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Better Sex

Better Sex

Better Sex is focused on helping all couples create and enjoy their best possible sex life. Better Sex is hosted by Jessa Zimmerman who is a couples’ counselor and nationally certified sex therapist. Each episode will dive into one topic related to sex. Some will be devoted to addressing sexual concerns like sexual dysfunction, differences in sexual desire, and intimacy problems. Some will help you develop realistic and helpful expectations. And some will offer information and approaches that can just make your sex life better.The information and discussion on the podcast should not be taken as medical advice or as therapy. Please seek out qualified professionals for medical and therapeutic advice.

Available Episodes 10

In this episode of Better Sex, host Jessa Zimmerman engages in a detailed discussion with Anna Rahe about fascia, a system of connective tissues in the body. They explore how fascia impacts sexual health, pain, pleasure, flexibility, and overall bodily function. Rae shares insights from her personal journey of overcoming severe health issues through understanding and working with her fascia. Listeners learn about the relationship between fascia and various body systems, the importance of movement and hydration for fascia health, and practical strategies to improve fascia function. The episode also includes a demonstration of exercises beneficial for pelvic floor health and enhancing sexual pleasure.


00:00 Introduction to Better Sex Podcast

00:47 Understanding Fascia with Anna Rahe

01:38 Anna Rahe's Personal Journey with Fascia

04:55 What is Fascia?

07:51 The Importance of Fascia in Overall Health

09:49 Maintaining Healthy Fascia

16:02 Fascia and Movement Practices

20:47 Fascia's Role in Sexual Health

23:28 The Pelvic Floor and Diaphragm Connection

24:45 Understanding Pain and Fascia

25:42 The Insula and Fascia's Role in Sensory Processing

27:24 Fascia's Impact on Sexual Health

34:50 Practical Exercises for Fascia Health

39:07 Integrating Fascia Health into Daily Life

41:14 Resources and Closing Remarks


Interested in resources on desire discrepancy? https://www.desirediscrepancy.com


Bio:

For the past 25+ years, Anna Rahe has delved deep into a liberating and empowering relationship with fascia so that as many people as possible can invest in their health, restore their vitality, and heal themselves with the proprietary tools she has created. As the founder, CEO and educator of GST Body, Anna has spoken about holistic body care through fascia around the world, partnered with top athletes, surgeons, physicians and celebrities, and been featured in various publications, from Shape to Elle, Net-a-Porter to The Wall Street Journal.


Link for exercise demo video


https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/1lo2r70qr3g66xafqcgpe/DAY-1.mp4?rlkey=dm9hyo1v5pn5j0zvpc03q0yxa&e=1&st=4471h60c&dl=0

More info and resources:


Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcast

Secret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcast


Special Collections of the podcast:


Increasing Desire Episodes

Eroticism and Excitement Episodes

My Favorite Authors



How Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.com

The Course – https://www.intimacywithease.com

The Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.com

Podcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.com

Access the Free webinar: How to make sex easy and fun for both of you: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

In this episode of Better Sex, sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman talks with Reverend Beverly Dale, who discusses her journey in helping people heal from sex-negative teachings in religion. They explore how sexuality and spirituality intersect, the sexual wounds caused by rigid religious structures, and the path towards embracing one's authentic sexual self.


00:00 Introduction

00:45 Guest Introduction and Topic Overview

02:24 Reverend Beverly Dale's Background

02:49 The Church's Role in Sexual Shame

03:17 Understanding Sexual Wounding

03:24 Intersection of Faith and Healing

03:43 Analyzing Structural Issues

10:25 Sexual Wounds in Society

11:47 Strategies for Healing

23:02 Reverend Dale's Book and Resources

29:45 Finding Support and Community

30:26 Conclusion and Contact Information


Would you like to share your personal story of sexual healing or empowerment on the show? Email me at info@intimacywithease.com


