Sex.Love.Power.: Sacred Sexuality, Conscious Polarity, and Waking Up In Love

Psychological Patriarchy

Michele Lisenbury Christensen Season 1 Episode 69

You may have heard the term “patriarchy” used to describe a social and political construct, but, as my mentor, Terry Real, explains, it is also a psychological notion. The way that patriarchy defines rigid gender roles becomes subconsciously embedded in the way we think and behave, which has deep implications for both partners inside a relationship. How can we recognize when psychological patriarchy is at play and what can we do to counteract it? 


In this episode, I’ll discuss:

  • How our sense of ourselves as humans has been artificially bifurcated into masculine and feminine traits
  • Why masculine traits are overvalued and feminine traits are undervalued. 
  • The painful consequences of psychological patriarchy.
  • How Legacy Love takes couples through five levels of recovery from this deadening way of looking at ourselves and at one another.

And more. 

Join the conversation by listening, then share your story or response on our voicemail at 206-659-9865 or inside our free Conscious Couples' Circle on Mighty Networks.


“We can't build deeper, sweeter relationships than we've had, than our parents have had, than all the ones we've seen around us without dismantling some of the structures that have been invisible to us, that have stopped us from having true partnership, true equality, true intimacy.”

-Michele Lisenbury Christensen


Hot Moments in This Episode:

  • Terry Real’s three rings of psychological patriarchy [1:52]
  • Why I tackle psychological patriarchy with couples coaching clients [11:21]
  • The highest level of Legacy Love I’ve discovered [22:36]

I hope that you give yourself grace as you begin to untangle all the deep and complicated beliefs about gender and relationships that are holding you back. It is my wish that you continue to heal from psychological patriarchy and grow in love together.



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