Honey Rose Haven Movement, Mindfulness, and Education Workshop on Pleasure - Janica LaRae Photo

Honey Rose Haven Movement, Mindfulness, and Education Workshop on Pleasure - Janica LaRae Photo

*This page isn’t comprehensive and is a work in progress. It will be continually updated.

COMMUNITY CARE

Did you know that many doctors, clergy and therapists get little to no training on relationship or sexual issues? We live in a culture that doesn't provide adequate sex ed for nearly anyone--even professionals. It's horrifying. I educate marriage and family therapists that don't know how to help their clients when it comes to concerns around sex and desire. I also educate medical providers on consent and how to talk to their patients about sex and relationships. The lack of resources and support for people who struggle with their sexuality, their bodies and their relationships IS NOT OKAY. I’m trying to change that. I believe education saves relationships and lives. I created Honey Rose Haven as an open space for people to be authentic, ask tough questions, and get help. I've also created an A-list team of providers and resources that can support you in your intimate relationships.

Sexual Shame Retreat in Austin, Texas

CONSENT & BODILY INTEGRITY

I think we need more discussions about consent and enthusiastic consent, which is an agreement between parties to engage in sexual activity.

  1. Consent is about communication.

  2. Being in a relationship does not equal consent.

  3. Consent is SEXY.

  4. Decide how and when you want to be touched and let others know.

  5. Your body belongs to you. You are your own authority. No one is allowed to touch you in any way without your permission.

  6. You’re not responsible for other people’s feelings when you tell them you don’t want to be touched. You can also change your mind at any time.

  7. Consent isn’t just about touch but also about how you value each other’s bodies.

Bodily integrity refers to the principle or concept that every person has the inherent right to physical autonomy and control over their own body without undue interference or infringement from others. It encompasses the idea that individuals have the right to make decisions about their own bodies, including their health, appearance, and physical well-being, free from coercion, force, or unwanted interventions.

DISABILITY, CHRONIC ILLNESS, NEURODIVERSITY RELATIONSHIPS & SEX

Great resources for disability, relationships and sex are: https://www.elevatustraining.com/resources-2/ and https://cripcamp.com/curriculum/ One thing that helps my clients with disabilities is understanding that the general narrative around sex is faulty. The framework that says that sex is penis in vagina with mutual orgasms and that equals bliss is wrong. Sex is much more expansive than that definition. Many of my clients feel that if they don't fit that model they are broken. That’s false. It helps to have no goal around sex and focus on connection and presence. That has helped may of my clients navigate chronic pain, disability and intimacy well.

Neurodivergence and Accessible Sex Ed

Neurodiversity is the idea that our brains are diverse. It’s a subset of biodiversity. Just like biodiversity refers to all the species in a specific location or ecosystem, neurodiversity refers to all humans on the planet. In my experience, being neurodivergent is like navigating a world where there is a playbook with a list of rules you have to follow that everyone has but you. I like to use the term neuro-expansive. Studies show that neuro-expansive individuals know less about sex and have less access to sex ed. Neuro-expansive and disabled people are also more likely to experience SA. When I teach classes or meet with disabled or neuro-expansive individuals I focus on the following topics that are crucial for healthy relationships. I cover:

  1. Literal Definitions

  2. Abstract Concepts (like love)

  3. Safety

  4. Boundaries

  5. Consent

  6. Exploitation

  7. Trust

  8. Sensory Issues

  9. Privacy

  10. Body Language

  11. Flirting

  12. Self-compassion

Honey Rose Haven Play and Pleasure Workshop

EROTOPHOBIA

Our culture is erotophobic. As a society, we feel discomfort and shame around our sexuality. We lack education and avoid conversations about sex. And this erotophobia contributes to other problems—sexism, body image issues, difficulties within relationships, fear of intimacy, and so on. Individuals that are erotophobic are less likely to routinely see an OBGYN, they do less breast self exams, use contraception less frequently, and are less comfortable communicating with their partners about their sexual relationship. It’s about time we confront our erotophobia. A first step is having more direct, open, informed, and honest conversations about our bodies, relationships and sex.

