Ann Russo: Faith Vs Sexuality - You Don't Have To Choose Between God And Pleasure | #166

Send us a text & leave your email address if you want a reply!Ever feel like your faith and your sexuality are at war with each other? If you freeze up during intimate moments, feel guilty about pleasure, or can't shake the feeling that something's "wrong" with your desires – you're not alone. Religious trauma might be the missing piece you've been searching for.Meet Ann Russo – a therapist and author whose story will surprise you. Growing up in a polyamorous household with gay fathers in the 1980s, Ann had to hide her family's truth, calling her dad's partner "the roommate" out of fear. Ironically, this painful experience of secrecy and shame became the foundation for her life's work.Today, Ann has turned her trauma into transformation. She's the founder of a practice serving marginalized communities, holds degrees in theology with a focus on queer liberation, and is pioneering a revolutionary approach to healing high control faith systems. Her secret? She doesn't make you choose between your healing and your beliefs.In this powerful conversation, Ann reveals how religious upbringing directly impacts sexual function – and offers hope for anyone trying to reconcile their spirituality with their sexuality. Whether you're staying in your faith, leaving it, or somewhere in between, Ann's approach meets you exactly where you are.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTSSexual empowerment redefined – it's about authentic choice, not performanceReligious recovery without judgment – healing while honoring your spiritual journeyThe hypervigilance reality – how current political climate affects sexuality and safetyMarginalized community support – Ann's sliding-scale practice serving underrepresented folksNon-monogamy myths busted – the real work behind alternative relationshipsStress and sexuality connection – why trauma makes intimacy nearly impossibleLINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE CAN BE FOUND HERE ON THE WEBSITE.Slow Tantric Sex Online Masterclass - Join us August 19th at 4pm Pacific / 7pm Eastern for a live masterclass on zoom. Register for $33 HERE (free limited replay window available) Sexual Reflexology Online Masterclass - Join us September 2nd at 4pm Pacific / 7pm Eastern for a live masterclass on zoom. Register for $33 HERE (free limited replay window available) Erotic Polarity Online Masterclass Register for $55 HERE Support the showPlease help support the production costs of the show! Donate now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2032242/supporters/newFREEBIE- Introduction to Tantric Kissing Video and WorkbookSxR WebsiteDr. Willow's WebsiteLeah's Website