EP#113: Moving Through Shame with Dr. Alison Ash

I'm excited to share some insights from my latest podcast episode with Dr. Alison Ash, an intimacy coach, Stanford lecturer, and the founder of Turn On Love. In this episode, we delved into the often-avoided topic of shame, particularly around intimacy and personal needs. Dr. Aly shared her expertise on how to navigate through this complex emotion and cultivate healthier relationships. Key takeaways: Recognizing Shame: We discussed how shame is a natural response to societal expectations of self-reliance and independence. Acknowledging its presence is the first step towards healing. Cultivating Safe Relationships: Dr. Aly emphasized the importance of fostering relationships where you feel safe, accepted, and a sense of belonging. It's within these relationships that we can gradually reveal our needs without fear of judgment. Releasing Shame through Empathy: We explored how empathy and acceptance from others can help release the shame we carry. However, it's crucial to expose shame gradually to avoid overwhelming ourselves. Challenging the Myth of Normality: Dr. Aly encouraged us to be authentic and share our true selves, even if it goes against societal norms. This authenticity can lead to a deeper sense of belonging. Teaching Children about Needs: We touched on the importance of teaching children to identify and communicate their needs from an early age. This approach can promote a healthier understanding and acceptance of needs in society. The Art of Saying "No": We discussed the challenge of saying "no" when we can't meet someone else's needs. Dr. Ash advocates for delivering the "no" with empathy and understanding. But that's not all! We have an exciting episode coming up where Dr. Aly and I will be discussing champ pussy giving and receiving. Stay tuned for this enlightening conversation! In the meantime, you can connect with Dr. Aly through the links provided in the show notes. This podcast is sponsored by my online coaching program: https://www.jenniferkayloruscin.com/love-coach-jennifer-ruscin Follow Jen & The Open Bedroom Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/theopenbedroompodcast/ Follow Dr. Alison Ash: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/turnon.love/ Coaching - TurnON.love/coaching Sexual and Emotional Intimacy Skills Mastercourse - TurnON.love/intimacy On-demand workshops (including How to Eat Pussy like a Champ) - TurnON.love/workshops Live events - www.TurnON.love/events