Improving Marriage: Expanded States of Consciousness and Relationships

Many long-term marriages reach a stage where communication becomes limited, emotional closeness fades, and intimacy feels harder to access. These changes often develop gradually, shaped by years of habit, life stress, and unspoken expectations rather than a single event.

In recent years, researchers have begun examining expanded states of consciousness and how shifts in perception and emotional awareness may influence relationship dynamics, particularly in long-term partnerships where patterns can feel fixed or difficult to change. In fact, a University of Buffalo study found that 70% of people reported an intimacy boost from experiences involving expanded states of consciousness [1].

This webinar takes a clear, research-informed look at how long-term relationships change over time and how certain experiences associated with expanded states of consciousness are being studied for their potential to temporarily shift perspective, reduce defensiveness, and increase emotional openness and empathy. 

What We’ll Explore

• A deep dive into why more and more married couples over 45 are suffering from a lack of meaningful communication and intimacy
• How prolonged disengagement and detachment can build over time and contribute to divorce later in life
• The research behind the role of expanded states of consciousness in fostering empathy and reducing ego-based defensiveness that can undermine romantic relationships

[1] “Perceived Impact of Psychedelics on Sexual, Gender, and Intimate Relationship Dynamics: A Mixed-Methods Investigation” by Daniel Kruger et al. Journal of Sex Research