The Sexual Wellness Sessions

'Pro porn, pro sex, pro knowing the difference' is one of the many points that Cindy Gallop discusses when talking about how through gaps in good enough education, resources and conversations that pornography became many people's default form of sex education; and how Make Love Not Porn, the platform she's been working on for 17 years can help offer an alternative. In this episode Cindy holds the position that when shame, guilt, and embarrassment shape our understanding of sex, that this drives our sexual behaviours, and for many creates sexual dissatisfaction and the difficulties that many face in their sex lives today. She shares her experiences of how and why what she's created is different, and offers a challenge to the performative nature of so much sexual content that is readily available online. Make Love Not Porn is a human-created and user-led social sex platform which reflects the authenticity of human sex lives and diversity of experiences that people are actually having. Importantly a part of this is the visibility of communication, consent, and the realities of when sex doesn't go perfectly. She also shares the challenges related to the infrastructure around running a business like this, the limitations to raising funding and investment; and the barriers faced by those trying to create ethical, educational spaces in this landscape, and what it means to build something that challenges deeply embedded systems.   New Episode Every Friday   This series was brought to you by Lelo, the world-leading luxury sexual wellness brand whose range is built on the belief that a fulfilled intimate life is a vital part of our overall wellbeing—a sentiment that sits at the very heart of this podcast.   Head over to LELO.com and use the code KM15 at the checkout to receive 15% off your order.   Code valid until 30th June 2026       Follow Us On Socials   Kate Moyle https://www.instagram.com/katemoyletherapy?igsh=MXNpNnFla240a3Rhcg==   Cindy Gallop https://www.instagram.com/cindygallop?igsh=MWk3OHdqaGFrOWptNw==   Make Love Not Porn https://www.instagram.com/mlnp_videos?igsh=NWs0OXFrbThpc3cy   Lelo https://www.instagram.com/lelo_official?igsh=MWhvZzJpa3o3c3l1cA==  

If love is a verb, then what are the ingredients that make up a thriving relationship? And is love something that can be designed? In this episode, we explore world renowned relationship expert Dr Sara Nasserzadeh's definition of love, and her emergent love model. Her model and research examines relationships through a lens of not being built on luck, chemistry, or chance alone—but on structure, intention, and a set of core ingredients that shape how we connect. We explore her “emergent love” model—why love isn’t static, why it evolves, and why the way you show up in one relationship is often the way you show up in all of them from the bedroom to the boardroom. We also get into the six essential ingredients of thriving relationships—from attraction and trust, to compassion, shared vision, and the small everyday behaviours that often matter more than grand romantic gestures. Sara has travelled the world through her work as an intercultural advisor, international speaker, and as what she describes as a relationship architect - and this conversation discusses how like architecture, that it's important that love is well built and designed.   New Episode Every Friday       This series was brought to you by Lelo, the world-leading luxury sexual wellness brand whose range is built on the belief that a fulfilled intimate life is a vital part of our overall wellbeing—a sentiment that sits at the very heart of this podcast.   Head over to LELO.com and use the code KM15 at the checkout to receive 15% off your order.   Code valid until 30th June 2026       Follow Us On Socials   Kate Moyle https://www.instagram.com/katemoyletherapy?igsh=MXNpNnFla240a3Rhcg==   Dr Sara Nasserzadeh https://www.instagram.com/dr.saranasserzadeh/   Lelo https://www.instagram.com/lelo_official?igsh=MWhvZzJpa3o3c3l1cA==

