Ask A Sex Therapist with Heather Shannon

Apply for a free Intimacy Breakthrough Call to learn about Heather’s Pathway to Passion coaching method. https://heathershannon.co/new-clients/ Transforming Stress and Enhancing Intimacy: Insights from Dr. Nicole Cain In this episode, Heather engages with Dr. Nicole Cain, (ND, MA,) to discuss the impacts of stress on sex lives and the path to holistic wellness. Dr. Cain shares her journey, practical strategies to alleviate stress, and tips on improving intimacy using integrative approaches. Topics covered include the role of Ayurveda, managing the nervous system, and reprogramming the mind-body connection.   00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:28 Meet Dr. Nicole Cain 01:54 Dr. Cain's Personal Journey 06:08 The Turning Point: Discovering the Root of Anxiety 12:26 Practical Steps to Reduce Stress 14:36 The Role of Social Media and Connection 23:59 Ayurveda and Sexual Wellness 27:51 A Date Gone Wrong: Panic Attack Story 28:35 Balancing Your Doshas for Better Experiences 29:01 Cooling Techniques for Pitta Dosha 29:52 Understanding Kapha Dosha 30:54 Herbal Remedies for Libido and Hormone Balance 35:02 Addressing Stress and Its Impact on Health 39:28 Practical Tips for Gut Health 43:46 Steps to Regulate Your Nervous System 48:14 Creating Intimacy and Trust in Relationships 52:08 Conclusion and Where to Find More WORK WITH HEATHER Apply for a free Intimacy Breakthrough Call [https://calendly.com/hshann1/discovery-call-1-clone?back=1&month=2023-07] to learn about Heather’s Pathway to Passion coaching method. https://heathershannon.co/new-clients/ [https://heathershannon.co/new-clients/]   LET’S CONNECT! Find warmth HERE ⤵️: Heather’s Website: https://HeatherShannon.co  Heather’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/AskASexTherapist  Heather’s YouTube: Check out the video version of this podcast & more! - https://www.youtube.com/@AskASexCoach [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHeUNWJIkOPSK6-Bwvf0EOw]   Heather’s Pathway to Passion: https://heather-shannon.mykajabi.com/pathway [https://heather-shannon.mykajabi.com/pathway]  Heather’s Courses: https://heather-shannon.mykajabi.com/store [https://heather-shannon.mykajabi.com/store] Heather’s Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/heathershannonlcpc [https://www.amazon.com/shop/heathershannonlcpc]  Dr. Nicole Cain, ND, MA, is a naturopathic doctor and mental health expert specializing in holistic treatments for anxiety, depression, and trauma. She’s the founder of the Holistic Wellness Collective and author of Panic Proof. Connect with Dr. Nicole Cain On Instagram: drnicolecain [https://www.instagram.com/drnicolecain/?hl=en] Check out and visit her website: drnicolecain.com [https://drnicolecain.com] SIMILARLY AWESOME / MENTIONED EPISODES: Liked the episode? Here’s a few more episodes of Ask A Sex Therapist that you'll enjoy: Age Play Video: https://youtu.be/TURlpFGTTOk? si=ISQI-s-TBuVo2xIm [https://youtu.be/TURlpFGTTOk?si=ISQI-s-TBuVo2xIm]  Sex and Disability Video: https://youtu.be/jPKzoXg3-kI? si=6aQnWzlwWguXXIA8 [https://youtu.be/jPKzoXg3-kI?si=6aQnWzlwWguXXIA8]  Come As You Are Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1982165316? linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzheat0ce5-20&creativeASIN=1982165316&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.29BK4OTJWL4UF&ref_=aip_sf_asn_list_ofs_mixed_d_qv_asin [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1982165316?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzheat0ce5-20&creativeASIN=1982165316&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.29BK4OTJWL4UF&ref_=aip_sf_asn_list_ofs_mixed_d_qv_asin]  Ethical Slut Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0399579664? linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzheat0ce5-20&creativeASIN=0399579664&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.29BK4OTJWL4UF&ref_=aip_sf_asn_list_ofs_mixed_d_qv_asin [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0399579664?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzheat0ce5-20&creativeASIN=0399579664&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.29BK4OTJWL4UF&ref_=aip_sf_asn_list_ofs_mixed_d_qv_asin]  RATE & REVIEW US! Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here. https://podfollow.com/AskASexTherapist [https://podfollow.com/AskASexTherapist] This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Apply for a free Intimacy Breakthrough Call to learn about Heather’s Pathway to Passion coaching method. https://heathershannon.co/new-clients/ Mindfulness, Presence & Pleasure: A Conversation with Naomi Rawitz In this episode, Heather is joined by fellow AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist and Sexuality Educator Naomi Rawitz, LCSW, CST, CSE, for a warm, honest, and deeply insightful conversation around the role of mindfulness in sex. Naomi opens up about her journey into sex therapy, how her upbringing shaped her perspective, and why our culture makes it so difficult to stay present in our bodies. Together, they explore the real reasons we get distracted during sex, how internal “parts” (à la Internal Family Systems therapy) can hijack our pleasure, and why mindfulness doesn’t mean you have to “clear your mind.”   