Ask A Sex Therapist with Heather Shannon Heather Shannon

🎙️ Hot flashes, mood swings, and... sexy times? Menopause isn't just your mother's concern, folks – it's a rollercoaster that can start as early as *38* and it affects everything from your emotions to your intimacy. 😳💥 Fear not, because this episode of *Ask A Sex Therapist* is here to light up the path through the mist of menopause. We've got the radiant Dr. Kelly Casperson from "You Are Not Broken" dropping truth bombs on everything hormone-related. Plus, we spill the tea on the good, the bad, and the not-so-slick truths behind the lubes and creams that promise to keep things smooth sailing south of the border. 🚀💦 Tune in and turn your perimenopause frowns upside down!
Here's what you'll learn from this episode:
- The real deal on "bioidentical" hormones and what's just slick marketing 🎩📈
- Why your birth control pills aren't on the same level as menopause treatments 🚫💊
- Tips for talking to your doc about hormones like you've got an MD of your own 🗣️💪
- The lifesaving importance of lube, and why silicone is your new BFF 🙌✨
- How vaginal estrogen could be the $20 game-changer for your love life ❤️💡
Timestamps:
- [02:15] Understanding menopause and its surprising age range
- [05:30] Demystifying perimenopause symptoms
- [11:45] Why "bioidentical" hormones are causing a buzz
- [17:20] The significant risks of misinformation on vaginal estrogen
- [23:45] How healthy habits can support hormonal balance
- [31:00] Navigating the options for hormone replacement therapy
- [38:30] The big misconceptions of hormones and sexual health
- [43:10] The affordable secret weapon against dryness
- [49:50] Why GSM should be on your radar sooner rather than later
- [55:25] Vaginal estrogen myths busted for breast cancer survivors

Ready to rise above the confusion and start living your best life? Listen now and transform your approach to perimenopause and beyond! 🎧🌟

Don't miss out; visit heathershannon.com for more insights and to snag your free dirty talk guide! 📚💬

RESOURCES
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 
KELLY CASPERSON WEBSITE:
https://kellycaspersonmd.com/


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

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

Hey there, lovely listeners! 🌸 In this episode, we're getting real and addressing the tricky topic of self-consciousness during sex. Whether you're worried about your body, technique, or just feeling like a complete beginner, we've got you covered. Join me as we unpack what self-consciousness really looks like in the bedroom and uncover actionable steps to boost your confidence and fully enjoy your intimate moments. Let's kick those insecurities to the curb and embrace owning our authentic selves! 💪
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How to recognize signs of self-consciousness during sex
- The impact of cultural ideals on body image and sexual confidence
- Practical steps for finding inspiration and building confidence
- Unpacking limiting beliefs and exploring their impact on sexual experiences
- Understanding the importance of addressing emotional blocks for a fulfilling sex life

Ready to take charge and transform your sexual experiences? Tune in now to the Ask a Sex Therapist podcast! 🎧

00:00 Late night episode discussing self-consciousness during sex.
04:00 Overanalyzing can emphasize insecurities and self-consciousness.
06:44 Finding and appreciating your favorite flavors and partners.
12:25 Acceptance and compassion for body image struggles.
15:25 Challenge thoughts, change experience, unpack stories, notice.
17:27 Heather’s story of overcoming fear of public speaking in college.
19:51 Podcast email available, upcoming episodes with guests.

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 




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

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

Got feedback or an idea for the show? Email us at AskASexTherapistPodcast@gmail.com!
In the latest episode of Ask A Sex Therapist, Heather engages in a powerful conversation with guest and professional Surrogate Partner, Katherine Yeagel. Together they explore the nuanced and often misunderstood practice of Surrogate Partner Therapy. Katherine, a surrogate partner, somatic sex educator, and queer sex and relationship coach, shares her insightful perspective on the therapeutic journey, emphasizing the stepping stones of starting from a place of safety and gradually moving toward deeper connection. 

They highlight the importance of nervous system regulation, the impact of societal norms on personal relationships, and the need for authenticity in sexual encounters. Katherine's personal transformation and professional insights shed light on the intricate relationship between self-discovery and healing within the context of surrogate partner therapy. This episode offers listeners a thought-provoking examination of intimate growth, client experiences, and deliberately pacing yourself in intimate relationships to build trust and establish healthy boundaries.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

🧑‍🤝‍🧑What is Surrogate Partner Therapy? (3:41)
📑How does someone get started working in this field?
🙋 What types of people make a good client for Surrogate Partner Therapy?
🚷What are some myths about Surrogate Partner Therapy?
🚦Creating and noticing safety and green lights in your body when it comes to intimacy

TIMESTAMPS
03:41 Surrogate partners help clients practice relationship skills.
10:06 Learning to provide whole authentic relationship with clients.
13:14 Teamwork with therapists fulfills and enriches Katherine.
20:31 Creating a green zone space for yourself.
27:41 Surrogate partners navigate authenticity and attraction challenges.
37:46 Reflecting on experiences, avoiding regrets after sex.
42:00 Authentic expression leads to genuine confidence.
44:44 Deconstructing traditional views on sex and sexuality.
RESOURCES
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 (where I cover more obstacles that could be blocking your sex life!)
060: Navigating Sexual Relationships Post-Trauma with Jackie Tempera - https://pod.fo/e/213792 Ep 63 How to Communicate About Sex Openly & With Sensitivity - https://pod.fo/e/217d0a 
KATHERINE YEAGEL...

Don’t forget to “Follow” the show 👉https://podfollow.com/askasextherapist. We have awesome episodes coming up on sexual fantasies, surrogate partner therapy and what it’s like being a porn star and you won’t want to miss them!
In this week's solo episode, Heather breaks down the top 5 reasons your sex life might be feeling stagnant. Once you know what these are, you can get past them and get back to the steamy stuff! 🔥 No more sexless marriage. No more sex feeling like a chore. And no more lesbian bed death. Let’s turn the heat back up in your bedroom (just metaphorically though because it’s best to sleep in cool temperatures LOL)!

If you’ve been feeling more like roommates than lovers, this episode is for you. Sex shouldn’t be something you have to cross off your to do list. 

In this episode, you will learn:

🍆 How neglecting what worked in the beginning can cockblock you!
🦺 The importance of creating emotional safety for open communication 
😋 Ways to actively nurture and prioritize your sex life
🧠 Understanding your turn-ons and creating the right conditions for an intimate connection
🫠 The impact of unresolved hurt and betrayal on your sex life

Hit PLAY to find out how to remove these major sex blockers and start building a sex life that actually turns you on.

Here are a few highlights:
- [00:00:32] Introduction to the topic and upcoming episodes
- [00:02:21] Reason #1: Neglecting what worked in the beginning
- [00:05:41] Reason #2: Not feeling emotionally safe
- [00:08:50] Reason #3: Failing to nurture your sex life specifically
- [00:12:53] Reason #4: Not getting the type of sex that really does it for you
- [00:18:17] Reason #5: Impact of unresolved hurt and betrayal

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 
Start by requesting your Intimacy Breakthrough Call (Limit 3 per week, so book now!)

LEARN MORE ABOUT HEATHER AND HER SERVICES
https://HeatherShannon.co

ASK A SEX THERAPIST INSTAGRAM 
https://instagram.com/askasextherapist (Join the podcast’s broadcast channel!)

HEATHER’S INDIVIDUAL INSTAGRAM (new!) 
https://instagram.com/SexTherapistHeather 

YOUTUBE CHANNEL & VIDEO VERSION OF PODCAST 
https://youtube.com/@askasexcoach 

SIMILAR EPISODES (where I cover more obstacles that could be blocking your sex life!)
060: Navigating Sexual Relationships Post-Trauma with Jackie Tempera046: Body Count, Slut-Shaming & Good Girl Syndromea...

