When we're skilled at relationships, we're more confident and integrated. We're happier and healthier. We become better versions of ourselves, and we model that to our children.

“The salvation of this human world is nowhere to be found except in the human heart.”

                            -Vaclav Havel

The words emotion and motivation share a common Latin root: movere, which means "to move." Emotions can serve to put us in motion or keep us stuck in our tracks. Among emotions, shame proves to be particularly immobilizing, leaving us feeling stuck and powerless.

In the landscape of human experience, relationships provide meaning and purpose. They also challenge us, reveal our vulnerabilities, and provide opportunities for personal growth. Yet, for many, the realms of intimacy and sexuality remain uncharted territories—shrouded in shame, silence, fear and taboo.

Learning to better regulate and process our emotions leads to emotional intelligence and emotional empowerment. These are skills that all of us can learn. Doing so is essential to reaching our full human potential and building deeply satisfying, long-lasting relationships.