Trauma, Sex & the Nervous System What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You with Dr. Rose Schlaff

In Season 3, Episode 11 of the Element Q Podcast, TJ Woodward sits down with Dr. Rose Schlaff, PT, DPT, WHC, IF, a pelvic physical therapist, sexologist, and mentor in integrative sexual wellness, for an insightful conversation about the connection between trauma, the nervous system, pelvic floor health, sexual wellness, shame, and LGBTQIA+ mental health. Dr. Rose explains why the pelvic floor is an important—and often overlooked—part of whole-person mental health care. She explores how trauma can influence the body's threat response, bladder and digestive function, pain, sexual health, intimacy, and our ability to experience safety and pleasure. The conversation also challenges the idea that physical symptoms are somehow "all in your head." Instead, TJ and Dr. Rose explore how the brain and body communicate in both directions, and how creating safety can help us begin to change patterns that were once protective. In this episode, we explore: Why everyone has a pelvic floor—and why pelvic health matters to every gender and body How trauma can contribute to pelvic floor tension and dysfunction The connection between anxiety, bladder function, digestion, and the nervous system Why trauma symptoms are not your fault How the body's protective responses can become patterns that continue long after trauma The relationship between trauma, pain, sexual health, and intimacy The impact of shame and silence around sexuality Why clinicians need to become more comfortable talking about sexual health How safety can help support nervous system regulation and healing The relationship between neuroplasticity, thoughts, emotions, and physical symptoms Somatic awareness and reconnecting with the body Practical ways couples can create more safety and communication around intimacy Why moving from pain to pleasure can be part of the healing process How LGBTQIA+ affirming and trauma-informed care can support more complete healing Dr. Rose also discusses her Reclaim the Flame® method, which integrates neuroscience, somatic awareness, and affirming trauma-informed sex counseling to help people move from disconnection toward desire, pleasure, confidence, and connection. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: https://www.elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: https://www.tjwoodward.com Dr. Rose Schlaff: https://www.bewellwithrose.com