The topic of male sexual abuse and sexual harms is still a largely unspoken one, so where do victims and survivors go to get support? In this episode, I’m joined by Duncan Craig OBE founder of We Are Survivors, to explore a conversation that is so often missing—male experiences of sexual trauma, and the long shadow it can cast across identity, relationships, and sex. We talk about the gaps in support, the weight of shame, and why so many men live with these experiences in silence for years, often without language, visibility, or spaces that feel safe enough to speak. This isn’t just about what happens in the immediate aftermath of trauma, but about the lifelong impact—and what it means for survivors' relationships with themselves and others over time. We also go into the complexities that sit underneath this subject: masculinity, sexuality, consent, and the parts of the conversation that feel hardest to say out loud; and what good support and care for victims and survivors can look like when it's done well. Trigger Warning : This conversation contains regular reference to sexual abuse and trauma, and has references to self harm and suicide.   New Episode Every Friday   This series was brought to you by Lelo, the world-leading luxury sexual wellness brand whose range is built on the belief that a fulfilled intimate life is a vital part of our overall wellbeing—a sentiment that sits at the very heart of this podcast.   Head over to LELO.com and use the code KM15 at the checkout to receive 15% off your order.   Code valid until 30th June 2026       Follow Us On Socials   Kate Moyle https://www.instagram.com/katemoyletherapy?igsh=MXNpNnFla240a3Rhcg==   We Are Survivors https://www.instagram.com/thisissurvivors?igsh=MWhzZTVzanc2YWd1OA==   Lelo https://www.instagram.com/lelo_official?igsh=MWhvZzJpa3o3c3l1cA==

Why even in 2026 is sexual wellbeing still a missing part of the conversation when it comes to healthcare, treatment and recovery? In this episode, I sit down with psychosexual nurse specialist Lorraine Grover to explore sexual health beyond just symptoms, and to discuss why sexual difficulties and challenges are never just about the body. Lorraine talks us through how her work moves beyond the medical model and into the lived experience of patients navigating erectile dysfunction, cancer recovery, body image, and intimacy. With her career spanning from assisting on Viagra clinical trials in the 1990's, to working in prostate cancer care she shares how whenever someone presents with a sexual difficulty that she's never just treating a symptom, but looking at their context of relationships, identity, and emotional wellbeing. Lorraine also shares current medical treatments for erectile dysfunction and other sexual difficulties, and discusses how she explores multiple treatment options with her patients and encourages them to get to know their bodies in new ways and to consider their definitions and narratives about sex. Importantly she highlights why there are so many gaps in support for patients navigating sexual changes; and why so much is still left unsaid and unheard in the intersection of medicine and intimacy.   New Episode Every Friday   This series was brought to you by Lelo, the world-leading luxury sexual wellness brand whose range is built on the belief that a fulfilled intimate life is a vital part of our overall wellbeing—a sentiment that sits at the very heart of this podcast.   Head over to LELO.com and use the code KM15 at the checkout to receive 15% off your order.   Code valid until 30th June 2026       Follow Us On Socials   Kate Moyle https://www.instagram.com/katemoyletherapy?igsh=MXNpNnFla240a3Rhcg==   Lorraine Grover https://www.instagram.com/lorraineekgrover/    Lelo https://www.instagram.com/lelo_official?igsh=MWhvZzJpa3o3c3l1cA==

What does it really mean to be “kink curious”—and is kink as niche as we’ve been led to believe? In this episode, Gigi Engle a psychosexual therapist and author of Kink Curious, and I unpack the language we use around sex; from kink and fetish, to vanilla, safewords and boundaries. We discuss how labels can both support and limit our understanding of ourselves, and explore the spectrum of desire, and the role of curiosity and play in adult sexuality. This conversation also gently guides listeners through the practical side of exploring kink — from communicating with partners and navigating mismatched desires, to understanding consent, boundaries, aftercare, and the importance of self-awareness in what Gigi describes as Risk Aware Consensual Kink (RACK). Gigi talks about why she felt it was important to focus on kink as the topic of her book and what she thinks people so commonly misunderstand about it and its practices. She also discusses the role of shame and 'shoulds' when it comes to sex, and how it shapes a lot of what she sees people presenting as challenges in her therapy room, and how she helps them to work through it.    New Episode Every Friday     This series was brought to you by Lelo, the world-leading luxury sexual wellness brand whose range is built on the belief that a fulfilled intimate life is a vital part of our overall wellbeing—a sentiment that sits at the very heart of this podcast.   Head over to LELO.com and use the code KM15 at the checkout to receive 15% off your order.   Code valid until 30th June 2026       Follow Us On Socials   Kate Moyle https://www.instagram.com/katemoyletherapy?igsh=MXNpNnFla240a3Rhcg==   Gigi Engle https://www.instagram.com/gigiengle?igsh=aHlkc3d1b3J0b25u   Lelo https://www.instagram.com/lelo_official?igsh=MWhvZzJpa3o3c3l1cA==

