Real Relationships

Welcome back to Part 2 of our captivating two-part episode on sexuality and relationships! In Part 1, Nadia Hughes and I embarked on a thought-provoking journey, exploring topics such as the impact of culture on sexuality, gender perceptions, one-night stands, and the intriguing connection between pain and pleasure.If you haven't already, check out Part 1 to fully appreciate the value-packed insights we shared.In this exciting continuation, we delve even more deeply, touching on diversity in relationships, boundaries, and understanding infidelity. This episode promises to be just as enlightening and eye-opening as the first, so get ready for another value-packed episode that will broaden your understanding of the complex tapestry of human connection and intimacy.You will also learn the following:⚉ Intercultural fascination in relationship dynamics⚉ Debunking myths about same-sex couples and their sex lives⚉ Managing boundaries in conversations about sex⚉ Sexual leverage in relationship power dynamics⚉ Long-term relationship dynamics⚉ Balancing sex and money in relationships⚉ Navigating differences in sexual desires⚉ Understanding infidelity: Definitions, pain, and copingConnect with Nadia:⚉ Website - https://unfairadvantageproject.com/⚉ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-hughes-b042413aConnect with Alyona:⚉ Website - https://www.alyonacerfontyne.com.au/ ⚉ Instagram - @alyonacerfontyne⚉ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/alyona.cerfontyne/ ⚉ Aly’s Place - https://www.alysplace.com.au/ Do you have an idea for our next podcast or want to ask our experts a question about real relationships? We would love to hear from you! Please email Alyona at alyona@alyonacerfontyne.com.au, and don't forget we also have a Facebook community, Real Relationships.

Welcome to a special two-part episode on sexuality and relationships, where the tables have turned, and I'm the one in the hot seat! I'm thrilled to be interviewed on my show by the incredible Nadia Hughes, a fellow podcaster and the director of Unfair Advantage Accounting. Nadia wears many hats, from offering outsourced CFO services to being a licensed Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She has also earned certification as a Divorce Financial Analyst, assisting couples in navigating complex financial challenges. In this episode, Nadia and I dive deep into fascinating topics like the impact of culture on sexuality, differences in gender perceptions and communication, one-night stands, the intriguing connection between pain and pleasure, and more. Take advantage of this insightful conversation, and stay tuned for part 2, where we'll uncover even more juicy discussions!You will also learn the following:⚉ My story from a conservative background to a career in sex therapy⚉ The role of a relationship specialist in couples and sex therapy⚉ Understanding the mind-body connection in psychosexual therapy ⚉ How discussions about sex influence relationships ⚉ The significance of a word: Analysing the sex taboo ⚉ Examining diverse norms and behaviours in sexuality across cultures ⚉ Exploring one-night stands and the swinging phenomenonConnect with Nadia: 🔗 Website - https://unfairadvantageproject.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-hughes-b042413aConnect with Alyona: 🔗 Website - https://www.alyonacerfontyne.com.au/ 🔗 Instagram - @alyonacerfontyne 🔗 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/alyona.cerfontyne/ 🔗 Aly’s Place - https://www.alysplace.com.au/ Do you have an idea for our next podcast or want to ask our experts a question about real relationships? We would love to hear from you! Please email Alyona at alyona@alyonacerfontyne.com.au, and don't forget we also have a Facebook community, Real Relationships.

I'm thrilled to introduce this episode's guest, Kellie Walsh, who's not a newcomer to the therapeutic field but is relatively new to couples counselling.Kellie, a valued team member at Aly's Place, has a fascinating background, from riding off-road motorbikes to a stint in live radio. She shares her journey from Washington, D.C., to regional Victoria and her passion for helping people find the root causes of their challenges, especially in areas like depression, grief, and difficult life transitions.Listen to this enlightening conversation with Kellie as we delve into her expertise in couples relationships, substance use, anxiety, and more.You will also learn the following:⚉ Kellie's journey from social science to hairdressing and its impact on her counselling practice⚉ Exploring the connection between hairdressing and counselling⚉ Navigating the transition from individual to couples counselling⚉ Motivation for choosing couples counselling, its impact on relationships, and its role in addressing addiction⚉ The fulfilling and challenging aspects of being a couples counsellor⚉ Memorable moments in couples counselling⚉ Team dynamics and surprising aspects of couples counselling practice⚉ Tips for those entering the couples counselling fieldConnect with Kellie:⚉ Website - https://www.alysplace.com.au/ Connect with Alyona:⚉ Website - https://www.alyonacerfontyne.com.au/ ⚉ Instagram - @alyonacerfontyne⚉ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/alyona.cerfontyne/ ⚉ Aly’s Place - https://www.alysplace.com.au/ Do you have an idea for our next podcast or want to ask our experts a question about real relationships? We would love to hear from you! Please email Alyona at alyona@alyonacerfontyne.com.au, and don't forget we also have a Facebook community, Real Relationships.

