Awakening The Body

“Sexual shame causes profound wounding in people’s lives, because it hurts in their ability to do attachment, to give love, and to receive love. They don’t believe they are fundamentally worthy of love, and so they put up a mask. So if somebody loves them, they think that they couldn’t possibly love me if they knew who I was. So that love doesn’t get in.And then, the loving coming out is behind this mask, like, I’m going to do what I think you want me to do.It affects our ability to do attachment. And as a human one of my core desires is to be seen. known, loved, and accepted. And this interrupts that, at every level.”Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers is a licensed sex and gender feminist psychotherapist, best-selling author, researcher, emeriti professor, and media personality whose expertise spans sex therapy, spiritual intimacy, parenting, medicine, and social justice. Her revolutionary perspectives have been expressed on platforms such as Spirituality & Health, Refinery 29, Vocal, Medium, and Bust Magazines, along with many podcast, radio, news, and TV outlets. Known for exposing the impact of patriarchy and sexual shame on our ability to securely attach to our partners, and instruct our children to attach to theirs, Dr. Sellers’ book Sex, God, & the Conservative Church – Erasing Shame from Sexual Intimacy has had a global impact. Her latest book, Shameless Parenting – Everything You Need to Raise Shame-free, Confident, Kids and Heal Your Shame Too! was a New Release Bestseller in eight categories. She speaks throughout the world on how to heal, and how to raise shame-free relationally confident children. In 2015, Dr. Sellers founded the Northwest Institute on Intimacy, a post-graduate institute to train psychotherapists, educators, clergy, and physicians in sexual health, healing sexual shame and trauma, and understanding their sexual biases. In 2023, Dr. Tina founded InannaRising.org - A private membership community for psychedelic assisted therapists and medical providers to get ongoing clinical consultation, collaboration, training, and support in creating scholarships for the under resourced, and participation in an indigenous reparation fund. Dr. Tina’s websites and social media:https://www.instagram.com/drtinashameless/https://www.instagram.com/inanna_rising_pat/https://www.tinaschermersellers.com/https://inannarising.org/Shameless Parenting: https://www.amazon.ca/Shameless-Parenting-Everything-Shame-free-Confident/dp/B0BZF5865H/Sex God and the Conservative Church: https://www.amazon.ca/Sex-God-Conservative-Church-Intimacy-ebook/dp/B07252M2H2Reference: Audre Lorde reads Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic As Power https://youtu.be/aWmq9gw4Rq0?si=HopYif_ttLzfBosvwww.rachealcharlie.comIf you wish to support my podcast, it will be warmly received and appreciated here: buy me a coffeeIntro and outro music recorded, composed, and performed by Racheal Charlie.

“I applied that touch to myself to attune to my own body. At first it was really hard, I was extremely disconnected from my body. I loathed it. I felt disgusting. I did all the things, ..I set timers, … intentional practise of an hour of this. A lot of boredom. Then eventually my body started telling me the stories of my life through my fingers. I felt the lines in my face and I remembered my time in Kenya in the sun. The strength in my shoulders from carrying babies. The stretch marks in my stomach. The lips of my vulva. It was just like a storybook of the most vivid imagery. I was like, “wow, I feel so good to touch. Anybody would actually be really, really lucky to touch this body of mine.”Stretch marks that I’d hated and loathed actually create an incredible texture playground to the fingers. The grooves and the wrinkles. It took a while. It was not overnight. It was months. But eventually i started really appreciating my body. That was pre even learning to masturbate with my hands. I had to learn that and discover. And that was another level of “this is disgusting”. Then, “no actually, this is amazing.” I so believe in the power of touch that’s present, non demanding and non goal oriented.”----This conversation begins with Natasha’s experiencing living in Kenya with the Maasai tribe on and off for 5 years, and how her watching their ways of being with children opened up a process of change from the inside out, in her own relationship to her children, and also her relationship to herself with touch, intimacy, and finally a grounded relationship with sexuality.As I was putting the podcast together and re-listening to our conversation, I was struck by the concept and work of decolonizing the body and the self. We didn’t use that term in our conversation. It comes from indigenous and BIPOC wisdom. It is a path we can all engage in to potentially re-engage with our bodies, our emotions, our felt sense, of working with conflict, of love, and of community and connection with humans and the more than human. Natasha’s journey is gorgeous, slow, and profound. And I know it continues through her work in sexuality, through her relationships with her family and loved ones, and her ways of being in the world. When Natasha was 20, she witnessed female genital mutilation first hand in Kenya, and realized that a part of a woman’s power comes from her right to pleasure. Uncomfortable with this right for herself, it took over a decade before Natasha began her journey inwards — reconnecting to her innermost self, her right to pleasure, and then supporting others to do the same. Today Natasha holds space for clients as a Sex and Intimacy Counsellor, Intimacy Coach, Betty Dodson Certified Bodysex facilitator, Orgasm Coach, Breathwork facilitator, Body Awakening and Genital Dearmouring practitioner.You can connect with and learn more about Natasha Salaash’s work in these places: https://natashasexcounselling.ca/https://natashasalaash.com/----www.rachealcharlie.com If you want to support my podcast, you can buy me a coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rachealcharlieLogo design, and intro/outro music by Racheal Charlie.