HEALTHY EXPECTATIONS AROUND SEX

  1. Consent

  2. Safety

  3. Boundaries

  4. Mutual Pleasure

  5. Bodily Integrity

  6. Play

  7. Communication

  8. Authenticity

  9. Protection

  10. Honesty

  11. Respect

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

  1. Support for each other’s needs

  2. Boundaries

  3. Trust

  4. Communication

  5. Healthy balance of power

  6. Love and Respect

Honey Rose Haven Rekindle Passion Workshop

HOW TO TEACH YOUR KIDS ABOUT SEX IN AGE-APPROPRIATE & HEALTHY WAYS

I recommend a few great books on how to teach your children about consent and sex. I love the book It’s Perfectly Normal: A Book About Changing Bodies, Growing Up and Sexual Health by Robbie H. Harris and Michael Emberley. You can purchase my online course on this subject here: Online Course

When talking to your kids about sex Honey Rose Haven recommends:

PROTECT AND EMPOWER

  1. Create an open space for conversation

  2. Ask critical questions

  3. Develop expectations together and continue the conversation

PRACTICE CURIOSITY AND HUMILITY

  1. Ask more questions than provide answers

  2. Admit when you’re unsure or don’t know or make a mistake

  3. Be open to learning more and figuring things out with your kids

HUMAN RIGHTS

Sexual Right are Human Rights. Did you know that you have the right to:

  1. Learn about sex and healthy relationships.

  2. Learn about reproductive health.

  3. Privacy, especially when you share your sexuality.

  4. Say what’s happened to your body.

  5. Make your own choices and have your choices respected.

  6. To ask for help and get services, if sexually harmed.

  7. Be safe and feel safe.

  8. Choose who you want to have sex with and if you do or don’t want sex. And change your mind at any time.

  9. These rights are your birthright.

LOW DESIRE

I often get the question ‘My partner and I have different libidos. How do we reconcile that?’ There is no such thing as a high and low sex drive. It’s not about drive, it’s about desires. There are 2 types of desires spontaneous and responsive. (Read Emily Nagoski’s Come as You Are for more info.) The majority of men have spontaneous desire and only 15% of women have it. We’ve been told that a healthier desire just appears spontaneously, but actually for a lot of individuals they need more of a compelling reason to feel desire. Once they have that compelling reason, they’ll feel responsive desire. Some women have been told that because their desire works differently than men, they must be broken. It’s normal and healthy to have responsive desire.

pexels-matheus-bertelli-3856028.jpg

LGBTQIA+

I’m a safe person to come out to. Acceptance from at least one adult can decrease the risk of LGBTQIA+ Youth attempting suicide by 40%. Three things I recommend you say to a child that comes out to you are: I love you, tell me more about that, and thank you for telling me. This is a great resource for understanding heterosexual privilege: Heterosexual Privilege And a few websites with wonderful resources: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ and https://pflag.org/ Email me for more tools and resources specific to your needs, age and area.

MEDIA LITERACY

‘Media literacy’ is when we thoughtfully engage with the media that surround us—books, movies, TV, apps, games, etc. Today, nearly every aspect of our lives, even sex, is filtered through some sort of media, When we think of media as just simple distractions, and not lenses through which we see the world, we’re probably not thinking very critically about what messages they’re communicating. For instance, when we read an article online or binge a TV series (or even post something on social media), we might want to ask ourselves some questions: Who created this? What’s their intention? What does this message leave out? How does this make me feel? How does it correspond with my experience?

These are especially helpful questions to ask when considering representations of sex. We might see a spicy scene and start by thinking ‘that’s unrealistic.’ When we think a bit more, we might realize that the scene was lit to make the actors look especially sexy. We might do a bit of research and find out that the people behind the camera were straight, white, cis-gendered males. We might also consider how these types of scenes have influenced what we consider to be ‘ideal’, the expectations that we place on ourselves and others, what we think or do or desire in the bedroom, etc.

Honey Rose Haven Seminar on How To Talk to Your Kids About Sexual Imagery in Media

MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness means maintaining a moment- by- moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens.” John Kabat-Zinn PhD

I became certified in mindfulness because there’s wonderful research on how mindfulness can help you overcome sexual shame and experience more pleasure. I also teach classes and offer sessions on how it can improve your communication with your partner. “Mindfulness elevates the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), the molecule that jumpstarts neuroplasticity and the formation of new neurons in the brain. It also increases brain volume, lowers inflammation and calms the central nervous system.” Dr. Alexandra Milspaw It’s also as effective as an antidepressant drug: Georgetown University Medical Center

This practice has been used by many cultures around the world for thousands of year. I honor the Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and other origins of mindfulness and how it is used to address systems of oppression. I also teach the work of Dr. Lori Brotto and recommend her book Better Sex Through Mindfulness; How Women Can Cultivate Desire *Please only practice mindfulness if it is safe for you. It isn’t therapeutic for everyone.

