Episode 443: Sex And Intimacy After Trauma

All too often, survivors of sexual violence are treated as though they’re permanently broken. However, healing and recovery are possible. My guest today has written a new book that explores how survivors reclaim sex, intimacy, and desire after assault. It’s unlike most other books on trauma because it dares to ask not just how people survive, but also how they thrive again.

I am joined by Katie Simon (they/them), a sexuality journalist and author of Tell Me What You Like: An Honest Discussion of Sex and Intimacy After Sexual Assault. Their writing has previously appeared in The New York Times, New York Magazine, Vogue, The Washington Post, Playboy, and Women’s Health.

Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include:

• What is the role of self-exploration in navigating sex and intimacy after sexual assault?
• What are some practical things that can potentially help survivors of sexual assault?
• What does the concept of post-traumatic growth look like in practice?
• How can helping professionals become better-equipped to serve survivors?

You can visit Katie’s website to learn more about their work.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.

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Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.