My query is this: do other authors have a difficult time writing these hard bits? And, if so, do they have any tips on how to deal with it

I do. There are a couple of stories that are hanging around because I still have a difficult time with the 'hard bits.' In fact, I'm generally not happy with bits that I've written to 'just do it.' It leaves a sick feeling in my gut. I don't want to put a piece like that out there.

One of the exercises in level three helped me push through that wall. The assignment was to write a piece from the pov of the opposite gender, first person. The first try was appalling. So, I put myself in the mental space of the character, to be him and think like him. It turned out okay. I can live with it.