Rev. Dr. Beverly Dale has made a career of teaching a pleasure-centered, justice-focused and sex-positive Christianity as an ecumenical campus minister at the University of Pennsylvania and by writing, producing, and performing in a one-woman show titled, An Irreverent Journey from Eggbeaters to Vibrators. In 2013 she founded the Incarnation Institute for Sex & Faith that provides training for clergy and sexual health professionals on how to help people rethink harmful religious teaching that creates intimacy issues for couples and problems for individuals self-esteem. Believing in an inclusive, science-friendly, and sex-positive Christianity she developed the curriculum for this cutting edge and unique educational opportunity as well as co-wrote the text in her first book, Advancing Sexual Health for the Christian Client, Data and Dogma (2019). In addition, she has taught seminarians sexuality and faith classes at Lancaster Theological Seminary and is now touring for her second book, “Who Told You That You Were Naked? Meditations on the Sexual Body.” She has a passion for those in the pews and those who have left them because of the rigid or judgmental views about the body that, from her view, is too-often proclaimed in the church and is totally contrary to the Christian faith.


www.beverlydale.org

More info and resources:


Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcast

Secret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcast


Special Collections of the podcast:


Increasing Desire Episodes

Eroticism and Excitement Episodes

My Favorite Authors



How Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.com

The Course – https://www.intimacywithease.com

The Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.com

Podcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.com

Access the Free webinar: How to make sex easy and fun for both of you: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

More info and resources:


Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcast

Secret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcast


Special Collections of the podcast:


Increasing Desire Episodes

Eroticism and Excitement Episodes

My Favorite Authors



How Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.com

The Course – https://www.intimacywithease.com

The Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.com

Podcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.com

Access the Free webinar: How to make sex easy and fun for both of you: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host Jessa Zimmerman engages with mindfulness and pleasure coach Danielle Savory to explore the intertwined roles of mindfulness, self-compassion, and stress management in enhancing sexual desire and intimacy. The discussion delves into the physiological and psychological impacts of stress on sexual connection, emphasizing the different ways men and women handle stress and the resulting challenges. Practical techniques to improve mindfulness and awareness during sexual interactions are provided, alongside strategies for managing stress individually and within relationships. The episode also outlines personal experiences and transformations, underscoring the importance of self-regulation, creating personal safety, and fostering deeper connections using self-compassionate practices.


00:00 Welcome to Better Sex

00:50 Introducing Danielle Savory: Mindfulness and Pleasure Coach

01:36 Danielle's Journey to Mindfulness and Pleasure

06:07 The Connection Between Mindfulness and Sexual Pleasure

09:03 Understanding Stress and Its Impact on Pleasure

14:35 Gender Differences in Handling Stress and Sexual Pleasure

17:25 Navigating Relationship Dynamics

17:45 Creating Personal Safety

18:34 Bridging the Gap with Partners

19:53 Managing Stress and Self-Regulation

21:08 Practical Stress-Relief Techniques

25:00 Mindfulness and Self-Compassion

30:05 Resources and Final Thoughts


Take the quiz at https://www.sexlifequiz.com


Bio


Danielle Savory is a master-certified coach, public speaker, and passionate advocate for women’s pleasure, bringing science-backed data into the life-altering power of pleasure. With a deep, personal understanding of the challenges women face, Danielle is devoted to helping them reclaim their sexuality and reconnect with their bodies. She has successfully guided hundreds of women to overcome body shame, break free from societal expectations, and embrace the passionate lives they deserve. Danielle believes that pleasure isn’t a luxury—it’s essential to a woman’s overall health and happiness.


Rooted in neurology, Danielle’s approach emphasizes that every woman is inherently wired for pleasure, and tapping into that pleasure is crucial for optimal well-being—enhancing immunity, focus, creativity, and vitality. Having overcome her own struggles with body image, mixed messages about sex and past traumas, she now shares her wisdom and experience with others, helping them step into their power and fully embrace their pleasure. Whether through her coaching, speaking engagements, podcast, or courses, Danielle is on a mission to help women live lives they are truly in love with—where they are deeply satisfied, fully alive, and boldly standing up for what they believe.

More info and resources:


Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcast

Secret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcast


Special Collections of the podcast:


Increasing Desire Episodes

Eroticism and Excitement Episodes

My Favorite Authors



How Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.com

The Course – https://www.intimacywithease.com

The Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.com

Podcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.com

Access the Free webinar: How to make sex easy and fun for both of you: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

In this enlightening episode of Better Sex, host and sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman converses with sex and relationship coach Aaron Michael. The discussion unpacks Aaron's journey into sexual health, beginning with his experiences in massage therapy and addressing his personal challenges. Key topics include 'suction sex,' 'embodied consent,' and 'embodied love,' offering a fresh approach to sexual pleasure, intimacy, and mutual satisfaction. Practical insights about overcoming numbness, understanding psychological and physical barriers, and the role of self-pleasuring in building confidence are explored. Additionally, the episode highlights the disparity within the sexual wellness industry, advocating for better education and higher standards for practitioners. Aaron also introduces 'Embodied Love University,' a platform designed to elevate sexual education and integrate wellness practices into broader medical and educational frameworks.


00:00 Welcome to Better Sex with Jessa Zimmerman

00:48 Meet Aaron Michael: A Journey into Sex and Relationship Coaching

03:39 Understanding Suction Sex: A New Approach to Shared Pleasure

07:59 Embodied Consent: Tuning into Your Body's Yes, No, and Maybe

09:46 Embodied Love: Building Intimacy Through Truth, Trust, and Celebration

11:19 Overcoming Numbness and Secondary Pleasure in Sexual Relationships

15:54 Awakening the Sensual Woman: A Six-Week Program

17:04 Masterclass Break: Making Sex Fun and Easy

17:49 Understanding the Pleasure System

19:37 Challenges for the Giver

21:47 Alleviating Performance Anxiety

24:58 Exploring Fantasies and Communication

28:09 The Future of Sexual Wellness

32:26 Introducing Embodied Love University

33:37 Programs and Resources

37:38 Conclusion and Contact Information


Interested in my webinars that talk about desire discrepancy? You can sign up at https://www.intimacywithease.com/masterclass


Bio

Aaron Michael, author of Optimal Sex life, creator of Bedroom Masterclass, and a Relationship, Intimacy and Sex Coach. He is your Coach’s coach and has dedicated himself to helping others discover, explore and integrate their sexual sovereignty by providing a no bs, adult, sex positive sex education.


With over +5000 hours of sexological body work, his work has influenced over 100,000 people, two venture funded startups, and he is the founder of Embodied Love™, Embodied Consent™ and Suction Sex™—a new method for the embodiment of penetrative sex.


He has created multiple online courses, from “9 Naughty Nights” to “YEAHFAP” to “Awakening The Sensual Woman”, which support individuals to be able to give and receive ecstatic pleasure as well as enhance their mental and physical arousal. Aaron is sought out for his innovative approach to resolving issues such as genital pain, anaorgasmia, premature ejaculation, penetration anxiety, mis-matched arousal, and mental arousal. His method is at the core of the Kama sex app practices and tools, as well as the Adamo Bioscience medical protocol for transforming sexual dysfunction.


He has an Elite MA in Cognitive Semiotics and an BA with Honors in Linguistics where he specialized in adult romantic attachment, courtship and how the brain interprets love. With over 20 years of experience as an embodiment coach in the field of dating, relationship and sex he crafts bespoke embodiment programs for you and your loved ones.


He and Dr. Saida are concentrating all of this work and expertise by co-founding the comprehensive, sexual wellness, learning platform at embodiedloveuniversity.com, which is a university like education and community, for sexual fluency and free education for all.

More info and resources:


Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcast

Secret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcast


Special Collections of the podcast:


Increasing Desire Episodes

Eroticism and Excitement Episodes

My Favorite Authors



How Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.com

The Course – https://www.intimacywithease.com

The Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.com

Podcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.com

Access the Free webinar: How to make sex easy and fun for both of you: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

In this episode of Better Sex, host Jessa Zimmerman welcomes Dr. Irwin Goldstein (Dr, G(, a pioneer in sexual medicine, to discuss the intricacies of menopause and women's sexual health. The conversation delves into the hormonal changes during menopause, common misconceptions, and the benefits of seeking treatment even though menopause is a natural phase. Dr. G emphasizes the importance of understanding the Genital Urinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) and its symptoms, and discusses various reversible treatment options including bioidentical hormones. The episode highlights the significant impact of monitored hormone management on improving women's health and the importance of educating women and medical professionals about the changes menopause brings. Jessa and Dr. G also touch on the societal tendency to overlook women's sexual health and the necessity for more comprehensive research and treatment guidelines. They conclude by discussing how women can find the right care in their areas through organizations like ISSWSH, and Jessa urges listeners to subscribe and rate the podcast for more insights.