Divorce is a process that is often spoken about in absolutes - whether it be failure, freedom, grief, blame, conflict or closure; but unsurprisingly the reality is far more nuanced and complex. My guest for this episode is someone highly experienced with all of the above - divorce lawyer Lucy Stewart-Gould from Stewarts Law; and in this conversation we explore what really happens when a relationship comes to an end—not just legally, but emotionally, practically, and relationally. Together, we unpack the space between decision and action: the build-up, the moments of realisation, and the often uneven pace at which two people arrive at the same ending, alongside the legal stages and proceedings that people have to go through to get divorced. We talk about divorce statistics including the rise in later-life divorce; and unpack the emotional and practical undercurrents that sit beneath legal processes, from questions of value and contribution, to the invisible weight of roles carried over years of partnership. Lucy walks us through the reality of divorce as a process—demystifying what it actually looks like, from initial conversations to final orders—while also reflecting on the human experience inside it that she sees as a lawyer.  We also consider the idea of a “good divorce”— and whether that language serves us at all. Instead, we explore what it might mean to move through separation with awareness, respect, and support, even when things feel at their most difficult. This conversation holds space for the complexity of endings: for the imbalance of emotions, the reshaping of family life, and the possibility that something can end without it being a failure.   New Episode Every Friday     This series was brought to you by Lelo, the world-leading luxury sexual wellness brand whose range is built on the belief that a fulfilled intimate life is a vital part of our overall wellbeing—a sentiment that sits at the very heart of this podcast.   Head over to LELO.com and use the code KM15 at the checkout to receive 15% off your order.   Code valid until 30th June 2026     Follow Us On Socials   Kate Moyle https://www.instagram.com/katemoyletherapy?igsh=MXNpNnFla240a3Rhcg==   Lelo https://www.instagram.com/lelo_official?igsh=MWhvZzJpa3o3c3l1cA==  

From dating apps to AI companions, our relationships are increasingly mediated through screens, algorithms, and carefully curated versions of the self. But what does this mean for intimacy, desire and our capacity to tolerate the messiness of human relationships?   In this episode Dr Aaron Balick draws on over two decades of clinical experience and psychodynamic thinking to unpack the idea of the digitally mediated self and how projection, fantasy, and validation can play out in online spaces. We explore why quick hits of connection, and what Dr Aaron describes as “relational doughnuts”can feel good in the moment, but leave us emotionally undernourished over time. We also discuss the rapidly changing landscape of both looking for love and connection, and maintaining relationships.   This is a conversation about intimacy beyond ease and the difference between feeling seen and being known. We examine how relationships are changing as technology and AI play increasingly larger roles in our lives, and the similarities, differences and contradictions between relationship simulation and interpersonal connection.   New Episode Every Friday     This series was brought to you by Lelo, the world-leading luxury sexual wellness brand whose range is built on the belief that a fulfilled intimate life is a vital part of our overall wellbeing—a sentiment that sits at the very heart of this podcast.   Head over to LELO.com and use the code KM15 at the checkout to receive 15% off your order.   Code valid until 30th June 2026       Follow Us On Socials   Kate Moyle https://www.instagram.com/katemoyletherapy?igsh=MXNpNnFla240a3Rhcg==   Dr Aaron Balick https://www.instagram.com/draaronb?igsh=YWJyeTF1YzdiOWZo   Lelo https://www.instagram.com/lelo_official?igsh=MWhvZzJpa3o3c3l1cA==