Honey Rose Haven Meditation and Mindfulness Event on Reclaiming a Better Relationship With Your Body - Jill Poulson Photography

PAINFUL SEX

Did you know that if you experience painful sex, there are answers? Dyspareunia is the term for pain during sexual intercourse. It is common but not normal. There can be different causes that need treatment. Message me if you have questions or want to schedule a private consultation over the phone. I specialize in helping clients with painful intercourse. I have a list of phenomenal pelvic floor physical therapists and sex therapists that can also help. Qualified comprehensive care is important. I’ve met with them personally and can help you find the best care for your specific needs. I have experience helping hundreds of people experience pain free, pleasurable sex. I’m especially experienced at helping clients with pelvic floor dysfunction, vulvar vestibulitis, vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis, and vaginismus. I have training from the Northwest Institute on Intimacy and with some of the best physical therapists and urogynecologists in the country.

On a side note, use lots of lube during sex. As for lube recommendations: The FDA doesn’t regulate lubes. So look for ones without paragons, glycols, microbicides and preservatives, and look for ph balanced lubes. My top recommendations are Deseret Harvest Aloe Glide, Sliquid, Uber Lube, and Good Clean Love. As far as water-based lubes vs silicone lubes: water based are great with lubricated condoms and sex toys, but they can be easily absorbed, dry up too fast and they’re not great in the shower. Silicone lubes last long and are great with condoms, but not with silicone toys.

Em and her sexual wholeness seminars and sessions have also opened my eyes and given me a strong desire to embrace and develop my own sexuality. Our culture sends so many negative messages to women about our bodies and our sexuality. I never realized how many of those messages I bought into. These seminars have brought back my power and helped me begin the process of shedding the unhealthy beliefs I've been holding onto. Now I'm embracing new empowering and beautiful beliefs about my body and sexuality. - Cara Caldwell

PASSIONATE RELATIONSHIPS

My mentor David Schnarch was a prominent psychologist, sex therapist, and author known for his work on relationships and intimacy. He developed a unique approach to sexual and emotional intimacy that he called "Differentiation Theory" or "Intimacy and Differentiation." Schnarch's views on intimacy can be summarized in a few key points:

  • Differentiation: Schnarch believed that healthy intimacy is rooted in the concept of differentiation. This means that each partner in a relationship should maintain their individuality and self-esteem while also being emotionally connected to their partner. He argued that true intimacy comes from being able to be emotionally close while still maintaining one's sense of self.

  • Emotional Gridlock: Schnarch introduced the idea of "emotional gridlock," which refers to the conflicts and challenges that arise in relationships due to differences in individual desires, needs, and values. He suggested that these conflicts are natural and should be embraced as opportunities for growth and deeper connection rather than avoided.

  • Sexual Crucible Model: Schnarch's approach to sexual intimacy centers around the "sexual crucible model." This concept emphasizes that sexual difficulties and challenges can arise as a result of the emotional dynamics within a relationship. Working through these challenges can lead to greater emotional and sexual satisfaction.

  • Self-Soothing: Schnarch advocated for the development of self-soothing skills in individuals. This involves learning to regulate your own emotions and manage anxiety without relying solely on your partner for emotional support. This, in turn, can contribute to a more mature and fulfilling relationship.

  • Vulnerability and Growth: Schnarch believed that embracing vulnerability and facing challenges in relationships can lead to personal growth and a deeper sense of connection. He encouraged couples to confront their issues head-on rather than avoiding or suppressing them.

  • Sexual Desire: Schnarch discussed the concept of sexual desire in long-term relationships, suggesting that desire often waxes and wanes over time. He emphasized the importance of creating an environment that supports sexual intimacy, where partners feel safe and desired.

PHYSICAL INTIMACY

You can build intimacy through physical connection that isn’t sex. Here are a few ideas:

  1. Passionate kissing.

  2. Holding hands.

  3. Admiring your partner.

  4. Dancing together.

  5. Giving each other massages.

  6. Playing with your loved ones hair.

  7. Walking together.

  8. Snuggling.

  9. Drawing henna on each other.

  10. Exercising together.

PLEASURE ACTIVISM

My favorite Queer Muslin artist YallaRoza shared this about her work “There's an interview with adrienne maree brown on her book, Pleasure Activism, where she says: ‘I think it's the way that white supremacy is structured -- white supremacy, which, at its fundamental root, is the idea that the world exists for me and my pleasure. I'm supreme to everyone else and everyone else is supposed to be in some kind of service to me -- either giving me their land or their bodies or their whatever.’

