Queen City Healthy Sex and Relationships

The holidays can be one of the most emotionally challenging times of the year—and if you’re feeling sadness, loneliness, or a sense of loss, there may be nothing “wrong” with you at all.In this solo episode, Dr. Sophia explores why grief shows up so strongly during the holiday season and why grief is not only normal—but actually a powerful healing force. Going far beyond death and dying, this episode breaks down the three core types of grief we all experience: traditional grief, ambiguous grief, and original (attachment) grief.You’ll learn:Why grief is not depression—and why feelings are not factsHow unprocessed grief often turns into anxietyWhy the holidays amplify ambiguous and attachment-based griefHow to feel grief in the body instead of getting stuck in painful thinkingPractical, compassionate tools for moving through grief with less anxiety and more calmDr. Sophia also shares why learning to feel grief is one of the most transformative emotional skills we can develop—and how this work can lead to deeper connection, self-compassion, and healing.Whether you’re grieving a person, a relationship, a family you never had, or a life that looks different than you imagined, this episode offers understanding, validation, and real tools to support you through the holiday season.

In this episode, Dr. Sophia sits down with Chris Weedon, founder of Mentally Shredded, to explore the powerful connection between mental, emotional, and physical wellness.Chris shares how his own journey through performance anxiety, depression, and burnout inspired him to create a movement that helps people rebuild from the inside out. Together, he and Dr. Sophia dive into:How Mentally Shredded blends fitness and mental health to foster holistic well-beingThe importance of creating balance across work, life, and personal growthThe vision of expanding mental wellness programs worldwide — even to Antarctica!Why true lifestyle change means aligning the mind, body, and purposeYou’ll also hear Dr. Sophia’s excitement about joining Mentally Shredded as an advisor, helping shape this groundbreaking approach to modern wellness.Whether you’re looking to strengthen your mental resilience, improve your physical health, or simply find deeper connection in your life, this episode offers inspiration, honesty, and hope for anyone ready to live mentally shredded.🎧 Tune in and join the movement toward a stronger mind, stronger body, and stronger community.

In this powerful episode of Queen City Healthy Sex and Relationships, Dr. Sophia sits down with Lisa and Andrew Reichel, founders of Room to Heal—a recovery residence supporting men struggling with porn, sex, and love addiction, as well as their partners and families. They share their raw, inspiring story of betrayal, heartbreak, and healing—and how their personal journey led to the creation of a space where others can experience deep recovery and transformation. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating intimacy challenges, relationship trauma, or the journey of healing from addiction.

In this courageous and deeply personal episode, Dr. Sophia sits down with her very first Charlotte client, Will — a young man in recovery from sex addiction. Together, they discuss the realities of early exposure to pornography, the shame and stigma surrounding SAA (Sex Addicts Anonymous), and how recovery and community can offer hope and healing.Will opens up about his darkest moments, including his arrest, suicidal ideation, and the life-changing decision to seek help. This is a raw and vital conversation about accountability, addiction, and the power of second chances.Whether you're struggling yourself, love someone who is, or want to better understand the complexities of sex addiction, this episode offers both insight and inspiration.

In this episode, Dr. Sophia takes us on a deep and compassionate dive into the real world of sex therapy—what it is, what it definitely isn't, and why it's so important for individuals and couples alike. 💬🚫 No, sex therapy is not what pop culture often portrays it as.💡 Yes, it’s about emotional connection, communication, healing, and rediscovering intimacy.Dr. Sophia shares real-life case examples, explores common misconceptions, and discusses how trauma, shame, culture, and relationship dynamics all impact our sexuality.This episode is perfect for:People curious about therapyCouples looking to reconnectIndividuals working through sexual traumaAnyone seeking a more authentic, pleasurable sex lifeTopics covered include:The true goals of sex therapyEmotional intimacy vs. physical intimacyHow sex therapy helps with trauma and shameHealing from religious or cultural sexual repressionUnderstanding sexual developmentPornography’s impact on sexualityDeepening connection in long-term relationships🎧 Available as a video podcast, now recorded over Zoom!🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment if this resonated with you or if you have questions you’d like Dr. Sophia to explore in future episodes.

In this episode of the Queen City Healthy Sex Podcast, Dr. Sophia dives into some of the most common questions she’s asked as a therapist and sex addiction specialist. Whether it’s at a dinner party or during a consultation, people often wonder: What is sex addiction? How does sex therapy differ from regular therapy? Do I need a therapist or a coach? Drawing from her professional expertise and personal recovery journey through Al-Anon, CoDA, SAA, and ACA, Dr. Sophia shares candid insights about the misconceptions, challenges, and transformative potential of therapy. She also discusses her own experiences as both a therapist and a therapy client, emphasizing the value of self-awareness and doing the deep, root-cause work to foster growth and healing. Tune in to gain clarity on these important topics and explore how therapy can be a powerful tool for navigating relationships, intimacy, and personal recovery.

In this episode of the Queen City Healthy Sex Podcast, Dr. Sophia, a seasoned psychotherapist with 25 years of experience, reintroduces herself and discusses her new practice in Charlotte as part of the Queen City Podcast Network. Dr. Sophia delves into sex therapy, sex addiction, love addiction, codependency, trauma, and the crucial role of intimacy and connection in relationships. She emphasizes the impact of early childhood attachment issues on adult relationships and the importance of deep-rooted therapy for individual and couples' healing. The episode highlights the distinctions between sex therapy and sex addiction therapy, the value of personal work for attracting healthier relationships, and responsible sexual health.

Welcome to Queen City Healthy Sex and Relationships, hosted by Dr. Sophia, a seasoned therapist specializing in relationships, sex therapy, addiction, intimacy, and trauma. In this episode, Dr. Sophia sits down with Alex LeBrec host of The Charlotte Dating Podcast, for a candid conversation about dating trends, relationship dynamics, and navigating the dating world in Charlotte. Alex shares her journey of launching a dating podcast focused on intentional dating and how her personal experiences inspired the show. From dating apps to real-life encounters, Dr. Sophia and Alex dive into the ups and downs of modern dating, addressing topics like dating burnout, intentional connection, and overcoming rejection. Join them as they explore how dating can be fun yet meaningful, the importance of finding the right match, and why rejection isn't a reflection of your worth. Whether you're single, in a relationship, or navigating the dating scene, this episode offers insights and encouragement for building healthy, intentional relationships.