This 10th episode is a conversation with Jaclyn Lanthier, around Lichen Sclerosis. We talk about what it is, the importance of diagnosis, hormones and their possible importance as an adjunct therapy, self touch and myofascial release, vibrators, the difficulties of folks with penis’s getting support and a diagnosis, and how much care and love is necessary for all of our genitals.Jaclyn is a vulvar lichen sclerosus patient advocate from Toronto, Canada. Jaclyn is the founder and director of The Lost Labia Chronicles, an evidence-based knowledge-sharing hub for vulvar lichen sclerosus information and support. She is on the executive board of Lichen Sclerosus Network, a non-profit organization based in the USA. She is currently enrolled in the EUPATI patient expert training program to improve her skills in patient advocacy. Jaclyn did her Ph.D. in philosophy of neuroscience at the Western University, in London, Ontario, where she evaluated the scientific methods and protocols used in cognitive neuroscience research to assess the reliability of the findings and ensure that the conclusions drawn from these studies are credible and trustworthy. Jaclyn is passionate about science communication, knowledge translation, and improving the quality of life of people with VLS through education and support.Jaclyn’s Website: www.lostlabia.comInstagram:www.instagram.com/thelostlabiachroniclesFacebook:www.facebook.com/thelostlabiachroniclesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelostlabiachroniclesDr Rachel Rubin's blog on adhesions: https://www.rachelrubinmd.com/post/new-research-on-clitoral-adhesionsDr Corey Babb talking about hormones: https://youtu.be/o5gTLNL9LNU?si=Vp7udmLh-a1D8CwKMyofascial release and clitoral adhesions: https://youtu.be/QWyM1WFAY-Y?si=theIr4U9geJprS5sWhen Sex Hurts: Understanding and Healing Pelvic Pain, by Andrew Goldstein, Caroline Pukall, Irwin Goldstein, and Jill Krapf.https://www.amazon.ca/When-Sex-Hurts-Understanding-Healing/dp/0306827425For more episodes of this podcast and for more information about my work, visit: www.rachealcharlie.comIf you want to support my podcast, you can buy me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/rachealcharlieLogo design, and intro/outro music by Racheal Charlie.

Episode 9: Tyson Adams: Porn Addiction, Circumcision, and a Pathway Back to Wholeness“There is a study done in 2015 that showed that 85/87% …of the porn that were the top 20/25 videos of that year, contained some form of violence, sexism, and or gender-ism, in the sense of the male was receiving the orgasms and the women were receiving a very small amount of those orgasms. And so, what’s important to understand is beyond what the industry is doing to us. We are eroticizing things that create a nervous system of violence, sexism, gender-ism and all of these different things that we’re not aware of. And then we’re wondering why we feel dysregulated and we don’t connect the dots to the fact that we are literally bringing in the energetics of those individuals, on the other side of the screen, that are coming through the technology and into our own bodies. And that is something that I learned on psychedelics: doing mushrooms and then watching pornography. And starting to see - oh my gosh, we’re not just watching porn, we’re eroticizing the energetics of whoever it is we’re watching, and whatever their journey and story was, we’re now bringing that into ourself. And as I got in touch with that, I realized, oh my god, I’ve been doing that for decades. And then I went on a pretty major journey to move all of that trauma, and all of that violence out of my own system. Which was quite a laborious process, but unbelievably therapeutic and necessary and, I’m so grateful.”This conversation with Tyson Adams is around some really deep societal wounding. We talk about porn addiction, circumcision, the impacts on the individual, and relationally on many levels. We also touch in a little on working with entheogens and some of the learning and healing possibilities in those spaces.Tyson Adams is a trauma informed IFS men’s coach, somatic bodyworker, and psychedelic facilitator. After spending 20 years addicted to pornography, he outgrew it seven years ago and has found his passion and purpose in helping other men master their life-force energy. He also co-facilitates men’s work leadership intensives and works with couples experiencing intimacy challenges. When he’s not working you’ll catch him on a rock wall or riding a slackline in sunny San Diego.This is how Tyson works safely with sexual trauma:https://www.instagram.com/p/C8H1FvBJf8o/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==You can connect with Tyson Adams in these places:https://www.facebook.com/adams.tysonhttps://www.instagram.com/tysonadams__/email: [email protected] you want to support my podcast, you can buy me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/rachealcharlieThis episode is also in video form on the ⁠Awakening The Body YouTube Channel⁠: https://youtu.be/ZGO_XycKA28?si=8YQZxr3MzGnV0YRDLogo design, and intro/outro music by Racheal Charlie.

Pleasure Is An Inside Job"Self pleasuring is a never ending practise and you can keep that because I was my first partner when I was young, and I will be the last at the end of my life maybe. So I should have a good relationship with that person, and that’s me…It’s just healthy relationship with yourself.”Marika Tousignant is an intimacy coach, somatic sex educator, sexological bodyworker, pleasure activist, enthusiastic sex geek and full time massage therapist since 1998 with a background in music, yoga and breathwork. She facilitates retreats for women & folks with vulvas centered on selfpleasure and selflove.Find Marika on her facebook page, or contact her directly: https://www.facebook.com/marika.tousignant?mibextid=JRoKGimarikatousignant@gmail.comwww.rachealcharlie.comIf you want to support my podcast, you can buy me a coffee .Logo design, and intro/outro music by Racheal Charlie.

“There is nothing more extraordinary than, when you can resource your body enough, get enough support, to embody the people that have harmed you. It’s such a lesson in understanding intergenerational trauma. That  there are no villains or victims. But that, as Gabor Maté says, there’s a lot of hurting people. “Rita Bozi is a multidisciplinary Somatic Relational trauma-informed Facilitator and Psychedelic Therapist, author, educator, and podcast co-host of PUNK THERAPY (Psychedelic Underground Neural Kindness). With twenty-nine years experience in the healing arts, she is the director of Brilliant Healing Inc. working with individuals and groups leading therapeutic, experiential and creative medicine retreats. She teaches internationally and trains, mentors and supervises medicine practitioners in her unique program, Somatic Relational Trauma-informed Practices for Medicine-Assisted Facilitation. In 2022, she was guest faculty at The Synthesis Institute and in 2024 she completed a practicum in Somatic Transformation with Sharon Stanley PhD. Rita has deep respect for and experience with both non-traditional and Indigenous medicines and practices a non-pathologizing, body-centered, attachment-based and bio-psycho-social approach to healing.She is a retired dancer, actor and playwright. Her first novel, When I Was Better released in 2022 is a winner of the Firebird Book Award and a finalist for the Goethe International literary award for Late-Historical Fiction. She is currently writing PUNK Therapy, drawing on her clinical work with women.  Find all of Rita's projects on Linktreebrillianthealingsystems.comListen to the Punk Therapy Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcastswww.rachealcharlie.comIf you want to support my podcast, you can buy me a coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rachealcharlieLogo design, and intro/outro music by Racheal Charlie.

In this episode, we delve into Jennie Anstey's fascinating journey towards embodiment and explore how it aligns with her work both in the water and on the land. Jennie opens up about the referential experiences that have been instrumental in helping her navigate the complexities of supporting a full practice of clients while still maintaining a fulfilling life encompassing dance, movement, teaching, family, and love. Her distinct journey and unique perspectives on the body are truly captivating. Join us as I have an enriching conversation with this incredible individual, who I am delighted to call a friend, colleague, and mentor. Prepare to uncover more about her world and be inspired by her story.Jennie Anstey is an osteopath based in Montreal, bringing over 20 years of experience and understanding of osteopathic principles to her private and group sessions, aquatic courses, and workshops. With a focus on body alignment, nervous system balance, rehabilitation after surgery or injuries, and the integration of challenging experiences through bodywork, Jennie's work offers profound support and healing. Her deep fascination with water's therapeutic properties and its ability to facilitate movement forms the core of her land and aquatic-based practice. Jennie's approach carries a profound holistic perspective, where the body's harmony resonates with the symphony of nature's forces.www.jennieanstey.comwww.rachealcharlie.comIf you want to support my podcast, you can buy me a coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rachealcharlieLogo design, and intro/outro music by Racheal Charlie.

This episode focuses on how my own personal and professional growth and learning have enabled me to assist others in their journeys of flourishing. Evelyne's perspective enriches our dialogue and helps in highlighting my journey, learnings and practice so you can have a deeper understanding of how I approach somatic sex education, sex work, and trauma healing.Evelyne Chevry is a multifaceted identity who is professionally and personally active in various fields from science, through art and entrepreneurship. She publicly identifies as a futurist and activist as well as a queer, neurodivergent transwoman of colour, yet she is continuously discovering other parts of herself that are unfolding.  Her journey of flourishing and empowerment has led her to heal and learn on her own gender and sexual identity through therapies and tools in trauma healing, sexual therapy, embodiment, mindfulness, eroticism, relationship and art.Through her entrepreneurship side, her commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in her activism and public stances. A spokesperson for causes such as neurodiversity,  the support of LGBTQ2IA communities, feminism, BIPOC reality, sustainable development, and social innovation, Evelyne combines professionalism, innovation, art, and social commitment to contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable society.You can find Evelyne Chevry on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelynechevry/-Racheal Charlie: www.rachealcharlie.com-If you want to support my podcast, you can buy me a coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rachealcharlieLogo design, and intro/outro music by Racheal Charlie.

A conversation circling around Caffyn’s most recent book, Love and Death in a Queer Universe.Caffyn Jesse is a queer elder, sacred intimate, teacher and writer who revels in the power and pleasures of the erotic. They are a renowned teacher of sex, intimacy and healing trauma with pleasure. Encouraging neuroplastic change to support sexual healing and expanded pleasure, unwinding sexual trauma, exploring the intersection of sex and spirit, creating erotic community are all core to their work and play. Caffyn is a tireless advocate of embodied love.Caffyn offers an Intimacy Educator teaching in an online program on The Art and Science of Sacred Intimacy. They host regular “office hours” where you can meet, connect and ask questions. They also offer a program on psychedelic medicine integration.Caffyn’s books include Love and Death in a Queer Universe, Elements of Intimacy, Sensual Man, Science for Sexual Happiness, Intimacy Educator: Teaching with Touch, Elements of Intimacy and Pelvic Pain Clinic.Caffyn taught for many years in the Sexological Bodywork and Somatic Sex Educationprofessional trainings, as well as offering their training for Intimacy Educators, occasional workshops on topics ranging from pelvic pain to sex in long-term relationships, and a trauma training for professionals who touch.——Racheal Charlie: www.rachealcharlie.comIf you want to support my podcast, you can buy me a coffee .Logo design, and intro/outro music by Racheal Charlie

“The soul feels unsafe in a frightened body. Let’s prepare your body to be a home for the soul again.” Mehdi-Mehdi has been a psychotherapist for over 25 years. He specializes in in trauma and sex. Mehdi has graduate degrees in counselling psychology and art therapy, and training in sandplay therapy, sexological bodywork and somatic sex education. He lives Nanaimo and works with clients in person and online everywhere. Mehdi’s approach is based on connecting people with their authentic Self and pleasure, and finding creative solutions towards consensual and pleasurable relationships. His clientele includes adults with histories of trauma and couples with sex and relationship challenges.   Mehdi’s website: https://thetouchingcure.com/-Resources mentioned:Wheel of consent book by Dr Betty Martin with Robyn Dalzen: https://wheelofconsentbook.com/Janet W Hardy autobiography, Impervious: Confessions of a Semi-Retired Deviant: https://www.amazon.com/Impervious-Confessions-Semi-Retired-Janet-Hardy/dp/1948780097/Institute for the Study of Somatic Sex Education: https://somaticsexeducator.com/——Racheal Charlie: www.rachealcharlie.comIf you want to support my podcast, you can buy me a coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rachealcharlieLogo design, and intro/outro music by Racheal Charlie