Reclaiming our bodies, investing in our pleasure, developing relationships with ourselves that center our own joy and desire. These are all radical acts of self and collective liberation. For some of us, investing in our own pleasure is a radical act against all of the colonial, capitalist, white supremacist, ableist, fatphobic, imperialist (etc.) systems that tried to steal our joy. Our pleasure. Our roots.

So for all the folks resisting, fighting for liberations, showing up for justice: you deserve pleasure too. Whether it be the pleasure of good food that tastes like home. Dance that feeds your soul. Laughter. Romance. Board games. A night of cuddling. A night of Lauryn Hill tunes while laying in your bed. Eating an entire cheese platter. You deserve this. All of this.” @yallaroza

Pleasure is medicine. It can heal ourselves and our communities. I believe connecting to your body is vital and it can’t end there. If your sexual empowerment doesn’t involve understanding systems of oppression there’s definitely more work to do. It can be scary to have your world view shattered but it’s important to befriend the discomfort.

PORN ADDICTION

The concept of porn addiction is a controversial and debated topic within the fields of psychology and mental health. While some individuals and professionals argue that excessive consumption of pornography can be addictive, others criticize the porn addiction model for several reasons:

  • Lack of Consensus on Definition:

    • There is no universally accepted definition of porn addiction. Different individuals and professionals may define it differently, leading to a lack of consensus on what constitutes problematic behavior.

  • Questionable Diagnostic Criteria:

    • Unlike well-established mental health disorders found in diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5, there is no widely accepted set of diagnostic criteria for porn addiction. This lack of standardized criteria raises concerns about the validity and reliability of identifying and diagnosing the condition.

  • Cultural and Moral Biases:

    • Concerns have been raised that the concept of porn addiction may be influenced by cultural and moral biases. This raises questions about objectivity in identifying and treating porn addiction.

  • Stigmatization:

    • Labeling certain sexual behaviors as "addictive" may contribute to stigma and shame, potentially hindering individuals from seeking help and support. Stigmatization can have negative psychological and emotional effects on individuals.

  • Limited Scientific Evidence:

    • The scientific evidence supporting the existence of porn addiction as a distinct clinical entity is debated. Some studies on this topic have methodological limitations, and there is ongoing discussion about whether excessive consumption of pornography should be classified as an addiction.

  • Causation vs. Correlation:

    • Establishing a causal relationship between pornography consumption and negative outcomes, such as relationship problems or mental health issues, is challenging. Correlation does not necessarily imply causation, and other factors may contribute to these outcomes.

PREGNANCY & SEX

I was interviewed by Bhava Birth about Pregnancy, Postpartum Recovery, Sexual Trauma and Childbirth, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, Consent and Sex. Here’s the link to read the interview: All Things Sex and Childbirth

PRIVILEGE

Please take a look at this informative wheel to see where you are in regards to Power and Privilege: Wheel of Power and Privilege

PURITY CULTURE

“Men are taught their minds are evil, whereas women are taught their bodies are evil. That is to say, men’s thoughts and actions are said to be either pure or impure, while women themselves are said to be either pure or impure.” - Linda Kay Klein

Purity culture has been used to control women for decades. Political and corporate interests fed the purity culture movement in the United States in the late 1990s with the aim to protect young women from the sexual scandals of the world. You can learn more about it in my class: Sexual Shame Seminar It takes times to heal from purity culture. Reach out for support and show yourself a lot of compassion as you unlearn these harmful ideas.

Purity culture:

  1. Supports the idea that women are responsible for the sexual thoughts of others.

  2. Suggests that survivors of SA are sometimes at fault for what they experienced.

  3. Keeps people from receiving adequate sex education which can harm their health.

  4. Teaches women that marriage is consent and they should be available to meet their husband’s “needs” even if they don’t want to.

  5. Harms individuals developing sexuality.

Critics argue that purity culture can cause internalized shame, hyper-vigilance, low self worth, anxiety, low desire, vaginismus, body image struggles, chronic health issues, and struggles with their intimate relationships. Purity culture can create unrealistic expectations and contribute to a culture of silence around issues such as sexual assault and consent. And create a framework of male domination that can cause women sexual harm.

Conversations around purity culture have gained attention in recent years as people discuss and reevaluate the impact of such teachings on personal and societal levels. Supporters argue that it provides a moral framework and values-based approach to relationships, while opponents stress the importance of promoting comprehensive and inclusive sex education that acknowledges diverse identities and experiences. I believe you can have both. I teach my clients how to decide what they value in terms of sex and relationships. And how to reclaim what they lost as a result of harmful purity culture teachings. You’re a not alone and there is help.

RELATIONSHIPS

I recommend the book Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur. It speaks to some of the complexities in relationships. It is a collection of prose about survival, abuse, love, loss and relationships. I’m also a Gottman Principles Leader. I love leading workshops on his 7 principles for making relationships work. It’s based on Dr. John Gottman’s four decades of research with more than 3,000 couples. I highly recommend his books on marriage. One of my favorite teachers and mentors on relationships recently passed away. The renowned psychologist David Schnarch challenged a lot of standard relationship theories and preferred to focus on strengths rather than weaknesses. An approach that I take in educational sessions with my clients. I recommend his books Passionate Marriage as well.

We’re driven by something that makes us look like we crave intimacy, but in fact we’re after something else: we want someone else to make us feel acceptable and worthwhile. We’ve assigned the label ‘intimacy’ to what we want (validation and reciprocal disclosure) and developed pop psychologies that give it to us – while keeping true intimacy away. We’ve distorted what intimacy is, how it feels, how much we really want it, and how best to get it. Once we realize that intimacy is not always soothing and often makes us feel insecure, it is clear why we back away from it. -David Schnarch

REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE

The grassroots organization Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice defines reproductive justice as follows:

We believe reproductive justice is the complete physical, mental, spiritual, political, economic, and social well-being of women and girls, and will be achieved when women and girls have the economic, social and political power and resources to make healthy decisions about our bodies, sexuality and reproduction for ourselves, our families, and our communities in all areas of our lives.

SELF-ACCEPTANCE

Once of the main questions I get from my clients is "How do fully accept my body and love my appearance?" We're taught certain things about our appearance that aren't true. We may subconsciously believe: "My worth depends on my appearance. I'd be happier if I was more attractive. I always need to look my best. The skinnier I am, the more attractive I'll be. Beautiful people have it all." We came by all these rules honestly. We're taught at a young age that beauty is everything. But you can unlearn these lessons and change the negative beliefs you have about yourself. 

The first step is to acknowledge those thoughts and be kind to them. Write down the negative assumptions and rules you live by. but don't resist them or berate yourself for having them. When we become aware of the unspoken rules we have about ourselves, we can begin to retell our story. We can live by new rules. These critical thoughts can guide us to our core limiting beliefs. They can teach us where we need to show the most compassion to ourselves. We will begin to believe: "I'm so much more than my appearance. My appearance doesn't need to change for me to be happy. It's not my life goal to lose weight or fight aging. What's revered in our society as the ideal body or appearance isn't attainable or interesting. Deeply caring for and loving my body is fun. Even though I have negative thoughts about my body I can relax. I love and accept myself, and I am whole." 

If we took the amount of time and money we spend on berating ourselves and trying to perfect our appearance and invested in radical self-acceptance, we'd all be healthier and happier. You can email me for seminar or session information. I've developed an approach that can help guide you to see yourself clearly and compassionately.  2 great resources are Beauty Sick by Renee Engeln and My Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor

Honey Rose Haven Meditation and Mindfulness Event on Reclaiming a Better Relationship With Your Body - Jill Poulson Photography

Honey Rose Haven Meditation and Mindfulness Event on Reclaiming a Better Relationship With Your Body - Jill Poulson Photography

RELATIONAL AND SEXUAL HEALTH PRACTICES

  1. Learn communication skills.

  2. Discover your desires.

  3. Practice self-compassion.

  4. Learn about your unique anatomy.

SEXUAL SHAME

Causes of sexual shame include misinformation, lack of education, abuse, oppression, discrimination, lack of safety, lack of diversity in media, body image issues, untreated sexual trauma, lack of communication between partners, Madonna/Whore complex, disconnection from our bodies and their wisdom, medical trauma, etc.

Sexual shame is a visceral feeling of humiliation and disgust toward one’s own body and identity as a sexual being and a belief of being abnormal, inferior and unworthy. This feeling can be internalized but also manifests in interpersonal relationships having a negative impact on trust, communication, and physical and emotional intimacy. Sexual shame develops across the lifespan in interactions with interpersonal relationships, one’s culture and society, and subsequent critical self-appraisal (a continuous feedback loop). There is also a fear and uncertainty related to one’s power or right to make decisions, including safety decisions, related to sexual encounters, along with an internalized judgement toward one’s own sexual desire. -Dr. Noel Clark, 2017

Research on Sexual Shame

SEXUALITY EDUCATION GUIDELINES

  • Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is a curriculum-based process of teaching and learning about the cognitive, emotional, physical and social aspects of sexuality. It aims to equip young people with knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that will empower them to: 

    • Realize their health, well-being and dignity; 

    • Develop respectful social and sexual relationships; 

    • Consider how their choices affect their own well-being and that of others and 

    • Understand and ensure the protection of their rights throughout their lives.” Unesco

    SEXUALITY EDUCATION GUIDELINES:

  • Appreciate one’s own body.

  • Seek further information about reproduction as needed.

  • Affirm that human development includes sexual development, which may or may not include reproduction or sexual experience. 

  • Interact with all genders in respectful and appropriate ways.

  • Express love and intimacy in appropriate ways. 

  • Develop and maintain meaningful relationships. 

  • Avoid exploitative or manipulative relationships. 

  • Make informed choices about family options and relationships.

  • Exhibit skills that enhance personal relationships.

  • Identify and live according to one’s own values. 

  • Take responsibility for one’s own behavior. 

  • Practice effective decision-making.

  • Develop critical-thinking skills.

  • Communicate effectively with family, peers, and romantic partners.

  • Express one’s sexuality in ways that are congruent with one’s values.

    Sexuality Education and Information Council of the United States, Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Honey Rose Haven Workshop on Mindfulness for Better Sex

Honey Rose Haven Workshop on Mindfulness for Better Sex

SPIRITUALITY & SEXUALITY

I deeply respect all of my clients values and religious beliefs. I respect my clients that aren’t religious. I meet you where you are in your journey and give you resources and tools that support your values. I don’t impose any spiritual beliefs or values on my clients. If you are working with a sexuality professional that does that, please find another professional to work with. I teach that you can honor your values AND embrace your sexuality. I can also educate you on how to overcome any harmful messages that came from religious teachings. I’m trained in Dr. Gina Ogden’s 4D Wheel, an embodied exercise for integrating sexuality and spirituality. I value and teach connected intimacy. It’s not the repressed version many of us were given growing up, and it’s not a blind acceptance either. It’s a wise, reflective, connected version that helps you feel empowered in your choices around sex.

We’ve made massive advances in understanding neuroscience in the last 20 years, but it has not led to better clinical outcomes. Evidence-based education is important and necessary, but it can also be reductionistic and ignore the body and spirit (because those things are hard study and quantify). Which is why I have rigorous training in evidence-based education and in embodied spiritual practices. Honey Rose Haven offers a unique, effective approach to sexuality education that you won’t find anywhere else.

Honey Rose Haven Meditation Workshop on Overcoming Sexual Shame and Body Shame

Honey Rose Haven Meditation Workshop on Overcoming Sexual Shame and Body Shame

TALK TIPS

Good communication is important for healthy sex. Here is a great resource to improve your communication skills around sex: Talk Tips

VULVA HEALTH

This article from experts speaks to how we are several decades behind when it comes to female sexual health, anatomy and pleasure.

Some urologists compare the vulva to ‘small town in the Midwest,’ said Dr. Irwin Goldstein, a urologist and pioneer in the field of sexual medicine. Doctors tend to pass through it, barely looking up, on their way to their destination, the cervix and uterus. That’s where the real medical action happens: ultrasounds, pap smears, IUD insertion, childbirth. If the vulva as a whole is an under-appreciated city, the clitoris is a local roadside bar: little known, seldom considered, probably best avoided. ‘It’s completely ignored by pretty much everyone,’ said Dr. Rachel Rubin, a urologist and sexual health specialist outside Washington, D.C. ‘There is no medical community that has taken ownership in the research, in the management, in the diagnosis of vulva-related conditions.’ Asked what she learned in medical school about the clitoris, Dr. Rubin replied, ‘Nothing that sticks out to my memory. If it got any mention, it would be a side note at best.’

Even in fields like urology, where male sexual pleasure and orgasm are considered integral, women’s sexual health ‘is seen as hysteria, Pandora’s box, all psychosocial, not real medicine,’ said Dr. Rubin, who is also the education chair of the International Society for the study of Women’s Sexual Health. ‘Sexual health and quality of life is not something we focus on for women.’ And gynecology, for its part, is more focused on fertility and preventing disease. ‘We don’t do a great job talking about sex from a pleasure-based perspective,’ said Dr. Frances Grimstand.

NY Times

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Honey Rose Haven Workshop on Passionate Relationships

Honey Rose Haven Workshop on Passionate Relationships

 
 
 

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