00:00 Welcome to Better Sex with Jessa Zimmerman

00:45 Introduction to Dr. G and the Importance of Sexual Medicine

01:07 Understanding Menopause: Symptoms and Misconceptions

01:50 Dr. G's Personal Story and Approach to Menopause

04:20 Hormonal Changes and Their Impact on Women's Health

07:19 The Importance of Testosterone in Women

08:53 Challenges in Treating Menopause: FDA and Gender Bias

09:42 Natural vs. Treatable: The Debate on Menopause

12:04 Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)

16:31 The Role of ISSWSH and Urology in Women's Sexual Health

20:39 Treatment Options for Menopause

23:50 Monitoring and Administering Hormone Treatments

35:37 Finding the Right Provider and Conclusion

37:03 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement


Work with Jessa? Learn more at https://www.intimacywithease.com


Bio:

Dr. Goldstein has been involved with sexual dysfunction research since the late 1970's. He has authored more than 350 publications as well as multiple book chapters and edited 6 textbooks in the field. His interests include penile microvascular bypass surgery, surgery for dyspareunia, sexual health management post cancer treatment, genital dysesthesia/persistent genital arousal disorder, physiologic investigation of sexual function in men and women, and diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunction in men and women. Dr. Goldstein is Director of Sexual Medicine at Alvarado Hospital, Clinical Professor of Surgery at University of California, San Diego and practices medicine at San Diego Sexual Medicine. He is also Editor-in-Chief of Sexual Medicine Reviews and past Editor of The Journal of Sexual Medicine. He is a Past President of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health and of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America. He holds a degree in engineering from Brown University and received his medical degree from McGill University. The World Association for Sexual Health awarded the Gold Medal to Dr. Goldstein in 2009 in recognition of his lifelong contributions to the field, in 2012 he received the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health Award for Distinguished Service in Women’s Sexual Health, in 2013 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sexual Medicine Society of North America, and in 2014 he received the ISSM Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society for Sexual Medicine. He is happily married to his college sweetheart Sue, and together they have three children and five grandchildren.

More info and resources:


Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcast

Secret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcast


Special Collections of the podcast:


Increasing Desire Episodes

Eroticism and Excitement Episodes

My Favorite Authors



How Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.com

The Course – https://www.intimacywithease.com

The Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.com

Podcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.com

Access the Free webinar: How to make sex easy and fun for both of you: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

In this episode of Better Sex, host Jessa Zimmerman welcomes Christine Miles, an expert in the skill of listening, to discuss its significance in intimate relationships and beyond. The conversation delves into the importance of actively cultivating listening skills rather than relying on innate ability. Christine shares her own background and how understanding her mother's underlying pain led her to become an empathetic listener. The episode explores common pitfalls and barriers to effective listening, such as digital distractions and emotional defenses, and offers strategies to overcome them. Christine elaborates on a structured approach to listening, presenting six foundational tools that help engage with the speaker's story comprehensively. She emphasizes the power of understanding in fostering connection and resolving conflicts. The discussion also touches on the importance of empathy and how it naturally follows structured listening. Christine is launching a classroom program aimed at teaching children listening skills, highlighting the broader applicability of these techniques. The episode aims to encourage listeners to integrate these principles into daily interactions to strengthen their relationships.


00:00 Introduction to Better Sex with Jessa Zimmerman

00:47 The Importance of Listening in Relationships

01:30 Christine Miles' Journey to Becoming a Listening Expert

04:11 The Impact of Listening on Relationships

05:33 Common Pitfalls in Listening

11:04 The Role of Empathy and Curiosity in Listening

17:01 Barriers to Effective Listening

20:03 Tools and Strategies for Better Listening

20:17 Mastering the Listening Path

20:34 The Four Stops of a Story

22:31 Facts and Feelings in Storytelling

23:38 The Six Most Powerful Questions

25:53 Reflecting and Summarizing

28:06 The Water Filter Technique

30:18 Listening as a Skill

33:03 Integrating Listening Skills in Daily Life

34:29 Resources and Final Thoughts


Interested in the private podcasts?

Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcast


Secret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcast


Bio:

CHRISTINE MILES is the founder and CEO of EQuipt, an award-winning author, professional keynote speaker, consultant, executive coach, thought leader, entrepreneur, and world-renowned expert in the field of listening differently. With a background in psychology, Christine has spent 25+ years working with individuals and organizations to unlock the power of emotional intelligence to drive business and personal results, solve complex problems, and build enduring relationships.

Christine believes listening, not speaking, is the most powerful form of communication. Dealing with her mother’s pain and adversity, from a very young age, Christine learned to listen differently. Her ability to listen is what has always set her apart. In contrast, throughout her career, Christine recognized the inability to listen as a common thread in the failure of relationships, leaders, salespeople, projects, and businesses. She also recognized, while we’re taught the importance of listening, we are rarely taught how. She founded EQuipt to change this. To create a Listening Movement, revolutionizing the communication paradigm, where listening to understand, not speaking, is recognized as the most important and powerful form of communication. Christine is passionate about creating a reality where educators, business leaders, and corporations invest time and resources – in listening – to cultivate a future with more unity, and less division, more curiosity and collaboration, and make room for more innovation and humanity.

To scale EQuipt’s Listening Movement, Christine published the award-winning book, What Is It Costing You Not to Listen?: The Power of Understanding to Connect, Influence, Solve & Sell (2021). Based on the principles outlined in her book, she created the Listening Path®, a game-changing approach to teaching people how to listen differently, to transform their personal and professional lives.

More info and resources:


Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcast

Secret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcast


Special Collections of the podcast:


Increasing Desire Episodes

Eroticism and Excitement Episodes

My Favorite Authors



How Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.com

The Course – https://www.intimacywithease.com

The Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.com

Podcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.com

Access the Free webinar: How to make sex easy and fun for both of you: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host Jessa Zimmerman speaks with Melissa Kilbride about the importance of open and honest conversations with children regarding sex, sexuality, and pornography. Melissa shares her background in social work and emphasizes the necessity of early and age-appropriate sex education to prevent sexual abuse, promote sexual health, and reduce shame. They discuss the impacts of societal and parental silence on sexual topics, providing practical advice for discussing these topics with children from a young age. The episode also touches on the challenges and considerations for parents monitoring their children's online activity and introduces Melissa's resources and workshops designed to support parents in fostering healthy, informed views on sexuality in their kids.


00:00 Introduction to Better Sex Podcast

00:50 Guest Introduction: Melissa Kilbride

00:58 The Importance of Talking to Kids About Sex

01:36 Melissa's Background and Passion

04:02 Challenges and Strategies for Parents

04:57 Breaking Down the Conversation by Age

11:29 The Role of Pleasure and Consent

22:31 Discussing Pornography with Kids

27:51 Parental Controls and Monitoring

30:54 Conclusion and Resources




Want to take the quiz? https://www.sexlifequiz.com


Melissa Kilbride is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. She is the owner of a group therapy practice in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC and has 20 years of experience in direct client contact. Melissa is an advocate for early sexual health education and, as both a clinician and a mother, believes passionately in the necessity of teaching young children about their bodies and sex as an issue of safety and a path to later healthy relationships. Melissa offers workshops and consultations to parents in support of these ideals to help them feel more “askable” and help them navigate sex talks and related challenges that may come up along the way. Melissa is also the co-author of Working with Worry: A workbook for parents on how to support anxious children.

More info and resources:


Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcast

Secret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcast


Special Collections of the podcast:


Increasing Desire Episodes

Eroticism and Excitement Episodes

My Favorite Authors



How Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.com

The Course – https://www.intimacywithease.com

The Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.com

Podcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.com

Access the Free webinar: How to make sex easy and fun for both of you: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

Addressing Religious Sexual Shame with Jessa Zimmerman and Natasha Helfer


In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host Jessa Zimmerman chats with sex therapist Natasha Helfer about religious sexual shame. They discuss its origins, the impact it has on individuals, and ways to overcome it. Natasha shares insights from her personal background, professional experiences, and offers practical advice through the 'pep talk' approach (Permission, Education, Practice, Talk). The episode also explores various religious teachings and their effects on sexual behavior and health, delivering valuable information for those trying to reconcile their sexual and religious identities.