In conversations about fertility, we often focus on hope, treatment, and the possibility of becoming a parent. But what happens when it doesn’t end that way? In this deeply honest and thoughtful episode, we explore the often unspoken experience of being childless not by choice—and the profound emotional, physical and relationship impacts that can follow fertility treatment, miscarriage, and years of trying to conceive. My guest Lucy Frank, a psychosexual and relationship therapist who now supports individuals and couples through these experiences, shares her own journey through infertility, IVF, and pregnancy loss. Together we talk about the losses and distress that so often go unseen, the concept of disenfranchised grief, and why these experiences can feel so isolating—even within relationships. We explore the language we use around fertility, the pressure of endless hope, and the cultural narratives that can make it so difficult to imagine a meaningful life outside of parenthood. We also talk about the impact on identity, relationships, intimacy, and how couples can begin to reconnect when life takes an unexpected direction. This is a conversation about the often unspoken side of infertility, and the ongoing process of making sense of what life looks like when it turns out differently to how we imagined.   New Episode Every Friday   This series was brought to you by Lelo, the world-leading luxury sexual wellness brand whose range is built on the belief that a fulfilled intimate life is a vital part of our overall wellbeing—a sentiment that sits at the very heart of this podcast.   Head over to LELO.com and use the code KM15 at the checkout to receive 15% off your order. Code valid until 30th June 2026     Follow Us On Socials   Kate Moyle https://www.instagram.com/katemoyletherapy?igsh=MXNpNnFla240a3Rhcg==   Lucy Frank https://www.instagram.com/theyxologist/    Lelo https://www.instagram.com/lelo_official?igsh=MWhvZzJpa3o3c3l1cA==

How can we feel more confident speaking up for ourselves as a patient in a medical setting? How can we best prepare for doctor's appointments? And what are the things that can help if we feel embarrassed or ashamed about symptoms that we are experiencing? In this episode, I sit down with Dr Nighat Arif who is a GP specialising in women's health, an author, and well known medical broadcaster and voice on our screens and radios. She believes her role as a GP is multidisciplinary and that helping her patients to advocate for themselves plays an important role in improving healthcare and creating a more inclusive, compassionate, and effective healthcare system. We unpack the barriers many people face when seeking care, the importance of being heard and believed in clinical spaces, and how healthcare professionals can create environments where patients feel empowered to speak up. With practical insights and honest reflections, a huge part of this conversation is about helping patients to feel better informed, more educated, and to know their own normal. With our specialisms as clinicians being in sexual wellbeing and women's health, our discussion also has a particular focus on these areas of wellbeing that still so often get ignored or left untreated due to shame and taboo.       This series was brought to you by Lelo, the world-leading luxury sexual wellness brand whose range is built on the belief that a fulfilled intimate life is a vital part of our overall wellbeing—a sentiment that sits at the very heart of this podcast.     Head over to LELO.com and use the code KM15 at the checkout to receive 15% off your order.   Code valid until 30th June 2026         Follow Us On Socials     Kate Moyle https://www.instagram.com/katemoyletherapy?igsh=MXNpNnFla240a3Rhcg==   Dr Nighat Arif https://www.instagram.com/drnighatarif/?hl=en   Lelo https://www.instagram.com/lelo_official?igsh=MWhvZzJpa3o3c3l1cA==

Is there a tension between evolutionary biology and modern culture? How do our distinct motivations for intimacy and love differ from our sex drive, and importantly what does this mean for relationships where the two co-exist? In this episode, I’m joined by evolutionary biologist and author Dr Justin Garcia, Executive Director of the Kinsey Institute and author of The Intimate Animal. We dive deep into one of the biggest questions when it comes to our sex lives : what is the real relationship between sex, love, and intimacy — and why do they so often feel at odds? From a legal brothel in the Nevada desert to cutting-edge research on dating apps, hookup culture, and the so-called “sex recession,” this conversation unpacks what’s really driving modern relationships, and Justin explains the complimenting and competitive needs that we have as humans, and what that means for our sex lives and relationships.  At its heart, this conversation is about understanding ourselves more clearly — as intimate animals navigating a modern world our brains didn’t exactly evolve for. Because when we stop asking “What’s wrong with us?” and start asking “What are we wired for?” Then we start to see things differently.     This series was brought to you by Lelo, the world-leading luxury sexual wellness brand whose range is built on the belief that a fulfilled intimate life is a vital part of our overall wellbeing—a sentiment that sits at the very heart of this podcast.   Head over to LELO.com and use the code KM15 at the checkout to receive 15% off your order. Code valid until 30th June 2026   Follow Us On Socials Kate Moyle https://www.instagram.com/katemoyletherapy?igsh=MXNpNnFla240a3Rhcg== Dr Justin Garcia https://www.instagram.com/drjustingarcia?igsh=MWJtcDUxNGV6dWtjNQ== Lelo https://www.instagram.com/lelo_official?igsh=MWhvZzJpa3o3c3l1cA==  

