Ask A Sex Therapist with Heather Shannon

Ep. 113 Empowering Healing: Trauma, Therapy, and Sexual Assault with Laurel Roberts Meese

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Apply for a free Intimacy Breakthrough Call to learn about Heather’s Pathway to Passion coaching method. https://heathershannon.co/new-clients/ 

Empowering Healing: Trauma, Therapy, and Sexual Assault with Laurel Roberts Meese

In this episode of 'Ask a Sex Therapist,' the host welcomes Laurel Roberts Meese, a licensed therapist with extensive experience in trauma and sexual assault. Laurel discusses the fundamental understandings of sexual assault, emphasizing that it is about power rather than sex. They explore the normal reactions to traumatic experiences, the importance of setting and reinforcing boundaries, and the role of tools such as EMDR and sensate focus in healing. Alongside practical advice for partners of survivors, Laurel highlights the significance of radical self-compassion in the healing process. Listeners are provided with resources and insights to navigate the complex journey of trauma recovery.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:10 Meet Laurel Roberts Meese

01:18 The Importance of Credentials and Fun

03:01 Understanding Sexual Assault

05:39 Defining Sexual Assault

08:56 The Emotional Impact of Assault

14:17 Trauma and the Body

18:23 Supporting a Partner Through Healing

25:42 Addressing Male Sexual Assault

26:51 Victim Mindset and Healing

27:42 Journey from Victim to Survivor

28:20 Empowerment Through Boundaries

36:06 The Importance of Self-Compassion

39:58 Sensate Focus for Intimacy

42:20 Connecting with Laurel Therapy

43:54 Final Thoughts on Healing

Laurel Robert Meese’s INFO:

Laurel’s website: https://www.laureltherapy.net/ 

Trauma informed Yoga: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtrxXhwgHkw 

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  

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Liked the episode? Here’s a few more episodes of Ask A Sex Therapist that you'll enjoy:

Healing Sexual Trauma Together: https://youtu.be/Wvou3bRRbq4?si=dEOPsA7vpFjp8Wgl 

Navigating Sexual Relationships Post Trauma with Jackie Tempera https://youtu.be/yWLrgzBS2mo?si=WU-NAkqihy-wqv46 

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