00:00 Introduction to Better Sex Podcast

00:47 Guest Introduction: Natasha Helfer

01:19 Understanding Religious Sexual Shame

03:02 Purity Culture and Its Impact

05:51 Sexual Shame and Its Consequences

08:53 Navigating Sexual Shame in Relationships

10:44 Recognizing and Addressing Sexual Shame

13:25 Therapeutic Approaches to Sexual Shame

16:32 Managing Sexual Shame Within Religious Contexts

22:17 Practical Steps to Overcome Sexual Shame

30:24 Resources and Support for Sexual Shame

37:25 Conclusion and Contact Information


Want to be a guest on the show to share your personal story? Don't worry, it can be anonymous! Reach out at info@intimacywithease.com


Bio:

Natasha Helfer is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist/Supervisor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with almost 25 years of experience (licensed in UT, KS & WI). Her expertise lies in the intersection of conservative religious upbringings and sexuality, specifically in the area of deconstructing internalized sexual shame. She runs a group practice, Symmetry Counseling, where services focus on helping people with religious trauma, reclaiming sexual desire, mixed-faith relationships, coming out journeys, healing sexual shame or trauma, and exploring sexual authenticity. Natasha is the author of two books: Check Your Baggage: Unpack the Messages Getting in the Way of Your Sex Life and One Family, Two Views: How to Fortify Your Mixed-Faith Mormon Marriage. She’s the Director of the Program in Religion and Mental Health Treatment at the Buehler Institute at the Buehler Institute (learnsextherapy.com) where she provides a 12-hour APA approved competency certificate called: Sex, Love & Conservative Faith. Natasha was excommunicated from the Mormon church in 2021, for her advocacy in regards to sexual health. You can find her at natashahelfer.com and @natashahelfermft where she podcasts, runs a membership and offers you all kinds of helpful resources.

More info and resources:


Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcast

Secret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcast


Special Collections of the podcast:


Increasing Desire Episodes

Eroticism and Excitement Episodes

My Favorite Authors



How Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.com

The Course – https://www.intimacywithease.com

The Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.com

Podcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.com

Access the Free webinar: How to make sex easy and fun for both of you: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

Understanding Stress Responses and Mindfulness in Intimate Relationships


In this episode of the Better Sex podcast, host and sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman interviews Rachel Posner, who discusses the importance of understanding and managing stress responses in intimate relationships. Rachel explains the body's stress mechanisms like fight, flight, or freeze responses, and how these can affect our connections and sexual encounters. She emphasizes the significance of mindfulness and practical techniques like breath awareness to regulate the nervous system, aiming for greater safety, connection, and pleasure in relationships. Various strategies and the benefits of mindfulness are explored to help listeners lower their stress levels for improved intimacy.


00:00 Introduction to Better Sex Podcast

00:53 Interview with Rachel Posner: Understanding Stress Responses

01:59 Exploring the Nervous System and Stress Triggers

12:29 Impact of Stress on Relationships and Sexual Experiences

16:52 Mindfulness Practices for Reducing Stress

20:51 Practical Tips for Mindfulness and Relaxation

28:10 Conclusion and Resources


Special Collections of the Better Sex Podcast: https://www.bettersexpodcast.com/collections



https://www.rachelposner.com/take-5-practice


Bio

Rachel Posner, C-IAYT, E-RYT, is a yoga therapist and mindfulness coach helping people reduce stress, build resilience and thrive. She offers individual yoga therapy sessions, mindfulness courses, yoga memberships and retreats. Her work is informed by the intersection of mindfulness, neuroscience and psychology and her teachings integrate best practices for the mind, body and brain. Rachel has been in the wellness field for 24 years and is driven by a deep desire to help people feel calm, connected and engaged in their lives. You can learn more at www.rachelposner.com

More info and resources:


Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcast

Secret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcast


Special Collections of the podcast:


Increasing Desire Episodes

Eroticism and Excitement Episodes

My Favorite Authors



How Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.com

The Course – https://www.intimacywithease.com

The Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.com

Podcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.com

Access the Free webinar: How to make sex easy and fun for both of you: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass