312: Healthy Sexuality, Healing Sexual Trauma and Reclaiming Pleasure with Dr. Holly Richmond

HEALINGRELATIONSHIPSEMBODIMENTPERSONAL GROWTH

Apr 28

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Episode Summary

Let’s talk about sex, baby.

Sexuality is a core part of who we are and part of the human experience, but for so many of us, sex has been treated as taboo, shameful, confusing, or something we simply do not talk about. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Holly Richmond, a marriage and family therapist, sex therapist, and somatic therapist, for a powerful conversation about sexual shame, intimacy, trauma, pleasure, and how we can begin reclaiming this part of ourselves.

Dr. Holly helps individuals and couples heal trauma and create deeper intimacy and connection with themselves and each other. Together, we talk about why sexuality is healthy and necessary, why so much shame exists around sex, and how we can begin having more honest conversations about sexual desire, pleasure, and connection.

We also explore what happens to sexual desire in long-term relationships and how couples can reignite passion by creating novelty, communication, and emotional safety. Dr. Holly explains that sexuality is not only about the physical relationship we have with another person. It is also connected to our life force, our passion, our embodiment, and our ability to feel alive in the world.

A major part of this conversation is about sexual trauma and how it can include more than assault or abuse. Dr. Holly shares that sexual trauma can be any experience that feels violating in a sexual way, including coercion, shame, or experiences that disconnect us from our bodies and our pleasure.

We also talk about childhood sexual trauma, how sexual trauma can impact development, and how healing is possible. This episode is an invitation to stop suffering in silence, release shame, reconnect with your body, and reclaim the pleasure, passion, and sexual self that you deserve.

Key Takeaways:

Sexuality is a healthy and important part of being human
Many people carry shame around sex because of cultural, family, religious, or personal conditioning
Talking about sex can help reduce shame and create more freedom, connection, and intimacy
Desire often changes in long-term relationships, but passion can be reignited
Novelty is an important part of sexual desire
Sexuality is not only physical. It is connected to passion, life force, embodiment, and aliveness
Sexual trauma can include more than assault or abuse
Any experience that feels violating in a sexual way can be traumatic for some people
Sexual coercion can be a form of sexual trauma
Childhood sexual trauma can impact sexual development, body connection, and intimacy
Healing sexual trauma often requires including the body, not just the mind
We are often taught to judge our bodies, but healing invites us to reconnect with them
Pleasure is something we can reclaim at any age
Sex is not a bad word, and we do not have to suffer in silence

Sexual Shame and Reclaiming Pleasure

Sexual shame is something many people carry, often without realizing how deeply it affects their relationships, bodies, confidence, and ability to experience pleasure. When sex becomes something we avoid, judge, fear, or feel embarrassed to talk about, we can become disconnected from a core part of ourselves.

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281: How to Overcome Not Feeling Good Enough or Less Than
517: Emotions Are Our Superpower… Here’s Why
522: What Healthy Relationships Actually Look Like

Links & Resources:

Dr. Holly Richmond Website

https://drhollyrichmond.com

Dr. Holly Richmond Facebook

https://m.facebook.com/DrHollyRichmond

Dr. Holly Richmond Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/drhollyrichmond/

“Reclaiming Pleasure” (Dr. Holly Richmond book)

https://www.reclaimingyourpleasure.com

Dr. Holly Richmond Course