In this episode, we delve into how interior design impacts relationships. I'm thrilled to have Sandra Whelehan, Founder and Chief Designer of Colour Magic Interior Design, joining me. Sandy's extensive expertise comes to light as we explore the fascinating realm of interior design and its profound impact on relationships. Her mission to craft improved home environments takes centre stage as we discuss her transformative work in homes, from revitalising bathrooms and kitchens to breathing new life into living spaces and bedrooms. Listen to discover how the interplay of design, character, and atmosphere can harmonise spaces, reflecting the essence of individuals and families while seamlessly connecting room to room.You will also learn the following:⚉ Sandra's journey and background as an interior designer⚉ Approach to merging personalities in interior design⚉ Understanding clients and creating a harmonious environment⚉ The value of understanding families and relationships in interior design⚉ Using colours and techniques to convey emotions and create a positive environment⚉ Challenges faced and practical tips for couples and families to enhance their living spacesConnect with Sandra:⚉ Website - https://www.colourmagic.com.au/⚉ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandie-whelehan-96019748Connect with Alyona:⚉ Website - https://www.alyonacerfontyne.com.au/ ⚉ Instagram - @alyonacerfontyne⚉ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/alyona.cerfontyne/ ⚉ Aly’s Place - https://www.alysplace.com.au/ Do you have an idea for our next podcast or want to ask our experts a question about real relationships? We would love to hear from you! Please email Alyona at alyona@alyonacerfontyne.com.au, and don't forget we also have a Facebook community, Real Relationships.

In this episode, I'll delve into how to make romantic relationships work. Many couples I see need clarification about the direction of their relationship, experiencing disconnection and confusion. They often wonder if they can get back on track.When couples reach this point of disengagement and desynchronization, it's usually after several months or even over a year. Restoring the relationship takes time and effort, but what matters most is whether they still possess the essential ingredients for a successful relationship.Four magical ingredients are crucial for a stable relationship, even if it doesn't always feel warm and cosy. Ready? Let's jump in and explore each of these four magical ingredients that hold the power to keep your relationship steady and strong.You will also learn the following:⚉ The four essential ingredients for a successful relationship⚉ The willingness to work through difficult times⚉ How couples therapy can help restore emotional safety⚉ The role of warmth and caring in a lasting relationship⚉ How aligning life goals can strengthen the bond between partners⚉ Understanding the role of the four essential ingredients in relationship repairConnect with Alyona:⚉ Website - https://www.alyonacerfontyne.com.au/ ⚉ Instagram - @alyonacerfontyne⚉ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/alyona.cerfontyne/ ⚉ Aly’s Place - https://www.alysplace.com.au/ Do you have an idea for our next podcast or want to ask our experts a question about real relationships? We would love to hear from you! Please email Alyona at alyona@alyonacerfontyne.com.au, and don't forget we also have a Facebook community, Real Relationships.

Delyse Terblanche, an expert spa therapist from the exclusive Sunset Spa retreat in Mount Eliza, joins me in today's episode. With over 20 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, Delyse is here to share her wealth of knowledge and guide couples on delivering relaxation through the healing art of couples massage. Discover the right strokes and pressure points as Delyse takes us on a journey to help partners relax, recharge, and find inner peace. Whether you want to release stress, reduce anxiety, or deepen your connection, this episode is packed with valuable insights and techniques. So, please sit back, relax, and join us as we dive into the amazing benefits of spa treatments for couples! You will also learn the following: ⚉ Delyse's personal and professional journey⚉ The fascinating connection between spa experiences and relationships ⚉ Building trust and relaxation as a spa therapist ⚉ The dynamics of gender roles and trust in spa therapy ⚉ How breathing changes during spa therapy sessions ⚉ Benefits, expectations, and self-teaching techniques in couples massage ⚉ The emotional impact of couples massage ⚉ Delyse: Beyond the therapist's chairConnect with Delyse: ⚉ Website - www.sunsetspa.com.au ⚉ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sunset.dayspa/Connect with Alyona:⚉ Website - https://www.alyonacerfontyne.com.au/ ⚉ Instagram - @alyonacerfontyne ⚉ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/alyona.cerfontyne/ ⚉ Aly’s Place - https://www.alysplace.com.au/ Do you have an idea for our next podcast or want to ask our experts a question about real relationships? We would love to hear from you! Please email Alyona at alyona@alyonacerfontyne.com.au, and don't forget we also have a Facebook community, Real Relationships.

