Boundaries

The Boundary Trap – What are Boundaries? 

The Boundary Trap – What are Boundaries? 

 

Boundaries have become the new buzzword – so what the heck are they?

They are ways to create limits or express needs. 

They can be physical, emotional, spiritual, verbal, sexual, etc. 

Boundaries are the ways in which we say what is or is not okay for us. This could be in the way we want to be communicated with, the way we are loved, the way we are touched, the way people show up for us, and the way people speak to us.

Our culture sucks with boundaries… which is probably why boundaries have become such a buzz word in our society now. Our culture has focused on what I call: aggressive, active, or passive boundaries. 

In the United States, we live in a dominating society where aggression and dominance are reinforced… down to the ways we even communicare. 

 

Aggressive, Passive, or Active?

Most of my clients come to me either utilizing aggressive or passive boundaries. 

Aggressive boundaries can use physical or (most often) verbal strategies. 

Aggressive boundaries is engaging in what I consider to be dominating, abrasive, coercive, demanding, controlling, shaming, blaming, or critical tactics. In my experience, these strategies result in compliance, rebellion, or conflict. None of which work towards connection and understanding. These boundaries are typically “at someone” and can be reactive boundaries. This is usually as a result of not having boundaries respected unless they were loud and big.

An example of an aggressive boundary would be: “You can never do anything right. Don’t help me anymore because you are an idiot. I know what is best and you either need to get on board or else.”

Passive boundaries are people who either do not set boundaries at all or are VERY unclear. People who struggle to set boundaries at all usually fall in this category. 

People who set passive boundaries often feel resentful because those around them do not understand the boundaries resulting in these individuals overgiving. These individuals may be conflict avoidant, may have not learned how to have a voice, or learned their needs were not important. 

Boundaries

An example of passive boundaries would be: 

  • feeling uncomfortable with something someone is doing and saying nothing
  • not responding
  • lying about your feelings such as saying “its okay”
  • over-committing and saying “yes” when you mean “no.”
  • Saying “whatever you want to do” 
  • Using vague language like “I mean maybe it’s a sorta thing that I….”

Passive Aggressive is the combo platter of boundaries. It is vague statements or boundaries that usually are accompanied by sarcasm, anger, or contempt. 

People who set passive aggressive boundaries are often unclear, rude, indirect in trying to get what they want or need. People who are passive aggressive often do not know how to get their needs met, may be conflict avoidant, or struggle to be vulnerable. 

An example of this would be: “I guess I didn’t need that anyways” with a sarcastic tone or non-descript tone.

Active Boundaries are clear, compassionate, and communicative. Active boundaries are when we are able to share what we need without engaging in violent communication techniques. 

These boundaries show how we need or what we want from others without engaging in destructive communication patterns that create disconnection and conflict. 

An example of this would be: “I feel really frustrated and hurt when you speak to me that way. I would ask in the future that we work together on communicating differently so that we both feel more safe.” or “I am noticing that I am uncomfortable when you touch me like that, is it possible for you to ask in the future? If you cannot do that, I am going to have to find another way to feel like I can be more comfortable around you.” or “In the future, when you go to get something to eat can you please also reach out if I need anything to? I felt really hurt when I did not have dinner too. In the future that would be so cool because I would feel really loved and seen.” 

 

Boundaries, PEOPLE!

So often we struggle to do this. It is so important that we find ways to communicate our needs through boundary setting. At LCAT, we use Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication as a guide to help our clients and ourselves navigate these difficult conversations. 

Boundaries are not something many of us are comfortable with in our culture and it is so important that we remember boundaries are FOR US not AT others. 

When we are able to focus on boundaries being for us and not AT others, we are more able to set them in an active way rather than a passive and/or aggressive way. 

Let us help you get there!

We are here to help at LCAT, we have various therapists who have training and understanding in all the A/a’s. Please join us on your healing journey!

YouTube page where she provides free information at The Sex Healer

If you know someone that would benefit from this information, feel free to share it. 

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a relationship coaching and sex therapy practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible, multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systemically-trained and licensed therapists! 

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help Millennials and Baby Boomers alike who visit us for a variety of relationship, intimacy and sex problems. 

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs. For clients hoping to take their intimate lives to the next level through personalized coaching on YOUR terms, learn more about our Text Therapy Program.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do

Call or text us at 203-733-9600 or make an appointment.

first orgasm

First Orgasm

First Orgasm

 

Imagine going through life, having many sexual experiences, and never achieving a first orgasm. Then, at some point, you’re with the right person, the lighting is right, the intensity level is good, there’s just the right amount of foreplay, and BAM!, your first orgasm hits. You’ll never be the same.

Orgasms are amazing. For many of us, we remember our first orgasmic experience and how it opened our eyes to the powerful sexuality that up until that point had lain dormant inside us. Once awakened, the ability to orgasm takes on a deeper meaning, and affects all of our sexual interactions.

Hopefully, your first orgasm and all of your subsequent orgasms were incredible experiences full of passion, love, and desire. Sometimes, it’s only one of those, and that’s OK! The motivation for sex is diverse and incredibly personal.

When we talk about orgasms and the first orgasm experience, it’s important to note that everyone is approaching this subject from a different perspective. Some of you may not have had your first orgasm yet and are trying to get there.

For others, orgasming can be inconsistent, so you’re trying to find better ways to climax.

first orgams 

Getting to Your First Orgasm

Sometimes life doesn’t seem fair, especially when it comes to sexual pleasure, right? Many people, maybe even people you’re partnered with currently or in the past, may not even remember their orgasm. To them, it happens easily, so, what’s the fuss?

In 2005, a NY Times article reported that 30 percent of people with vaginas stated that they rarely or never have an orgasm during sex. That includes 10 percent of respondents that said they never have an orgasm.

In my mind, that’s too many people not having orgasms! Certainly, this does not overlook people who struggle with past trauma that makes it difficult to connect sexually, even with their bodies.

I work with people all the time on various ends of the sexual spectrum, from people who struggle to accept feeling aroused to people wanting to learn how to orgasm more frequently and more often.

Even if there is no underlying trauma inhibiting your ability to connect sexually, the mere fact that it’s a struggle leaves so many people feeling broken.

My message to you is, YOU ARE NOT BROKEN! Orgasming can be learned with practice and patience and a dash of self-acceptance. Here are some tips to get you over the hump more often.

 

Getting the Right Mindset

I’m a huge proponent of masturbation. I think it’s one of the best ways for people to explore and learn about their bodies. It’s where you find out what makes you tick.

You get to touch without judgment and experience different sensations in private. Masturbation is a healthy sexual habit that should be embraced.

Masturbation makes it easier to focus on the task without worrying whether your partner thinks you’re taking too long or making a funny face. It’s just you and you.

If you’re up for it, try masturbating, or even just exploring your genitals, in front of a mirror. Look as you touch, so you know exactly where different erogenous zones are.

first orgams 

Bring Toys to the Adult Playroom

It’s 2020, so it’s time we stamp out any remaining notion that needing a vibrator or some other sex toy to climax is somehow weird. I love my vibrator. I use the LeWand and I strongly recommend you get a vibrator, no matter what your gender is.

Explore different settings and movements with your vibrator. On a vagina, massage the area around the clitoral hood and labia, eventually moving to directly stimulate the clitoris.

Vibrators are also fantastic for penis-bodied people! You can use a vibrator to massage around the testicles, along the shaft, and the perineum (the area between your genitals and your anus).

Don’t have any shame in your sex toy game!

 

Connecting to Yourself Emotionally

There is certainly something to be said about having sex with the right person. Interestingly, sex can be mind-blowing with one person and mundane with the next. Remember, each person is bringing their experience, fears, and uncertainty into any sexual encounter, so it’s going to affect how things go.

What’s more important, though, is how we connect with ourselves, no matter who we’re having sex with. If you don’t give yourself permission to be stimulated and aroused, then it’s easier for your body to shut down.

Imagine climbing the orgasm mountain, and before you set out on your journey, you’re full of negative thoughts about how hard the trip will be, and you doubt you’ll make it. Now imagine going on that same journey full of positive energy, eager for the experience, and hyper with anticipation.

first orgams

Which do you think has the higher odds of success?

If you’re finding yourself full of stress or anxiety at the thought of trying to orgasm, then it’s likely that your first orgasm will be elusive. We have to be able to overcome any emotional blocks that are preventing us from accepting touch and arousal that leads to orgasm.

That goes for masturbating alone or sex with someone else.

In my over ten years of experience as a licensed sex therapist, I’ve seen amazing success helping people understand what’s affecting their sex lives and how to get past it.

We can develop strategies specific to your situation that chip away at any blockages stopping you from orgasm.

 

Commit to the Climax

Even people who achieved their first orgasm easily had to decide to do it! Committing to the goal of the orgasming is like using a key to unlock your sexual vault.

The first time could be difficult, and it most certainly pays off. The rush of endorphins and all that sexual release offers is likely to bring you back for more and more.

The first orgasm is lifechanging for a lot of people. For others, it just happens. Whatever your situation, the more important issue is realizing that there’s always more sex to be had and better orgasms around the corner!

Are you ready to learn more and unlock a more satisfying experience?

BLISS: Proven Methods for Improving the Female Orgasm

Stiff: Solutions for Erectile Dysfunction On-Demand Webinar

Women on Penis Size

 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do