Ep. 10: I Can't Give You a Child

By: Esther Perel

Narrated by: Esther Perel

Length: 41 mins

Publisher's summary

[Contains mature Themes] A woman realizes she doesn’t want to have children and comes to Esther for help expressing this to her husband, who passionately wishes to be a father. But often the stories people come in with are not the ones they take home.

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

2 major topics that speak to everyone!!

This one covers the insecurities Men feel when not being able to provide financially and the loss that women may feel when they are not able to “provide” by way of birthing a biological child... this is a very good episode that can connect across many cultures.

Profound

Deeply profound . The vulnerability, the honesty, the willingness for this couple to he be there for each other and above all the compassionate wisdom of Esther. I listened to 9 episodes in less then 24 hours. I cried and laughed with all the couples as I struggle with my own issues . For ever grateful

Did they really get to break through this issue?

Great session overall. However, I felt there was little progress on the issue of having a child. The man did not quite affirm his wife on her being enough despite not being able to conceive. He just kept going round the issue. She affirmed him on his inability to be a "super provider" and he took that in all too readily but did not quite afford her the same grace. She literally begged him to say it/apologize. "You said you regret marrying an older woman - You regret marrying me. That really hurt me..."
Also made me wonder (when he talked about his dad moving a lot and what his views were on career choices and his anger at the kind of advice his parents gave him on making ends meet), if the dad was at all that inspiring; so inspiring as to become the reason this guy so badly wants to be a father to a son as his father was to him! I think there is more (issues) to this guy.
On the other hand, I'm glad the lady has been able to acknowledge her pain and her loss which will now afford her the opportunity to heal instead of covering it up and being hurt even more by bringing in another woman to fix the childlessness.
I am disturbed that the man would even entertain this suggestion. If you want a baby so badly you would be willing to go outside the marriage to get it, then you do not respect and value your spouse or the marriage.

This really resonated with me.

I think that this story is one of those which resonated with me the most. A pity that the audio is not optimal. I can hear Esther very well but not the couple.

Good enough

A couple struggles with self critical shame and dealing with reality of lost dreams and new opportunities. Good advice.

Wonderful pod cast

Every time I listen to Esther work with a couple I learn something that helps me in my own relationship. Even though the topic may have nothing to do with me the issues between couples and how they communicate can usually be applied to any relationship. This episode examines how assumptions can lead to misunderstandings and how being afraid to ask for what you want can lead to resentments and loneliness . Check it out!

Absolutely fascinating

It blows me away how Esther cuts right to the heart of the matter in just one session and helps the couple reframe their story to open them to a better future. She is amazing! It is really fascinating how the couples’ histories really inform their current realities; it makes me wonder how I am still living out my own childhood patterns. What is it I am not seeing?

I am an Estherrrr Perel fan.

this series is outstanding. I try to expand my knowledge of the mind to understand me, but also to understand evolution of the mind, body, and the evolution of society.
Esther Perel takes on the challenge of assisting a couple or a person to understand themselves, how they see erotica, affairs, marriage, divorce, and most importantly the meaning of their sexuality. it is truly an excellent investment and listening journey to have finished these episodes, and listening to the smart questions and some fabulously intuitive suggestions in this episode. I wish this couple success on their journey. Enjoy!

Beautiful

I wish I could others the same way. It takes courage and humility, I think. Wow! I am touched. I think they need to share more, but what happens afterward can only be better for them, if they remain authentic.

This entire series is awesome

I love this series.

Ester is incredible at what she does and I think hearing these sessions will get rid of stigma/misunderstanding around therapy and be healing for hurting couples. And it's enlightening for how you can improve before any issues arise. I love the mix of session and narrations. Wonderful all around.