I'm diving into something more personal in this special episode. Unlike our usual format, it's just you and me as I step into both the host and the expert role. I'll take you behind the scenes of my daily life, addressing the common questions clients ask a relationship therapist like myself. Each segment will begin with a question, prompting you to ponder whether it's true or false before I share my perspective based on my experience. So, get ready for an enlightening and thought-provoking adventure as we delve into the realm of relationships, therapy, and the intricate nature of human connections! You will also learn the following: ⚉ TRUE OR FALSE: Do most people say they want more sex because they desire pleasure and closeness? ⚉ TRUE OR FALSE: Does talking too much about sex make it mechanical? ⚉ TRUE OR FALSE: Are communication challenges a major complaint of couples presenting for counselling? ⚉ TRUE OR FALSE: Is a therapist a super problem solver? ⚉ TRUE OR FALSE: Are small everyday moments of connection bids with a spouse or partner the building blocks of a relationship? ⚉ TRUE OR FALSE: Do most people never feel anxious about intimacy? ⚉ TRUE OR FALSE: Is it crucial for couples to be friends and lovers for the longevity of their relationship? ⚉ TRUE OR FALSE: Do couples counsellors have ideal intimate relationships with their spouses?Connect with Alyona: ⚉ Website - https://www.alyonacerfontyne.com.au/ ⚉ Instagram - @alyonacerfontyne ⚉ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/alyona.cerfontyne/ ⚉ Aly’s Place - https://www.alysplace.com.au/ Do you have an idea for our next podcast or want to ask our experts a question about real relationships? We would love to hear from you! Please email Alyona at alyona@alyonacerfontyne.com.au, and don't forget we also have a Facebook community, Real Relationships.

In this episode, I interview Rohani Bixler, a highly experienced lawyer specialising in estate planning, administration, and litigation. With over a decade of practice, Rohani's expertise lies in creating tailored solutions for complex family concerns, including vulnerable beneficiaries, blended families, and private businesses.Join me as Rohani emphasises the importance of having a will, regularly updating it to accommodate changes, and seeking legal advice to ensure a smooth and meaningful legacy while avoiding potential legal consequences.You will also learn the following:⚉ Rohani's journey and years of experience as a wills and estate lawyer⚉ Understanding the significance of wills⚉ How real-life scenarios highlight the consequences of not having a will and the default control in such situations⚉ Uncovering the complexities of wills and estate matters and the role of a lawyer in navigating them⚉ Tips for discussing wills with a reluctant partner⚉ Identifying the existence of a will when no one is aware of itConnect with Rohani:⚉ Website - https://sagelawyers.com.au/⚉ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohani-bixler-82123738/Connect with Alyona:⚉ Website - https://www.alyonacerfontyne.com.au/ ⚉ Instagram - @alyonacerfontyne⚉ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/alyona.cerfontyne/ ⚉ Aly’s Place - https://www.alysplace.com.au/ Do you have an idea for our next podcast or want to ask our experts a question about real relationships? We would love to hear from you! Please email Alyona at alyona@alyonacerfontyne.com.au, and don't forget we also have a Facebook community, Real Relationships.

In this episode, I interview Annette Lakey, a passionate family lawyer focusing on dispute resolution and negotiation. With over two decades of experience, Annette's specialist services offer flexibility and cost-effectiveness, helping families navigate the traumatic and painful nature of family law matters to reach the best possible outcome as quickly as possible. Join me as Annette shares her insights and wisdom from assisting thousands of families in getting resolutions and moving forward with their lives.You will also learn the following:⚉ How Annette became a family lawyer, her journey, and experiences so far⚉ The difference between a principal, a solicitor, and a barrister⚉ Explaining family law to a 5-year-old⚉ The clients' family lawyers work with and the work they do⚉ When is a good time to see a family lawyer, and when is it not⚉ The most challenging clients and the most desirable client for a family lawyer⚉ Reality testing with a family lawyer, making legal advice understandable⚉ What is a stamp duty concession?⚉ The responsibility of a family lawyer and when they can delegate to solicitors⚉ Tips to consider when contacting a family lawyerConnect with Annette:⚉ Website - https://www.lakeylaw.com.au⚉ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/annette-lakey-42975911Connect with Alyona:⚉ Website - https://www.alyonacerfontyne.com.au/ ⚉ Instagram - @alyonacerfontyne⚉ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/alyona.cerfontyne/ ⚉ Aly’s Place - https://www.alysplace.com.au/ Do you have an idea for our next podcast or want to ask our experts a question about real relationships? We would love to hear from you! Please email Alyona at alyona@alyonacerfontyne.com.au, and don't forget we also have a Facebook community, Real Relationships.

In this episode, I interview Bonnie Douglas, a family mediator and separation counsellor from Smoother Separations. Bonnie believes that separation doesn't have to be a life sentence and aims to help clients overwhelmed by stress and losing control during the process. By mentoring parents, she provides them with effective communication tools to navigate the challenges of single parenting and prioritise their children's needs. Bonnie emphasises that focusing on winning in divorce leads to no one being victorious, especially not the children. Join us as we explore the critical role of mediators and when they can be beneficial in creating a better divorce experience. You will also learn the following:⚉ Becoming a mediator and its influence⚉ Impact of mediation on the parent-child dynamic⚉ Optimal scenarios for engaging in mediation⚉ Challenges in mediation and lack of public awareness⚉ Differences between relationship counsellors, mediators, and family lawyers⚉ Incorporating the child's viewpoint in mediation⚉ Understanding maternal gatekeeping⚉ Handling cases involving uninterested fathers, risk factors, and abuse in mediation⚉ Evaluating the cost of mediation versus legal optionsConnect with Bonnie:⚉ Website - www.smootherseparations.com.au⚉ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smootherseparations/ Connect with Alyona:⚉ Website - https://www.alyonacerfontyne.com.au/ ⚉ Instagram - @alyonacerfontyne⚉ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/alyona.cerfontyne/ ⚉ Aly’s Place - https://www.alysplace.com.au/ Do you have an idea for our next podcast or want to ask our experts a question about real relationships? We would love to hear from you! Please email Alyona at alyona@alyonacerfontyne.com.au, and don't forget we also have a Facebook community, Real Relationships.

In this episode, Alyona talks about her thinking the Real Relationships project. She talks about the importance of credibility and experience when it comes to providing relationship guidance and discusses that there needs to be more emphasis on the perspective of professionals working in the therapeutic or counselling profession.In this episode, let’s unpack the following:00:51 Real Relationships 03:15 Helping professionals working with relationships11:53 Communication challenges in relationships12:53 Trust is key in relationships17:15 Sex therapy and its benefits19:29 Talk about sex to have better sex22:30 Helping couples to separate amicablyConnect with Alyona:Website - https://www.alyonacerfontyne.com.au/ Instagram - @alyonacerfontyneFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/alyona.cerfontyne/ Aly’s Place - https://www.alysplace.com.au/ Do you have an idea for our next podcast or want to ask our experts a question about real relationships? We would love to hear from you! Please email Alyona at alyona@alyonacerfontyne.com.au, and don't forget we also have a Facebook community, Real Relationships.

In this second episode (apologies for the sound quality, I am still learning this new podcast lingo!), I interview Bonnie Douglas, a family mediator and a separation counsellor on how to have a better divorce. What we cover:What is a mediator?When family mediation is a good idea?What many separating parents have no idea aboutWhat is maternal gatekeepingAnd how much does mediation costDo you have an idea for our next podcast or want to ask our experts a question about real relationships? We would love to hear from you! Please email Alyona at alyona@alyonacerfontyne.com.au and don't forget, we also have a Facebook community, Real Relationships.

Our pilot episode, where Alyona shares her journey of becoming a couples therapist and why she has decided to add a podcast to her never-ending to-do list.Do you have an idea for our next podcast or want to ask our experts a question about real relationships? We would love to hear from you! Please email Alyona at alyona@alyonacerfontyne.com.au and don't forget, we also have a Facebook community, Real Relationships.