Love Doc

Plumbing the depths of the psychology and neurobiology of love.

Frances Cohen Praver, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist and relational psychoanalyst and author. See full bio

November 15, 2009

Fear of Real Intimacy

Tiny of waist, trim of girlish body, brilliant of mind, Danielle smile beguiled. "He's really so great. Bret's kind, accomplished and he respects and cares about me and my three children. I don't understand myself, but now that we're getting serious, I want to date others. Do you think I'm flighty, shallow, or just immature?" Read More

November 5, 2009

The Sweet and Sorry Sides of Surrender

A loose flowing sweater topped skinny jeans to skim her lithe figure. With curves in all the right places, Alyssa's come-hither-look, surprisingly, was not working. Not on Marty anyhow. Read More

October 28, 2009

Too Little or Too Much of a Good Thing

The promise of loving and being loved in return is a universal wish. We all want that, yet for so many of us the promise of an enduring love escapes us. How so? Is it because we don't know how to maintain love? That we lose interest in our partners, that empathic or emotional attunement goes by the wayside? Or that the flame of desire dies? Read More

October 14, 2009

The Meaning of Women's Same Sex Affairs

What is the effect on marriage of wives' affairs with other women? Does it mean they are unfaithful? In our current post modern times of multi-layered experience, a woman's sexual attractions are influenced by social and cultural constructions, personal history, as well as inner strivings, situational, and marital factors. Read More

October 7, 2009

What Drives a Sex Addict?

No matter the quality or quantity of sex, some people remain hungry for more and more sex. It's as though they are sexually insatiable. Most often, their insatiable sexual hunger is related to deep-rooted psychological factors. Toxic early childhood relationships can influence their sexual hunger in adulthood. Read More

October 3, 2009

The Martyr, the Madonna, and the Modern Woman

Was your mom a martyr─ a selfless object to her family─ who gave too much, and suffered the better part of her life? She may have denied her own needs, desires, goals, intentions. Perhaps she was a Madonna who sold out her authentic self trying to do the right thing, the socially acceptable thing. Outward appearances - delicate gesture, demure dress, and soft voice - the Madonna face of femininity. Like The Madonna, your mom may have raised a savior.

September 29, 2009

What women want

"What do women want?" Freud puzzled in the buttoned-up nineteenth century. In the 21st century we still remain unclear about what women desire and need from their partners. Read More

September 13, 2009

Sexy Women Wanted

Where have all the sexy women gone? Early in the relationship, sex was on her mind and in her body so much of the time. Remember how she desired you sexually and passionately? That was when your partner and you were madly in love. A shiny path of anticipated romance, pleasure, emotional attunement, love and lust, stretched out before the two of you. Read More

September 8, 2009

Sexy Men Wanted

Where have all the sexy men gone? Are women in serious relationships sexually starved? Remember when men wanted sex from their partners, only to be rejected by them? When women feigned headaches, fatigue, or were just not in the mood for sex? That was then and this is now. Read More

August 26, 2009

Remarraige on the Rocks

Recent studies point to the substantial benefits of spousal support in coping with cancer. A loving spouse at your side, it seems, improves your immune system ─ no doubt enhancing overall good health. But of course, we don’t all have loving spouses; 40% of marriages end in divorce. So what’s a divorced gal or guy to do? Remarriage is one answer. The second time around, however, is not always so sunny. Read More

Books by Frances Cohen Praver, Ph.D.

Crossroads at Midlife: Your Aging Parents, Your Emotions, and Your Self

Daring Wives: Insight into Women's Desires for Extramarital Affairs

Relationships Basics

Love is the most profound emotion known to human beings. For most people, romantic relationships are the most meaningful element in their lives. But the ability to have a healthy, loving relationship is not innate. Almost all of us have experienced a failed relationship, and most of us have to work consciously to master the skills necessary to make them flourish.

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Books by Frances Cohen Praver, Ph.D.

Relationships Basics

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