

Welcome to The Paradox of Change, where three experienced therapists guide you through the essential truth:I B4We - You have to have a relationship with yourself before you can have a relationship with others!We believe in understanding your needs, boundaries, and capacity for connection - because the most important relationship you'll ever have is the one with yourself.Meet Your Guides:Elliot Burgess - Individual therapist specializing in men's mental health and the foundational "I" work that transforms all relationshipsLottie Passell-Syms - Sex and intimacy specialist dedicated to couples therapy, helping partners navigate the "We" journey through deeper connection and authentic communication and better sex.Fi Sclif - Individual therapy and growth coaching focusing on mindset, money, and marketingWhat You'll Discover:•⁠  ⁠How self-discovery leads to relationship mastery•⁠  ⁠Lottie's proven couples therapy techniques for rebuilding intimacy and trust•⁠  ⁠Practical tools for infidelity recovery, trauma healing, and authentic communication•⁠  ⁠Insights into masculinity, femininity, and identity development•⁠  ⁠Strategies for navigating divorce, dating after trauma, and co-parenting•⁠  ⁠Real conversations about narcissistic abuse recovery and neurodiversity in relationshipsOur Philosophy:Inspired by Carl Rogers' wisdom: "When a client accepts themselves as they are, the curious paradox is that they then change." Whether you're working on yourself individually or as a couple, transformation starts within - heal your relationship with yourself, and watch every other relationship in your life flourish.Content You Can Expect:•⁠  ⁠Deep-dive conversations with mental health experts•⁠  ⁠Individual growth episodes ("The I Series") with Elliot, Fi & Lottie•⁠  ⁠Couples-focused content ("The We Series") with Lottie's expertise•⁠  ⁠"I B4We Deep Dives" - All three tackling complex topics together•⁠  ⁠Real stories of resilience and recovery•⁠  ⁠Practical tools you can use immediatelyWhether you're single and working on yourself, in a relationship needing guidance, or navigating life transitions, we're here as your collaborative guides, not distant experts, but fellow travelers who've walked these paths.New episodes every two weeks “|” 26+ episodes available now!Subscribe and join our community of people choosing accountability and growth! https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange

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