Have you ever gone completely blank during a moment that really mattered? You’re in front of a group. Or with someone you care about. You were fine one moment — and the next, you’re gone. Not physically, but mentally. Words vanish. You freeze. This is called a freeze response, and it’s a common part of […]
Why Shame Shapes Your Dating Patterns (And How to Reconnect with Real Desire) If shame in dating keeps pulling you into the same cycles—overgiving, shrinking, settling, or chasing unavailable partners—you’re not broken. What may be happening is that you’re repeating old relationship blueprints shaped by shame in dating. In this post, you’ll learn 5 subtle […]
Sexual Dynamics That Went Down in Season 3, Episode 5 of White Lotus White Lotus and sexual shame collide in one of the most compelling storylines of the new season—and if you’re in the sex therapy world like I am, you’ll understand why. A client-worthy confession unravels onscreen through the character of Frank, a celibate […]
Research shows that sexual shame affects a significant portion of adults, impacting everything from our self-image to our closest relationships. Whether these feelings stem from upbringing, culture, or lived experiences, we can all agree that we would rather keep shame out of our most vulnerable and intimate moments. Yet there it is, like the worst […]
What does virginity mean in today’s world, and why does the definition still matter? Throughout history, this concept has undergone dramatic transformations. In ancient times, virginity was often viewed as a form of property, tied to women’s marriage value and family honour. During the Middle Ages, it became deeply entwined with religious purity. By the […]
Body image and sexual shame are two deeply intertwined issues that have an overwhelming effect on many people’s lives and relationships (with both themselves and their sexual/romantic partners). This connection can create a challenging and seemingly inescapable cycle that impacts self-esteem, intimacy, and overall well being. If you are suffering from negative body image feeding […]
After a sexual encounter, you might expect to feel empowered or elated. But instead, you feel sad, anxious, and even shameful. At times, these feelings might even be strong enough that you avoid sex altogether, maybe even shying away from sex as a topic of conversation because the feelings of shame are so strong. If […]
Marked by newfound freedom and independence, going off to college is an exciting transitional period in the lives of young adults. In addition to exploring new academic horizons and meeting new friends, college also introduces young adults to the complexities of relationships, sexuality, and societal pressures. For many, this is both an exhilarating and nerve-wracking […]