Whether you’ve ever felt pressured to perform, overwhelmed with distractions, or just curious about how to deepen your connection to yourself or a partner—this episode offers practical tools, validating insights, and a ton of “aha” moments.   00:00 Welcome & Intro to Naomi 02:00 Naomi’s Path to Becoming a Sex Therapist 04:00 Growing Up with Open Sex Education 05:00 Presence, Distraction & the Sexual Mindset 09:00 How Mindfulness Actually Works (It’s Not “Clearing Your Mind”) 12:00 Communicating with Your Partner About Where You're At 14:00 Mindfulness, Emotional Intimacy & Data Points 17:00 What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)? 19:00 Common Parts That Show Up During Sex 23:00 Productivity, Energy, and “Sex as a To-Do” 26:00 Reconnecting with Play & Joy (Yes, Improv Counts!) 30:00 Expanding Definitions of Sexual Touch 33:00 The Pressure to “Go All the Way” 34:00 How Stories and Anticipation Impact Desire 38:00 Polyvagal Theory & Shifting Nervous System States 41:00 Creating Space to Explore Without Judgment 43:00 Where to Find Naomi WORK WITH HEATHER Apply for a free Intimacy Breakthrough Call [https://calendly.com/hshann1/discovery-call-1-clone?back=1&month=2023-07] to learn about Heather’s Pathway to Passion coaching method. https://heathershannon.co/new-clients/ [https://heathershannon.co/new-clients/]   LET’S CONNECT! Find warmth HERE ⤵️: Heather’s Website: https://HeatherShannon.co  Heather’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/AskASexTherapist  Heather’s YouTube: Check out the video version of this podcast & more! - https://www.youtube.com/@AskASexCoach [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHeUNWJIkOPSK6-Bwvf0EOw]   Heather’s Pathway to Passion: https://heather-shannon.mykajabi.com/pathway [https://heather-shannon.mykajabi.com/pathway]  Heather’s Courses: https://heather-shannon.mykajabi.com/store [https://heather-shannon.mykajabi.com/store] Heather’s Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/heathershannonlcpc [https://www.amazon.com/shop/heathershannonlcpc]  Connect with Naomi Rawitz naomi@rawitzcounseling.com [naomi@rawitzcounseling.com] Learn more: https://www.rawitzcounseling.com [https://www.rawitzcounseling.com] SIMILARLY AWESOME / MENTIONED EPISODES: Liked the episode? Here’s a few more episodes of Ask A Sex Therapist that you'll enjoy: Age Play Video: https://youtu.be/TURlpFGTTOk? si=ISQI-s-TBuVo2xIm [https://youtu.be/TURlpFGTTOk?si=ISQI-s-TBuVo2xIm]  Sex and Disability Video: https://youtu.be/jPKzoXg3-kI? si=6aQnWzlwWguXXIA8 [https://youtu.be/jPKzoXg3-kI?si=6aQnWzlwWguXXIA8]  Come As You Are Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1982165316? linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzheat0ce5-20&creativeASIN=1982165316&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.29BK4OTJWL4UF&ref_=aip_sf_asn_list_ofs_mixed_d_qv_asin [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1982165316?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzheat0ce5-20&creativeASIN=1982165316&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.29BK4OTJWL4UF&ref_=aip_sf_asn_list_ofs_mixed_d_qv_asin]  Ethical Slut Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0399579664? linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzheat0ce5-20&creativeASIN=0399579664&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.29BK4OTJWL4UF&ref_=aip_sf_asn_list_ofs_mixed_d_qv_asin [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0399579664?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzheat0ce5-20&creativeASIN=0399579664&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.29BK4OTJWL4UF&ref_=aip_sf_asn_list_ofs_mixed_d_qv_asin]  RATE & REVIEW US! Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here. https://podfollow.com/AskASexTherapist [https://podfollow.com/AskASexTherapist] This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Apply for a free Intimacy Breakthrough Call [https://calendly.com/hshann1/discovery-call-1-clone?back=1&month=2023-07] to learn about Heather’s Pathway to Passion coaching method. https://heathershannon.co/new-clients/ [https://heathershannon.co/new-clients/] In this episode, we welcome Dr. Jen Kennedy, a clinical sexologist and licensed marriage and family therapist, to discuss low sexual desire in women. Dr. Jen explains how societal norms and lack of adequate sex education contribute to myths about women's sexual desire. She describes her journey from public relations and photography to sex therapy and the nuances of working with couples on their intimate lives. Dr. Jen also touches on techniques such as Sense8 Focus and discusses the importance of understanding one's own pleasure profile. Throughout the conversation, they debunk common misconceptions, emphasize the importance of addressing both physical and psychological barriers to desire, and highlight the need for open dialogue about sexual health. Dr. Jen also hosts her own podcast called The Pleasure Project Podcast: Sex and Relationships. (https://www.youtube.com/@drjennkennedy) For more information, you can visit her websites at Riviera Therapy (https://riviera-therapy.com) and Pleasure Project (https://pleasureproject.us). 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:22 Meet Dr. Jen Kennedy 01:08 Discussing Low Sexual Desire in Women 01:44 Dr. Jen's Journey to Becoming a Sexologist 02:53 Training and Challenges in Sex Therapy 05:19 Understanding Sexual Attitudes and Fixations 07:39 Exploring Women's Sexual Desire 10:40 Cultural and Biological Factors in Sexual Desire 13:49 Reconnecting Through Sensate Focus 19:27 Therapist's Role in Normalizing Intimacy 20:19 Debunking Myths About Women's Desire 20:38 Exploring Fantasies and Initiating Desire 20:59 The Power of Open Conversations About Sex 23:28 Understanding and Enhancing Pleasure Profiles 29:25 The Importance of Play and Relaxation in Sex 31:56 Addressing Deterrents and Cultivating Stimulators 34:07 Seeking Help and Professional Guidance 35:38 Resources and Upcoming Programs 38:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts WORK WITH HEATHER Apply for a free Intimacy Breakthrough Call to learn about Heather’s Pathway to Passion coaching method. https://heathershannon.co/new-clients/ LET’S CONNECT! Find warmth HERE ⤵️: Heather’s Website: https://HeatherShannon.co Heather’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/AskASexTherapist Heather’s YouTube: Check out the video version of this podcast & more! - https://www.youtube.com/@AskASexCoach Heather’s Pathway to Passion: https://heather-shannon.mykajabi.com/pathway Heather’s Courses: https://heather-shannon.mykajabi.com/store Heather’s Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/heathershannonlcpc Connect with : Dr. Jenn Kennedy Email: Jenn@PleasureProject.us or jennkennedy@me.com SIMILARLY AWESOME / MENTIONED EPISODES: Liked the episode? Here’s a few more episodes of Ask A Sex Therapist that you'll enjoy: Age Play Video: https://youtu.be/TURlpFGTTOk? si=ISQI-s-TBuVo2xIm Sex and Disability Video: https://youtu.be/jPKzoXg3-kI? si=6aQnWzlwWguXXIA8 Come As You Are Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1982165316? linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzheat0ce5-20&creativeASIN=1982165316&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.29BK4OTJWL4UF&ref_=aip_sf_asn_list_ofs_mixed_d_qv_asin Ethical Slut Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0399579664? linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzheat0ce5-20&creativeASIN=0399579664&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.29BK4OTJWL4UF&ref_=aip_sf_asn_list_ofs_mixed_d_qv_asin RATE & REVIEW US! Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here. https://podfollow.com/AskASexTherapist This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Managing Libido Differences, Attachment Issues, and Non-Monogamy | Ask a Sex Therapist In this episode, we address listener questions on managing different libidos, the impact of attachment styles on sexual development, and challenges in non-monogamy. We also discuss reconnecting with sexual energy after leaving a sexless marriage. Tune in for insights and practical advice on enhancing your relationships and sex life. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:52 Managing Different Libidos in Relationships 07:38 Exploring Attachment Styles and Sexual Development 11:07 Navigating Non-Monogamy and Relationship Anarchy 20:01 Reconnecting with Sexuality After a Dead Bedroom Marriage 28:27 Conclusion and Resources WORK WITH HEATHER: Apply for a free Intimacy Breakthrough Call to learn about Heather’s Pathway to Passion coaching method. https://heathershannon.co/new-clients/ LET’S CONNECT! FIND HEATHER HERE ⤵️: Heather’s Website - https://HeatherShannon.co Heather’s Instagram - https://instagram.com/AskASexTherapist Heather’s YouTube - Check out the video version of this podcast & more! - https://www.youtube.com/@AskASexCoach Heather’s Pathway to Passion- https://heather-shannon.mykajabi.com/pathway Heather’s Courses- https://heather-shannon.mykajabi.com/store Heather’s Amazon Storefront- https://www.amazon.com/shop/heathershannonlcpc SIMILARLY AWESOME / MENTIONED EPISODES: Liked the episode? Here’s a few more episodes of Ask A Sex Therapist that you'll enjoy: Libido Differences in Relationships: https://youtu.be/dI0mElkmPAw?si=oU3P2oi_R_c8_lvS How to Have a Passionate Relationship Workshop: https://youtu.be/csFgP6zv_ck?si=h_3wLTPkuhL7DAk5 RATE & REVIEW US! Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here. https://podfollow.com/AskASexTherapist This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Apply for a free Intimacy Breakthrough Call to learn about Heather’s Pathway to Passion coaching method. https://heathershannon.co/new-clients/ Premature Ejaculation & Sex Addiction Myths: The Truth About Male Sexual Health with Sex Therapist Seth Taylor, LMFT Most men have been misled about sexual performance, from unrealistic expectations around lasting longer to harmful myths about "sex addiction." In this episode, Heather Shannon sits down with Seth Taylor, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in men’s sexual health, to set the record straight. They discuss the real causes of premature ejaculation (PE), effective treatments, and why the term "sex addiction" is controversial among sex therapists. Plus, they explore the shame-free approach to out-of-control sexual behavior (OCSB) and how it differs from traditional addiction models. If you or your partner experience PE, erectile dysfunction (ED), or compulsive sexual behaviors, this episode will help you understand the root causes and practical steps to regain confidence in your sex life. 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Introduction 01:30 Meet Seth Taylor: Specializing in men’s sexual health 03:00 What is premature ejaculation? Clinical definitions & myths 08:45 Why most men have unrealistic expectations about lasting longer 12:30 The psychological causes of PE: Anxiety, shame and trauma 18:00 Effective treatments: Medication, therapy and pelvic floor work 22:45 What is out-of-control sexual behavior (OCSB)? 30:00 The problem with "sex addiction" & why language matters 40:30 How to overcome shame and build a healthy relationship with sex 50:00 Final thoughts and where to find Seth WORK WITH HEATHER Apply for a free Intimacy Breakthrough Call [https://calendly.com/hshann1/discovery-call-1-clone?back=1&month=2023-07] to learn about Heather’s Pathway to Passion coaching method. https://heathershannon.co/new-clients/ [https://heathershannon.co/new-clients/]   LET’S CONNECT! Find warmth HERE ⤵️: Heather’s Website: https://HeatherShannon.co  Heather’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/AskASexTherapist  Heather’s YouTube: Check out the video version of this podcast & more! - https://www.youtube.com/@AskASexCoach [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHeUNWJIkOPSK6-Bwvf0EOw]   Heather’s Pathway to Passion: https://heather-shannon.mykajabi.com/pathway [https://heather-shannon.mykajabi.com/pathway]  Heather’s Courses: https://heather-shannon.mykajabi.com/store [https://heather-shannon.mykajabi.com/store] Heather’s Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/heathershannonlcpc [https://www.amazon.com/shop/heathershannonlcpc]  Connect with Seth Taylor: Email: setht@holisticcft.com SIMILARLY AWESOME / MENTIONED EPISODES: Liked the episode? Here’s a few more episodes of Ask A Sex Therapist that you'll enjoy: Age Play Video: https://youtu.be/TURlpFGTTOk? si=ISQI-s-TBuVo2xIm [https://youtu.be/TURlpFGTTOk?si=ISQI-s-TBuVo2xIm]  Sex and Disability Video: https://youtu.be/jPKzoXg3-kI? si=6aQnWzlwWguXXIA8 [https://youtu.be/jPKzoXg3-kI?si=6aQnWzlwWguXXIA8]  Come As You Are Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1982165316? linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzheat0ce5-20&creativeASIN=1982165316&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.29BK4OTJWL4UF&ref_=aip_sf_asn_list_ofs_mixed_d_qv_asin [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1982165316?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzheat0ce5-20&creativeASIN=1982165316&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.29BK4OTJWL4UF&ref_=aip_sf_asn_list_ofs_mixed_d_qv_asin]  Ethical Slut Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0399579664? linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzheat0ce5-20&creativeASIN=0399579664&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.29BK4OTJWL4UF&ref_=aip_sf_asn_list_ofs_mixed_d_qv_asin [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0399579664?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzheat0ce5-20&creativeASIN=0399579664&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.29BK4OTJWL4UF&ref_=aip_sf_asn_list_ofs_mixed_d_qv_asin]  RATE & REVIEW US! Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here. https://podfollow.com/AskASexTherapist [https://podfollow.com/AskASexTherapist] This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp