What is LOVE? Love in the Brain

This session of "In the Den With Dr. Jenn" explores all aspects of LOVE in the brain! Why do we fall in love? What happens in the brain and neurochemically? What is passionate or romantic love?

SPECIAL DEN SEX-TION
San Diego Street Talk - Have YOU ever been in love?

SEXUAL FUN FACT
How long does it take for the average person to fall in love?

DEAR DR. JENN
How can I be sure that I'm really in love?

Self-soothing Techniques

Being in Control of Overwhelming Emotions

“I just get so angry and then all hell breaks loose!”

“I feel so anxious at work and start crying at the littlest criticism.”

“When my boyfriend doesn’t call me back quickly, I just freak out and send 40 texts.”

Human emotions are strong. This is great when they feel positive like joy, excitement, and happiness. But when the emotions are uncomfortable, we may not know what to do with them and consequently feel out of control.

Adults who are able to smoothly (and authentically) handle strong uncomfortable emotions are skilled in what are called self-soothing techniques. A self-soothing technique is a way to be present with a challenging emotion while also having choice about how you react to it. It is not about repressing your feelings or numbing yourself with alcohol or emotional eating. It is about acknowledging the ebb and flow of emotions, knowing that you are ok, and choosing to calm yourself in a healthy way.

To build your skills in self-soothing, I recommend a few simple practices to try, to see what works best for you. One that is possible to do in all situations is intentional deep breathing. Breathe in from your diaphragm to a count of four, pause for a moment, and the exhale to a count of four. Self-massage is another great self-soothing technique, whether rubbing your hands, wrists, feet, or forehead. Music can have a powerful pull over our emotions. Have a few songs that you know make you feel good always at hand and play them if you start feeling overwhelmed with an emotion. Journal writing is also a powerful way to be present with uncomfortable feelings. And remind yourself that you’re ok and that this emotion will pass.

Please don’t feel embarrassed if this is something you want to work on (or if you do, just self-soothe your way through those emotions ;). From children to adults, we all go through a process of learning how to soothe ourselves in healthy ways. Emotions come and go; often quickly, if we let them.

Jennifer Gunsaullus, Ph.D.

Sex Therapy & Relationship Counseling in San Diego

Eco-friendly Intimacy and Green Sex Tips

Green sex? This session of "In the Den With Dr. Jenn" discusses how to combine sexuality with eco-friendly intimacy.

SPECIAL GUEST
Donna Brightbush

SEXUAL FUN FACT
Den Sex Position of the Week!

SPECIAL DEN SECTION
San Diego Sexy Street Talk

The Vagina Monologues in San Diego 2011

In Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues," you will laugh, cry, reflect, and connect. It is one of the most powerful sexual experiences you can have...in a public place :)

Thursday, April 7, 2011
North Park’s Birch Theater in San Diego
Reception at 6:30pm
Performance at 7:30pm

Imagine a world …
… where little 12 year old girls can go to school instead of being sold to sex slavery
… where women are empowered about their bodies instead of ashamed
… where rape and domestic violence no longer exist.

It is possible. And this is our opportunity to make a difference.

The Vagina Monologues are coming to San Diego, and Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus will be in the performance! This performance will benefit four wonderful organizations that work to stop sexual violence and care for its victims.

There are over 11,000 Vagina Monologues plays being put on this season alone to raise money to stop sexual violence. Sixteen stories about women’s experiences that evoke laughter, pain, frustration, sadness, fear and excitement. This is a movement that creates transformational experiences for both the actors and the audience. It’s a way for us all to get behind a cause that changes lives.

We would love a packed house to share in our mutual respect and appreciation of the vagina! You can purchase tickets here:
http://www.stayclassy.org/san-diego/events/tribal-truth-presents-vagina-...

Jennifer Gunsaullus, Ph.D.

Sex Therapy & Relationship Counseling in San Diego

The Vagina Monologues

Have you seen "The Vagina Monologues"? In this session of "In the Den With Dr. Jenn," Dr. Jenn talks about her favorite subject, vaginas... and interviews women and men about the subject.

SEXUAL FUN FACT
What is the World Record for the most female orgasms in one sitting?

SPECIAL DEN SEX-TION:
San Diego Street Talk - If your vagina got dressed, what would it wear?

"Vagina Warrior" honor at CSU San Marcos

A few days ago I received a call from a former student of mine at CSU San Marcos, Sarah Leonard, telling me that she and the women involved with The Vagina Monologues production were honoring me as one of their "Vagina Warriors" this year.

What is a Vagina Warrior? The term was coined by Eve Ensler and refers to "a vagina friendly person of any gender identification who embodies the spirit of equality and empowerment, and assists in the battle to end violence against women."

And the really cool part? Sarah created an art installation in honor of my work as a Vagina Warrior: vulva ornaments I made with a class a few years ago, a funky hat, and red feather boa -- PERFECT!

For information about attending CSU San Marcos' performances this weekend, visit: http://events.vday.org/2011/college/California_State_University,_San_Mar...

Jennifer Gunsaullus, Ph.D.

Sex Therapy & Relationship Counseling in San Diego