#215 Sex, Relationships, and Healing After Sexual Trauma - with Darshana Avila

What happens to the mind/body/spirit when someone experiences sexual trauma? How does sexual trauma show up in sex, intimacy and relationships? And what are some ways folks can begin to heal from their sexual trauma? Darshana Avila answers all this and more.  We also answer a sex question about shame while exploring "dirty talk" after having an affair.  Want to skip to the interview? Fast forward to minute 30.  About our guest: Darshana Avila helps women (and sometimes their partners too) who are ready for radical intimacy to lay down their armor and claim their wholeness in life and love, tapping into the power of the erotic within themselves. She believes that none of us is actually broken and in need of fixing, but instead we have fragmented parts that need to be reclaimed and integrated into our being. Her unique approach facilitates this journey and supports her clients and students in having a sense of deep intimacy within themselves, more access to the power of the erotic in their lives and greater authenticity and enjoyment in their relationships. As an Erotic Wholeness Coach she weaves together a somatic and relational style of guidance that is rooted in nature-based and trauma-informed wisdom. Knowing that we all long to belong, to feel ourselves truly at home in our bodies and lives and to experience more ease in our being, her work is dedicated to exactly that. Using the laboratory of her own life and relationships as a foundation, she has mixed together a very singular brew of modalities, influences and wisdom bodies - not to worry, she's a good witch! - that is spiced with her grounded, candid and loving approach to meeting people in some of the most tender parts of themselves. Wondering about her credentials? She is a Certified Sexological Bodywork (Somatic Sex Educator), a Somatica (TM) Relationship & Intimacy Coach, a NeuroAffective Touch Practitioner and is in training as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. She's also a Certified Professional Coach, has a certificate in EcoTherapy and is in the process of certification as a Wild Mind Practitioner through Animas Valley Institute. She received her B.S. from the University of Florida in 2004. To learn more visit darshanaavila.com and find her on Instagram at @eroticwholeness   Other links: Get 10% off + free shipping with code SHAMELESSSEX on Uberlube AKA our favorite lubricant at uberlube.com Get $5 off while mastering the art of pleasure at OMGyes.com/shameless Get 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code Shameless at Manscaped.com Get up to $200 off your customized dream mattress + two free pillows at helixsleep.com/shameless Get 15% off all of your sex toys with code SHAMELESSSEX at purepleasureshop.com Want to try one of our favorite boutique wines? Get 10% off of 3 bottles or more with code SHAMELESSSEX10 or 15% off of 6 bottles or more with come SHAMELESSSEX15 at marginswine.com Buy some Shameless Sex swag while supporting a good cause when you visit teepublic.com/stores/shameless-sex-podcast