Have feedback on the show or want to ask a sex question for our next listener Q & A? Email Heather at AskASexTherapistPodcast@gmail.com.
⚡️ Sparks flying and magic in the air? Or just the sound of yet another dating myth fizzling out? 🐸💔 Join Heather and this week's guest expert, Damona Hoffman, as they smash the old fairy tale narratives and help you construct a love story that's truly your own. Our amazing guest, Damona Hoffman, is the official love expert for The Drew Barrymore Show and the #1 Best-Selling author of "F The Fairy Tale." She and Heather get pretty deep in this episode and you're in for some suprises!
This episode isn't about finding your soulmate, but finding real connections in a world full of ghosting, breadcrumbing, lazy daters and more dating pitfalls. 🧚 Whether you're a hopeless romantic or a hopeful realist, you won't want to miss the truths unpacked here. 🌟
Listeners will discover:
🔮 The myth of instant chemistry and the importance of personal growth in relationships.
🎙️ How to inspire authentic connections beyond text messages (hint: try audio messages!)
💑 The four pillars essential for a relationship and how to apply them practically.
😱 Turning the 'ick' of dating disasters into a path of personal growth and self-discovery.
🔐 Embracing realism over romance for a meaningful and fulfilling partnership.
Get insightful timestamps:
- The allure of Valentine's Day and everyday love [00:01:16]
- Demystifying the 'perfect' partner and unrealistic expectations [00:02:44]
- Is romance lost when we say 'F the fairy tale'? [00:04:19]
- The importance of staying in the moment [00:06:30]
- Damona's refreshing approach to 'the list' [00:08:40]
- The love/hate relationship with dating height requirements [00:09:57]
And much more, all within the transformative heart-to-heart between Heather and Damona Hoffman! Ready for a love revolution? Listen now, and let's rewrite the dating rules together.
DAMONA HOFFMAN'S WEBSITE:
https://damonahoffman.com/
BUY DAMON'AS BOOK "F THE FAIRY TALE""
https://damonahoffman.com/f-the-fairy-tale/
GET THE INTIMACY AUDIT FREE MINI COURSE
https://heather-shannon.mykajabi.com/intimacyaudit
CURIOUS ABOUT WORKING WITH HEATHER AS A COACH?
https://heathershannon.co/video-page/
FOLLOW THE SHOW
https://podfollow.com/askasextherapist
HEATHER'S WEBSITE
https://HeatherShannon.co
YOUTUBE VIDEO VERSION OF PODCAST & MORE
https://www.youtube.com/@AskASexCoach/podcasts


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

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

Don’t forget to follow the show. We have some amazing guests you won’t want to miss including Damona Hoffman from The Drew Barrymore show, Kelly Casperson from the You Are Not Broken podcast and surrogate partner Katherine Yeagel.
Reminder to you that the show notes are choc-ful of helpful links. You can submit your anonymous sex questions via our anonymous Ask A Sex Therapist link. I would love to hear from more of you about what you’re struggling with when it comes to sex or what you really want that you haven’t been able to figure out how to get yet. This will factor into which topics I cover on the show. In other words, not only will I answer all the questions, but you may even get your own episode!
🔥 Get ready to learn all about the art of initiating sex in this episode of Ask a Sex Therapist with Heather Shannon! Heather discusses the importance of clear communication, the different approaches to initiating, and the nuances of understanding your partner's desires. From playful seduction to setting the mood for intimacy, this episode is packed with tips and insights on how to get things going in the bedroom. If you're looking to add some excitement and connection to your sex life, you won't want to miss this candid discussion with Heather!
In this episode, you'll learn:
- The importance of clear communication when initiating sex
- Different approaches to initiating and seducing your partner
- Understanding your partner's preferences for getting in the mood
- Navigating the complexities of foreplay and arousal
- Tips for fostering intimacy and connection through initiating sex

🎧 Tune in to the episode for expert tips on how to initiate sex and bring passion back into your relationship!

Time Stamps:
- 00:54 - Heather introduces the topic of initiating sex and previews upcoming guests
- 03:25 - Heather shares a personal cringe-worthy story about a unique approach to initiating sex
- 08:08 - Identifying the different types of approaches to initiating and understanding your partner's preferences
- 12:29 - Overcoming the discomfort and challenges of initiating sex through open communication
- 16:43 - Exploring the nuances of foreplay, arousal, and navigating intimacy
- 19:54 - Heather discusses a free tool to help diagnose patterns in your sex life and offers a call to action for listeners


GET THE INTIMACY AUDIT FREE MINI COURSE
https://heather-shannon.mykajabi.com/intimacyaudit  
CURIOUS ABOUT WORKING WITH HEATHER AS A COACH?
Request a free Ignite Your Intimacy Breakthrough Session (Limit 3 per week, so book now!)
FOLLOW THE SHOW (so you won’t miss a juicy detail AND this helps more people discover Ask A Sex Therapist!)
https://podfollow.com/askasextherapist  
LEARN MORE ABOUT HEATHER AND HER SERVICES
https://HeatherShannon.co
YOUTUBE VIDEO VERSION OF PODCAST & MORE 
Heather’s YouTube - Check out the video version of this podcast & more!

LEARN MORE ABOUT HEATHER AND HER SERVICES
https://HeatherShannon.co

SIMILAR EPISODES
067: Get Vulnerable & Get Laid! - https://pod.fo/e/221294

063: How to Communicate About