Marie Murphy
36: Good Enough Sex with Dr. Barry McCarthy
Updated: Nov 16, 2022

Dr. Barry McCarthy is a diplomate in clinical psychology and sex therapy. He is also a professor emeritus of psychology at American University and a recipient of the Masters and Johnson Award for lifetime contributions to the sexuality field. In addition to presenting hundreds of professional workshops around the world, Dr. McCarthy has also written several books, including Contemporary Male Sexuality and Rekindling Desire.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
Dr. Barry McCarthy discusses what he means by “good enough sex”
What are the three components of sexuality?
The real difference between Viagra and Cialis — and the lies that drug companies are telling you
How performance goals affect good sex
The surprising statistics about sex, marriage, desire, and affairs
Why rethinking how you define sex can help you create a happier and healthier partnership
Dr. McCarthy’s advice for couples who are unhappy sexually
Dr. McCarthy talks about responsive sexual desire versus spontaneous sexual desire
The impact that sexual mindfulness can have on your relationship
In this episode…
What does it mean to have good sex? Has science uncovered the truth about what feeds desire? And, is there a way to redefine your understanding of sexuality and rekindle a positive sexual relationship with your partner?
According to Dr. Barry McCarthy, sexuality consists of three components: intimacy, pleasure, and eroticism. For a healthy sexual relationship to exist, those components need to be balanced and approached with realistic expectations. So, how can you start having better sex today? Dr. McCarthy suggests that instead of viewing sex as a pass or fail experience, couples should work on finding their own unique sexual style — one that feels good for everyone involved.
In this episode of Your Secret is Safe With Me, Dr. Barry McCarthy joins Dr. Marie Murphy to talk about what “good enough sex” actually means. Dr. McCarthy reveals some surprising statistics about sex and relationships and explains how shifting your perspective can awaken a happier and healthier sexual relationship. He also shares his advice for rekindling desire with your partner. Stay tuned!
Resources Mentioned in this episode
Dr. Barry McCarthy’s email: barrymccarthy43@gmail.com
Contemporary Male Sexuality by Barry McCarthy and Emily McCarthy
The Rise of Viagra: How the Little Blue Pill Changed Sex in America by Meika Loe
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Sponsor for this episode...
This episode is brought to you by Marie Murphy PhD Relationship Coaching.
Dr. Marie Murphy provides shame-free, blame-free, and non-judgmental relationship coaching. She draws from different philosophical traditions and approaches in order to better understand the human condition and the different types of professional assistance that can be germane to people in complicated relationship situations.
To learn more about her and her relationship coaching practice, visit www.mariemurphyphd.com today and schedule an introductory coaching session with Dr. Marie Murphy to begin the process of resolving your infidelity situation in a way that's truly right for you.