Ep. 5: Impotent Is No Way to Define a Man

By: Esther Perel

Narrated by: Esther Perel

Length: 43 mins

Publisher's Summary

[Contains mature themes] A man has struggled with impotence for over two decades. His wife, in despair over her feelings of hopelessness in the bedroom, seeks relief for her sexual frustration and feelings of resentment.

Step into the office of renowned relationship therapist and TED Talk sensation Esther Perel, and listen in as she counsels couples in crisis due to infidelity, sexlessness, loss, and disconnection. The result? Astonishing insights on how they can make love work – and takeaways for you on ways to repair and restore your own relationships.

About Esther:

Esther Perel is recognized as one of today’s most insightful and provocative voices on personal and professional relationships. A celebrated psychotherapist who has helmed a private practice in New York City since 1983, she has over three decades of experience navigating the intricacies of love and desire.

©2017 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2017 Audible Originals, LLC

Excellent topic for couples/husband's

The subject was extremely interesting and I believe a husband, partner, lover or boyfriend would gain much more from this topic than a woman. The wife in this episode seemed to make her husband feel worse and more self conscious then he already is. By the end of the episode I wanted to slap her and tell her to open her ears, heart and mind. If she doesn't value him for who he is, someone such as myself would enjoy the company of her husband and it will be too late for her to open her eyes. He will encounter some one who can be desired, loved, cared for and valued by what he can do emotionally and physically without intercourse. He deserves the same. I'm happy to enjoy his company and solitude. To bad he continues to hang in there.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Not that great...

Understanding that this is an actual therapy session I felt this psychologist really did not address the couple's problem. Yes the issue she brought up was clearly a problem but it was not really a solution to their problem. The follow up with the couple indicates this as well. I will check out a few more episodes not not sure this series is worth my time.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Episode 5

Of the five episodes, I believe this is my least liked. The therapist brought up some valid points but failed to connect with the wife, who entrenched in her thoughts that she's right & an oh poor me attitude. Very sad when someone won't get off their own high horse and change their own thinking way of being happy.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Compelling. She is a superb therapist.

Not just her exquisite listening and understanding of couple dynamics but her philosophy about relationships and intimacy shine through

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Felt sorry for the couple

This is a great serie and Esther is truly skillful at her work. However I felt Esther was judgemental in this episode. As oposed to episodes 1 to 4, when she balances in both ways and manage the couple dialogues very artfully. She was harsh on the wife. Also she talked with great energy to the husband at the end, almost as if she was dictating, instead of facilitating. Overall I felt this couple left empty handed and felt sorry for them.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Intriguing insight

This is one of my favorite episodes of Esther’s sessions with couples struggling with their marriages. It provides a lot of insight into the problems of people struggling with sex and erection, and communication and confidence.

The struggle is real

If you could sum up Episode 5 in a few words, what would they be?
Really good.

Would you listen to Esther again? Why?
Yes, definitely. Esther is a master of her craft.

What was the most compelling aspect of this episode?
The cross-cultural differences between East and West.

Any additional comments?
Growing up as a caretaker is not bad, but it can definitely lead to some other types of issues later in life.

Ep. 5: I dare not say the "I"word

Excellent: this episode shares the cultural differences as well as the difficulties this couple has in the bedroom. Illuminating. Well produced show.

Im learning so much listening to this series

I am truly enjoying savoring each episode of this series. This episode left me disappointed for the couple and their future, but I learned so much about communication and the importance of not focusing on one thing in intercourse.

Equally enlightening and heartbreaking

Any additional comments?

I found this episode confusing and ultimately heartbreaking. As always, Perel had great advice and an assertive voice to challenge and bring new light to the couple's preconceived ideas. I think I found it hard to understand since it was hard for me to personally relate to.