Covenant Sex

Anthony Hughes, PhD, LMFT, CST | Covenant Sex Therapy
  • 4.4 (30)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Bimonthly

You weren't taught how to talk about this. Most LDS and Christian couples enter marriage with no language, no framework, and no one to ask. Covenant Sex is the podcast for couples ready to have those conversations. Hosted by Dr. Anthony Hughes, PhD, LMFT, AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist. Founder of Covenant Sex Therapy in Pleasant Grove and Provo, Utah. Creator of The Desire Lab — guided intimacy exercises for couples. Each episode brings real clinical insight grounded in the research of Gottman, Sue Johnson, Brotto, Glass, and more. Faith-aware. Honest. Never asks you to leave your values at

  1. Why Emotional Pursuit Matters More Than You Think

    May 27

    Why Emotional Pursuit Matters More Than You Think

    In this episode of the Covenant Sex Podcast, Dr. Anthony Hughes explores why emotional pursuit is one of the most important and most overlooked foundations of intimacy and desire in long-term relationships. Many couples assume intimacy struggles are primarily about sex, libido, or communication, but underneath those challenges is often a deeper emotional question: “Do you still choose me?” This episode dives into: ​why emotional connection shapes sexual desire​ how attachment and emotional safety affect intimacy​why couples slowly stop courting each other after marriage​the hidden loneliness many couples experience​how small daily moments rebuild closeness over time Dr. Hughes also discusses how The Desire Lab app was designed to help couples intentionally practice emotional connection through guided intimacy exercises, emotional check-ins, and daily relational experiences. If you’ve been feeling emotionally distant, disconnected, or stuck in survival mode with your partner, this episode offers a compassionate and practical framework for rebuilding connection one small moment at a time.

    17 min
  2. Why You Feel Emotionally Disconnected (Even in a Good Relationship)

    Apr 23

    Why You Feel Emotionally Disconnected (Even in a Good Relationship)

    You can feel disconnected… even when nothing is “wrong.” No constant fighting. No major issues. But something feels off. Distant. Less close. Like you’re functioning together, but not really connected. If that’s you, this episode will help you understand why. In this episode: ​why emotional disconnection happens slowly (not all at once)​What “ functional mode” looks like in relationships​Why you can be talking, but still not feel seen​How disconnection impacts desire and intimacy​A simple way to start rebuilding connection this week This episode will help you move from: “ Why does this feel off?” to “ This actually makes sense.” Share this with your partner if you’ve been feeling distant. If you want help rebuilding connection, this is exactly what we guide couples through inside The Desire Lab.

    18 min
  3. Why Sex Feels Like Pressure (How to Change It)

    Apr 8

    Why Sex Feels Like Pressure (How to Change It)

    If sex has started to feel like pressure instead of connection… This episode will help you understand why. Because most couples don’t mean to create pressure. But over time, it builds and it changes how your body responds. If you’ve ever felt: ​tense when your partner initiates​like something is expected of you​or like you “should” want sex… but don’t This isn’t random. And it doesn’t mean something is wrong with you.

    18 min
  4. Why You Want Sex Less Than Your Partner (And What It Actually Means)

    Apr 2

    Why You Want Sex Less Than Your Partner (And What It Actually Means)

    If you want sex less than your partner… you’re not broken. But it does mean something is happening underneath the surface. In this episode, we unpack why desire differences show up in good relationships and what your body may actually be responding to. Because low desire isn’t just about sex. It’s often about emotional safety, pressure, and connection. In this episode: ​Why desire naturally decreases (and it’s not what you think)​How emotional disconnection impacts your sex life?​The pursuer-withdrawer cycle couples get stuck in​Why pressure makes desire worse… not better​A simple way to start rebuilding connection this week

    28 min
  5. Now what? Sexual desire discrepancy paths forward

    12/13/2024

    Now what? Sexual desire discrepancy paths forward

    Dr. Hughes tells the listener the two most vital things related to sexuality for the higher desire partner. The first is that their soul is in separately sexual. The second is an action step of being present so that the higher desire partner‘s soul feels accepted, valued, desired, cared for,and seen. Dr. Hughes provides the insight to the question of, “so what do I do now that I am learning all of this about myself or my partner.” He discusses the two negative outcome options and the two positive outcome options for the sexual desire discrepancy couple that has now began to gain insight into what is really going on at the root of this dynamic.

    32 min
  6. The Sexual Playground for Issues of Sexual Desire Discrepancy

    11/15/2024

    The Sexual Playground for Issues of Sexual Desire Discrepancy

    This episode creates the understanding, language, and “way out” for couples stuck in issues of sexual desire discrepancy. Dr. Hughes is the first to put forward clear and concrete words, understanding, and ways to move forward for couples plagued by these discrepancies. Dr. Hughes has created a sexual playground analogy that enables couples to do this. The higher desire partner yearns for their partner to play on this sexual playground with them. Playing on the playground isn’t just doing sexual acts. It’s not about sex. It’s about the meaning of sex. It’s about the engagement and desire to play on the playground with the higher desire partner. Dr. Hughes provides examples of how the lower desire partner can still help the higher desire partner feel accepted, connected, seen, and loved while not dramatically increasing intercourse or varied sexual activity. These examples also help the higher desire partner find ways to play on their sexual playground with their partner in ways where they are no longer alone while also respecting the difference in their partner.

    27 min
  7. Step 3-Working Through Sexual Desire Differences in Marriage

    05/14/2024

    Step 3-Working Through Sexual Desire Differences in Marriage

    Dr. Hughes provides the roadmap for couples that are struggling to resolve sexual desire differences in marriage. The high desire spouse is really saying “Come and get to know my soul. My very being. Not my entire soul, but a main part of it.” Couples can get the stars to align when their soul communes with their spouses. Dr. Hughes talks about how that can happen, within this podcast.

    22 min
  8. Step 2.5-Working Through Sexual Desire Differences in Marriage

    05/07/2024

    Step 2.5-Working Through Sexual Desire Differences in Marriage

    In this episode of Dr. Hughes talks about the impact of sexual neglect and abandonment for the partner that enjoys bonding and connecting through sexual intimacy. Understanding where the partner that has experienced sexual neglect and abandonment is coming from sets the stage for the 3rd and final step that couples must take to resolve their sexual desire differences and embark on a coupled journey of sexual fulfillment.

    26 min
See All (50)

4.4
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

You weren't taught how to talk about this. Most LDS and Christian couples enter marriage with no language, no framework, and no one to ask. Covenant Sex is the podcast for couples ready to have those conversations. Hosted by Dr. Anthony Hughes, PhD, LMFT, AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist. Founder of Covenant Sex Therapy in Pleasant Grove and Provo, Utah. Creator of The Desire Lab — guided intimacy exercises for couples. Each episode brings real clinical insight grounded in the research of Gottman, Sue Johnson, Brotto, Glass, and more. Faith-aware. Honest. Never asks you to leave your values at

Information

  • Creator
    Anthony Hughes, PhD, LMFT, CST | Covenant Sex Therapy
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Anthony Hughes, PhD, LMFT, CST | Covenant Sex Therapy

You Might Also Like