Ask A Sex Therapist with Heather Shannon Heather Shannon

Episode Summary
I recently attended a film festival in St Petersburg, FL and saw the film Every Seven by married couple Caitlin Morris and Alex Hanno. The film questions the way marriage is structured and considers an interesting alternative.
After the showing, I invited them to be on the podcast and they said yes! Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about what marriage is, what it isn't and what it could be!
Connect with Alex and Caitlin
Watch Every Seven - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uDaL78JXbo&t=92s
Caitlin's IG - https://www.instagram.com/sirromcc/
Alex's IG - https://www.instagram.com/alexanderhanno/
Interested in working with me to improve your own relationship and intimacy? Request a free Intimacy Breakthrough Call! --> https://HeatherShannon.co/video-page
Are you a woman or enby in an ethically non-monogamous relationship and feel like your partner is gung-ho about it and you're struggling? Maybe you're feeling anxious and insecure or your nervous system has gotten hijacked entirely by this new relationship structure. Maybe part of you is curious and wonders what could be in it for you, but you need an emotional connection before you become interested in anyone else. And maybe you're neurodivergent and experience "rejection sensitive dysphoria" where you easily feel like you're not enough. If any of this resonates--reach out about my new "Secure Connections" group program. Shoot me an email at Hello@HeatherShannon.co. Can't wait to talk!


This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Feeling stuck with sex? Request a free Intimacy Breakthrough Call with Heather! --> Intimacy Breakthrough Session Booking Link
Join us for a special episode with Heather's clients! Lauren and Megan "graduated" from Heather's Intimacy Infusion coaching program and they spill the tea on what it was like going from feeling stuck and frustrated to feeling excited, empowered and connected.


This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Pre-Order Your Copy of Stefanie's Book Now! https://stefanieirisweiss.com/
Join Heather and our guest, astrologer & sexologist Stefanie Iris Weiss, for this fun episode all about how your (and your partner's) zodiac signs influence your approach to sex.
Download the Ask A Sex Therapist app and grab a free seat in Heather's Intimacy Audit mini course! https://apps.apple.com/gr/app/ask-a-sex-therapist/id6476728826
Learn more about coaching with Heather and request your free Intimacy Breakthrough Call! https://HeatherShannon.co/video-page


This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Announcements
New “ENM Support Squad” Group Coaching! Register here 👉 https://heather-shannon.mykajabi.com/store Looking for a podcast intern and also accepting applications for counseling interns! Email Hello@HeatherShannon.coCheck out the new Ask A Sex Therapist app and get free access to The Intimacy Audit mini course while you’re at it! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ask-a-sex-therapist/id6476728826
Summary
Heather tackles listener questions in this episode:
How to initiate a conversation with a spouse about concerns regarding their use of porn. How much of a pregnancy risk is there when a condom rips during sex? How do sex toys influence men's concept of sexuality?It seems like sex educator and coaches on social media encourage semen retention--why would this be & is it advisable?
Themes Addressed
sex therapist, ethically non-monogamous, support group, porn use, sexual behaviors, desensitization, neural pathways, behavior change, presence, awareness, sexual communication, sexual repertoire, sex addiction, high libido, existential kink


This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Join my Intro to Internal Family Systems (IFS) workshop https://shorturl.at/eS5rL this Wednesday for the chance to master your emotions, improve your relationships and get hot seat coaching with me!
In this episode, me and Todd Baratz (@YourDiagnonsense on IG) have a very REAL discussion on romantic relationships--the good, the bad and the ugly!
And be sure to check out his new--and very personal--book "How To Love Someone Without Losing Your Mind!" which is out in stores now!
Todd's Book - https://amzn.to/4euSJmp
Todd's IG - https://www.instagram.com/yourdiagnonsense/


This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

🫂Are you non-monogamous or exploring non-monogamy? If so, join Heather's ENM Support Squad Wednesdays at 4pm Eastern starting on July 24th. You can register here --> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/922588806957?aff=oddtdtcreator
🧑‍🎓We are looking for a podcast intern (must be 18+)! Email hello@heathershannon.co if you're interested.
📱Download Heather's new iOS app here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/heather-shannon-therapist/id6476728826
ABOUT THE EPISODE
Hey, lovely listeners! Today we’re tackling some deeply interesting listener questions about vaginismus, guilty pleasures, and sexual fantasies. Trust me, you don't want to miss this one--my cat even makes an appearance! 🌟🐾
We're chatting about practical strategies for managing vaginismus, letting go of guilt when it comes to pleasure, and exploring when sexual fantasies are helpful and when they're actually preventing connecting with your real life partner. Whether you're on the road or walking your dog, tune in for some enlightening and heartfelt advice. 💫
What You'll Learn:
🌬️ The importance of natural breathing and pelvic floor relaxation.
🌸 Navigating the sensitive topic of vaginismus and its emotional impact.
💭 What to do when you're attracted to your partner in your mind, but not in practice.
🤔 The importance of feeling emotionally safe when it comes to sex.
🪞 The beauty of letting go of shame and fully enjoying your pleasures.
Click play and let's make this episode of "Ask A Sex Therapist" a highlight of your week! 🎧❤️
00:00 Announcements including courses and community forum.
06:14 Difficulty achieving pleasure and anxiety over intercourse.
09:58 Options for treatment for vaginismus and resources.
11:58 Males have diverse sexual preferences and beliefs.
15:43 "Existential Kink" explores embracing and transforming shame.
19:31 Understanding and supporting partner with erectile dysfunction.
22:29 Emotional safety is crucial for libido.
24:28 Difficulty with sex might stem from emotions.
27:32 Free dirty talk guide for podcast listeners.
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GET THE INTIMACY AUDIT FREE MINI COURSE (discover what’s blocking YOUR sex life!)
https://heather-shannon.mykajabi.com/intimacyaudit
APPLY FOR HEATHER’S INTIMACY INFUSION PROGRAM 
https://HeatherShannon.co/video-page 
HEATHER’S WEBSITE
https://HeatherShannon.co
ASK A SEX THERAPIST INSTAGRAM 
https://instagram.com/askasextherapist (Join the podcast’s broadcast channel!)
HEATHER’S INSTAGRAM (new!) 
https://instagram.com/SexTherapistHeather 
YOUTUBE CHANNEL & VIDEO VERSION OF PODCAST 
https://youtube.com/@askasexcoach 
SIMILAR EPISODES
071: The Top 5 Sex Blockers - https://pod.fo/e/22a9d3079 Listener Q & A - https://pod.fo/e/23dfe4
THEMES EXPLORED
sex therapy, libido, masturbation, sexual intimacy, erectile dysfunction, vaginismus, endometriosis, internal family systems, podcasting course, sexual censorship, non-monogamy, sex education, sexual anxiety, clitoral orgasm, dilator therapy, pelvic floor physical therapy, sexual pleasure, relationship intimacy, fantasy during sex, sexual arousal, shame and stigma, attachment...