These podcast episodes barely scratch the surface of conversations around different aspects of our sexual and relationship wellbeing, and this is definitely the case for this conversation on neurodiversity and how it shows up in sex lives, intimacy, relationships and dating.   Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that includes many conditions, and describes the variety of ways that people’s brains process information, which differs to what’s described as being neurotypical. By definition it’s a huge spectrum of thoughts, experiences and behaviours which can show up in our lives in a variety of ways and these unique traits and characteristics can create certain challenges when it comes to the more intimate part of our lives.   My guest for this episode is someone who experienced this personally, and trained to become a psychosexual and relationship therapist to help other neurodivergent people get the help that they felt they wanted and couldn’t find. Genevieve Collister Brown is a therapist who specialises in working with gender, sexual and relationship diversity, with a keen interest in working with neurodiversity and disability.   Follow Genevieve on Instagram at @squirtingisntpee   This series has been brought to you by the luxury sexual wellness brand Lelo, who are offering listeners 30% off all Lelo products purchased on BeautyBay.com  Use the code KMOYLE30 until 11.59pm on 31st December 2024.   The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy   DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast, and always seek the advice of your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider.

Whilst we have come a long way in breaking down the silence around infertility, conversations around male infertility and male fertility issues are still broadly undiscussed. Common perception and assumptions around infertility are that it's a 'woman's issue', but it's estimated that 7% of all men are impacted by infertility; and an estimated one in seven couples in the UK experience infertility which highlights the huge gap in how often people are navigating these emotional and physical challenges, in comparison to how much they are talked about. *   Two men who have personally navigated this in their lives are hosts of The Male Fertility Podcast Ciaran Hannington and Shaun Greenaway, who met through sharing their infertility experiences online, and decided to try and be the resource and help that neither of them could find when they needed it. Shaun and Ciaran talk about how the impact of infertility is limitless and puts pressure on mental health, relationships, self-esteem and self confidence; and how it brings up so many questions in relation to being a partner, fatherhood, masculinity and vulnerability. In this conversation they are both so honest about their own experiences - from being told for the first time that they were experiencing low sperm count and azoospermia ( the medical condition of a man whose semen contains no sperm ) through to decision making, medical treatments, the impact on their mental health and relationships, sperm donation and creating their families.    Trigger Warning - This episode contains reference to suicide.   * figures taken from The Infertility Awareness Report 2024     Follow Shaun on Instagram at @knackered_knackers Follow Ciaran on Instagram at @themalefertilitypt Follow The Male Fertility Podcast on Instagram @themalefertilitypodcast   This series has been brought to you by the luxury sexual wellness brand Lelo, who are offering listeners 30% off all Lelo products purchased on BeautyBay.com  Use the code KMOYLE30 until 11.59pm on 31st December 2024.   The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered. Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy   DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast, and always seek the advice of your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider.

