ABOUT DR KAREN GURNEY:
Dr Karen Gurney is a clinical psychologist specialising in the theory and practice of therapy around sexual wellbeing and function. She is currently lead psychosexual therapist for 56 Dean Street (NHS) and director of The Havelock Clinic, an independent sexual problems clinic based in London. She teaches nationally and has written for and been featured in publications such as Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan and Refinery29. Her first book ‘Mind the Gap: the truth about desire and how to futureproof your sex life’ Will be published on March 5th 2020 by Headline Home.
Dr Karen, we’re thrilled that you’ll be speaking to us at TEDxRoyalTunbridgeWells. Can you tell us a little bit about your idea worth spreading?
That knowing the truth about women’s sexual desire is the key to futureproofing our sex lives.
What was the main motivation for giving a TEDx talk?
As a clinical psychologist my daily work involves face to face therapy with individuals or couples who would like their sex life to be better. Sex is often thought of as a frivolous activity in our society, but in fact sexual satisfaction is crucial to individual wellbeing and relationship satisfaction. In the UK (but also across the world) we have high levels of sexual problems, and much of this centres around women’s experience of desire. As a clinician, I see first hand the difference it makes to women and their partners to hear the truth about desire (rather than what we’ve been led to believe) and I want that message to reach a wider audience.
What is the one thing you want the audience to take away from your TEDx talk?
That women’s desire is not broken, or problematic, but until we understand why, and how it works, we and our partners lack the knowledge and skills to have a satisfying sex life long term.
What are some of your favourite TED or TEDx talks?
What makes a good life- Robert Waldinger. As a psychologist the nature of relationships being the most important aspect of our lives and happiness is devastatingly apparent. This is a great TED talk which demonstrates the role of relationships over money or status as key to happiness.
What young women believe about their own sexual pleasure- Peggy Orenstein. This TED talk is so important for how we deliver sex education, talk to young women about their bodies, and conceptualise how women are socialised around sex from a young age.
The secret of desire in a long term relationship- Esther Perel. In this engaging and captivating TED talk Esther Perel outlines some of the modern day challenges to couples looking for desire alongside the security that monogamous love brings.
We're really excited to be welcoming you to Tunbridge Wells! Is there anything other than giving a TEDx talk that you're looking forward to doing or seeing while you’re here?
I spoke in Tunbridge Wells on a similar subject a year or so ago and it was very well received! Hoping for a similar reception this time! Also hope to see more of the town!
You can find Dr Karen Gurney on Twitter and instagram and on her website.