Search

Home > Better Sex > 346: Connection and Intimacy after Addiction and Trauma with Vanessa Carlisle


	Podcast:		Better Sex
	Episode:		346: Connection and Intimacy after Addiction and Trauma with Vanessa Carlisle
	Category:		Health
	Duration:		00:40:15
	Publish Date:		2025-12-08 17:09:01
	Description:		In this episode of the Better Sex podcast, host Jessa Zimmerman engages in a meaningful conversation with Vanessa Carlisle about reclaiming intimacy and pleasure after addiction and trauma. Vanessa discusses her personal and professional experience in navigating violence, trauma, and sex work. They explore the gaps in support for sexual recovery among trauma and addiction survivors, the cultural and systemic challenges in discussing sexuality, and the path to reconnecting with one's body and pleasure. Vanessa emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, sensory pleasure, and effective communication in intimate relationships. The episode also highlights the role of community and support networks in healing and thriving. 00:00 Introduction to Better Sex 00:49 Reclaiming Pleasure After Trauma 01:51 Personal and Professional Insights 03:51 Challenges in Recovery and Sexuality 05:53 Impact of Trauma on Sexual Behavior 07:05 Navigating Sobriety and Intimacy 09:09 Sex Work, Substance Use, and Trauma 13:18 Seeking Healing and Integration 18:16 Path to Self-Awareness and Connection 21:06 Taking It Slow: Understanding Your Pace 22:06 Communicating with Your Partner 24:52 Navigating Hookups and Relationships 27:52 The Importance of Self-Care 28:38 Exploring Themes in My Novel 30:27 Vision for a Connected World 36:31 Upcoming Events and Resources 38:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Take my quizzes at https://www.intimacywithease.com Bio: Vanessa Carlisle, PhD, MFA (they/them), is an author, coach, and educator in the fields of gender, sexuality, and trauma. Dr. Carlisle’s lived experience includes over twenty-five years in sex work and fifteen years of advocacy for the sex-working community. As a survivor of both intimate partner and institutional violence, Dr. Carlisle now crafts programs that combat stigma and improve conditions for their communities, including trauma-informed self-defense training, somatic coaching, and end-of-life care services. Along with many essays and articles, Dr. Carlisle authored the award-winning novel Take Me with You about a queer sex worker who must face her grief to be able to build the life she wants. Learn more about them at www.vanessacarlisle.com. vanessacarlisle.com Want to learn more about my sponsored charity? Charity: Water is committed to providing clean water to every human on the planet, 100% of your contribution will be used directly for water projects around the globe. You can learn more at https://www.bettersexpodcast.com/water. 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 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: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass
	Total Play:		0