The impact of cancer can touch every part of our lives, but many people with cancer report that the impact that is rarely discussed is that on sex, pleasure, intimacy, relationships and dating. The experiences, treatments and changes that we go through are so layered in terms of the physical, emotional and psychological and it's impossible to separate the different parts out as we are in constant relationship between our bodies and how we think and feel about them, and this is something that cancer can completely hijack, which can have huge implications when it comes to sex and intimacy.  Someone who has personally experienced this is Lauren Mahon, who after being diagnosed with breast cancer in her early thirties has become a tireless campaigner for breast cancer awareness through her online community Girls vs Cancer and as one of the hosts of the award winning podcast You, Me And The Big C with her great friends the late Dame Deborah James and Rachel Bland. Lauren is an advocate for talking about all aspects of cancer, and when it comes to the topic of sex lives she launched the Get F*cked campaign through Girls Vs Cancer which is helping to offer some guidance and resources to those who feel like they don't know where to start with getting to know themselves sexually again, both physically and emotionally through diagnosis, treatment and beyond. This conversation covers so much, and Lauren openly goes into how cancer has shaped her sex life and relationships, from first discovering the lump which she would then find out was cancer during a self-pleasure session, through to how she shares that she had cancer when she's dating, and how her expectations and non-negotiables for sex have changed.  Follow Lauren on Instagram at @IAmLaurenMahon   This series has been brought to you by the luxury sexual wellness brand Lelo, who are offering listeners 30% off all Lelo products purchased on BeautyBay.com  Use the code KMOYLE30 until 11.59pm on 31st December 2024.   The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered. Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy   DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast, and always seek the advice of your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider.

Miscommunication in relationships is inevitable. We misunderstand each other, misinterpret and make assumptions about what our partners are thinking and we all bring our own thoughts, feelings and experiences to our relationships - but what happens if it feels like we aren't even speaking the same language? In this episode Anne Hodder-Shipp discusses her theory of the 18 Modern Love Languages which is a revamp of the love language concept. They talk us through how we think about, understand and communicate love in an almost unlimited number of ways, and how some of our ideas about these 'love shoulds' are the things that may be causing disruption to our relationships in the first place. Anne describes this idea of the modern love languages as expansive and non-hierarchical, and talks about how they are changing and adapting in the fast paced modern world that we are living in. She also encourages us to consider our own definitions of love, what it feels like to be loved and to recognise the individualness of this, rather than feeling that we don't feel love because it doesn't align with what we were told it should be.  Anne Hodder-Shipp, CSE (she/they) is an AASECT Award-winning certified sex educator and relationship coach. They are the founder and lead educator at Everyone Deserves Sex Ed, a sex ed and professional development organization, and the creator and author of  Speaking from the Heart: 18 Languages for Modern Love – which has an accompanying guide - The Speaking from the Heart Workbook: A Practical Guide to the Modern Love Languages. Follow Anne on Instagram at @TheAnneHodder   This series has been brought to you by the luxury sexual wellness brand Lelo, who are offering listeners 30% off all Lelo products purchased on BeautyBay.com  Use the code KMOYLE30 until 11.59pm on 31st December 2024.   The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered. Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy   DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast, and always seek the advice of your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider.

Seeing things differently in relationships is inevitable - we can never expect to be 100% perfectly aligned with another person; but what about the stuff that we don't or can't see because it's in our blind spots? In this conversation I delve into the question 'What Am I Missing?' when it comes to sex, relationships and intimacy with Emma Reed Turrell, the author of the new book with this same title. Emma talks about how we have a societal blindspot when it comes to our perception of romance and how these ideas of what she describes as 'known-unknowns' and 'unknown-unknowns' can show up in our relationships, dating lives and intimacy in a variety of ways, shaping our experiences, often without us realising.  Alongside her work as a Psychotherapist Emma Reed Turrell is a writer, speaker and podcaster. She co-hosted the Best Friend Therapy podcast with Elizabeth Day which has recently finished,  and now hosts her new podcast Friendship Therapy – stories of real people real friends. She has two published books Please Yourself : How To Stop People-Pleasing and Transform the Way You Live and What Am I Missing. Follow Emma on Instagram at @EmmaReedTurrell   This series has been brought to you by the luxury sexual wellness brand Lelo, who are offering listeners 30% off all Lelo products purchased on BeautyBay.com  Use the code KMOYLE30 until 11.59pm on 31st December 2024. The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered. Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy   DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast, and always seek the advice of your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider.

There is a real lack of conversation around many medical conditions, and especially those which are not immediately visible, and MRKH falls into this category. Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a congenital condition which is characterised by the vagina and uterus being underdeveloped or absent, alongside other symptoms. As there are no physically outwards signs until someone reaches puberty and doesn't start their period, this leaves many discovering that they have the condition and everything that comes with it, typically around ages 16-18. There are so many factors that can impact someone with the condition from being unable to carry a pregnancy, to uncomfortable, painful and sometimes impossible penetrative sex; through to the psychological influence, thoughts and shaping of identity and self-esteem, and the way that it can potentially shape relationships. My brilliant guests for this conversation are both women with MRKH and huge advocates and conversation starters, and they bring so much of themselves to this episode as well as so much information about how we can get educated about a condition that impacts so many, but is still rarely heard of.  Ally Hensley is an author, speaker and global ambassador for women's health. Born with MRKH syndrome, she advocates for awareness and support of this condition. Ally co-founded MRKH Australia and Global MRKH, and serves on the board of UK's MRKH Connect. Her podcast, Stigma Shakers, tackles taboo topics and has gained international recognition, and her debut memoir releases later in 2024.   Ellamae Fullalove, is an artist, speaker & founder of Va Va Womb, where she also runs her advocacy work - Mind Over MRKH. She founded a community where she curates social and mindful events in the UK , produced the worldwide MRKH podcast & sends gift boxes to MRKHers.  By day she works in social housing. Follow Ally Hensley on Instagram at @Ally_Hensley and Ellamae Fullalove at @Ellamaebeing   This series has been brought to you by the luxury sexual wellness brand Lelo, who are offering listeners 30% off all Lelo products purchased on BeautyBay.com  Use the code KMOYLE30 until 11.59pm on 31st December 2024.   The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered. Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy   DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast, and always seek the advice of your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider.

When it comes to sex and intimacy, one guarantee is that everyone has questions - it's impossible for any single person to know everything there is to know about sex and relationships. The lack of normalising conversation around the topic of sex leaves so many people feeling like they don't know how to ask or where to go to get their questions answered, but the truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer and no magic formula - but there are ingredients to great sex. So to get some of these most asked questions answered and find out what the ingredients are, I invited Sex Therapist and Intimacy Coach Charlene Douglas onto the podcast to discuss how we can make intimacy last, communicate better and improve intimacy and sex, whatever stage of our lives and relationships we're at.  Charlene Douglas alongside her therapy work is also the author of Come Closer Everything You Ever Wanted to Ask a Sex and Relationship Therapist, and is one of the expert's on E4’s Married at First Sight UK and Channel 4's award winning series Jon and Lucy's Odd Couples, as well as The Sex Clinic. Follow Charlene on Instagram at @CharleneDouglasOfficial   This series has been brought to you by the luxury sexual wellness brand Lelo, who are offering listeners 30% off all Lelo products purchased on BeautyBay.com  Use the code KMOYLE30 until 11.59pm on 31st December 2024.   The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered. Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy   DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast, and always seek the advice of your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider.

Relationships come in many different shapes, sizes and configurations and every relationship model comes with its own set of benefits, challenges and complexities. When it comes to opening up relationships it can be hard to know where to start, how to talk about it and how to manage the emotions and logistics that accompany a new relationship structure. In this episode I interview Niki D, who is a relationship therapist with over 30 years experience who specialises in working with non-monogamous relationships helping people to explore relationship challenges and conflicts and where those may be coming from, and helping those that want to, to explore what opening up their relationship may look like, alongside working with those who are already in open relationships.  Alongside being a therapist for over thirty years, Niki D runs the UK's first in-depth open and polyamorous relationship therapy training, has been a tutor and visiting lecturer at three psychotherapy courses for over 20 years, and has created the Seven Step Model for Co-creating an open relationship alongside publishing multiple academic chapters on sexual and relationship diversity. Follow Niki D on Instagram at @OpeningUpCPD   This series has been brought to you by the luxury sexual wellness brand Lelo, who are offering listeners 30% off all Lelo products purchased on BeautyBay.com  Use the code KMOYLE30 until 11.59pm on 31st December 2024.   The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered. Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy   DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast, and always seek the advice of your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider.

