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

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 MeeseIn 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 Episode00:10 Meet Laurel Roberts Meese01:18 The Importance of Credentials and Fun03:01 Understanding Sexual Assault05:39 Defining Sexual Assault08:56 The Emotional Impact of Assault14:17 Trauma and the Body18:23 Supporting a Partner Through Healing25:42 Addressing Male Sexual Assault26:51 Victim Mindset and Healing27:42 Journey from Victim to Survivor28:20 Empowerment Through Boundaries36:06 The Importance of Self-Compassion39:58 Sensate Focus for Intimacy42:20 Connecting with Laurel Therapy43:54 Final Thoughts on HealingLaurel 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  SIMILARLY AWESOME EPISODES: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 RATE & REVIEW US!Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here. https://podfollow.com/AskASexTherapist This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp