Emotional and Sexual Intimacy in Long-Term Relationships

Still love each other, but feel more like housemates?

Long-term relationships change. Between work, kids, stress, busy lives and changing desire, connection and intimacy can easily slip down the list.

You know your relationship better than anyone. And you've probably noticed something's changed. The conversations feel repetitive, the spark has faded, life got busy, the closeness isn't what it was, and sex has become a chore or completely left the building.

Most women just live with it, assuming that's what happens after years together and their priorities shift. It isn't. Intimacy and connection can be rebuilt, and there are practical ways to do it.

This session is for you, and it's even better with your partner in the room. Bring them along or come on your own; both options work.

What to expect

Anastasiya Lukinova, Psychological Relationship Counsellor

Anastasiya Lukinova is an ACA-registered relationship counsellor and founder of Individual and Couple Therapy in Melbourne. With a psychology degree from overseas and over 12 years of experience, she supports people with relationship difficulties, crises and personal growth.

Anastasiya will cover:

• Why the same arguments keep coming back? Recognise the pattern beneath the disagreement and learn how to interrupt it before it escalates.

• Why one partner reaches for closeness while the other pulls away? Understand how attachment patterns shape these reactions and how to respond with greater understanding.

• How to talk about what you need without blame - learn practical ways to express feelings, listen and create space for a more honest conversation.

You’ll leave with practical tools to strengthen your emotional connection and help you both feel heard, understood and closer to one another.

Vanessa Tarfon, Sex Therapist

Masters in HIV, STIs and Sexual Health, with over 7 years in practice. Vanessa specialises in working with women and couples over 35, helping them revive intimacy and understand the sexual health changes that come with midlife and beyond.

Vanessa will cover:

• How to raise a sex conversation with your partner without it turning into a fight - simple openers and a plan that lower defensiveness instead of raising it.

• What happens to desire in long-term relationships, and why it's not what most people think - the shift from spontaneous to responsive desire, and why that's normal, not a warning sign.

• Common sexual concerns as you age, and the practical steps that resolve them - what's typical, what's treatable, and where to start.

You’ll leave with practical steps to raise awkward conversations with a partner, a better understanding of your sexuality, pleasure and how to hold onto yourself as you age.

This session is for

• Couples in long-term relationships.

• People attending on their own - you don't need your partner there.

• Anyone who's noticed the closeness has shifted and wants to understand why.

• All relationship types and orientations welcome. 

Attend privately, from anywhere, no one will be asked to share anything personal, but you will have the opportunity to ask questions. We'll answer as many as we can at the end of the session.

Book now

$18 and an hour of your evening. Most couples spend longer than that not talking about it!

27 October 2026 at 7pm (AEDT) - Online

Bookings close: 24 hours before the session (7pm, 26 October 2026).