If sex is a skill to be learnt then can sexual fulfilment ever be really achieved, or is it something that changes with us throughout our lives? Sex-misinformation is rife, and many of us are set up by our sexual expectations which means that we and our partners will inevitably fail or struggle in some way to achieve these perfect and unrealistic versions of sex. Casey Tanner is a therapist who talks about how these ideas of failing come from a version of sex which is all about productivity and achieving, rather than focusing on feeling it all. Appropriately this is the title of Casey's newest book which seeks to fill in so many of the gaps that we have in our sexual education, and in this conversation we unpack this goal-orientated model of sex that so many of us subscribe to, and discuss how we can get to a place of improved sexual satisfaction and fulfilment and how we can build a more secure relationship with our sexuality. Casey Tanner is an author, certified sex therapist, and prominent voice in the field of millennial and Gen Z sexuality.  They are the author of Feel It All :A Therapist's Guide to Reimagining Your Relationship with Sex, and founder of The Expansive Group, a therapy practice which advocates for an expansive, anti-oppressive approach to sexuality, gender, and relationships. Follow Casey Tanner on Instagram at @QueerSexTherapy   This series has been brought to you by the luxury sexual wellness brand Lelo, who are offering listeners 30% off all Lelo products purchased on BeautyBay.com  Use the code KMOYLE30 until 11.59pm on 31st December 2024.   The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered. Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy   DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast, and always seek the advice of your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider.

“Why does sex make babies, and babies spell erotic disaster in couples?” ~ Esther Perel, The Secret To Desire In A Long Term Relationship, Ted Talk. Dr Karen Gurney describes becoming parents as a 'relationship culture shock' and argues that it's unrealistic for us to expect our sex lives and intimacy to be unaffected by the competing priorities and mental load of parenthood. In this conversation we deep dive into how parents can approach their sex lives changing not as a parenthood vs sex battle, but as an opportunity to intentionally pay attention to desire, even when you aren't having sex. As the first return guest to The Sexual Wellness Sessions, Karen offers advice from her new book How Not To Let Having Kids Ruin Your Sex Life and boosts our understanding of desire and how it functions, by sharing wisdom from her best seller Mind The Gap : The Truth About Desire And How To Futureproof Your Sex Life . She is one of the nation's favourite Psychosexual Therapists and Clinical Psychologists, whose mission is to translate sex science and therapy into everyday conversations and knowledge. Follow Dr Karen Gurney on Instagram at @TheSexDoctor   This series has been brought to you by the luxury sexual wellness brand Lelo, who are offering listeners 30% off all Lelo products purchased on BeautyBay.com  Use the code KMOYLE30 until 11.59pm on 31st December 2024.   The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered. Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy   DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast, and always seek the advice of your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider.

Whilst it can be considered that loss is the impossible-to-avoid flipside of love, becoming a widow at age 30 defies all predictions of what building a life with someone looks like. But, this was what happened to my guest Lotte Bowser, whose partner Ben died age 36 in the midst of their plans for making a future together. This conversation digs deep into Lotte's experience of the rollercoaster of Ben's illness, treatment and death, and how dramatically differently their lives changed direction at a time when everything was about looking forward to what they had to come. Lotte shares so many insights into our ideas about the landscape of loss and how we so often pathologise and have fixed ideas about grief, and also how she started finding and navigating love again at a time when she felt like she needed to get to know herself again too.  Lotte Bowser is a writer, host of the Lemonade podcast and author of the forthcoming Bittersweet: a Story of Love and Loss  Follow Lotte on Instagram at @LotteBowser   This series has been brought to you by the luxury sexual wellness brand Lelo, who are offering listeners 30% off all Lelo products purchased on BeautyBay.com  Use the code KMOYLE30 until 11.59pm on 31st December 2024. The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered. Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast, and always seek the advice of your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider.

Many of the ways in which we meet, date and maintain love, sex and intimacy have changed across generations; but what happens when these adaptations come up to clash with our historical and ingrained beliefs and expectations of relationships? Has how we love changed, or has the context around love moved on which has shaped our expectations and experiences of intimacy in new ways? In this episode, author of How To Love Someone Without Losing Your Mind Todd Baratz talks about how we are ‘pursuing a marketed version of love’. We discuss exactly what he means by that, and the ways in which love, and what we want from love, and how we 'do' love have changed in the modern world.  Todd Baratz is a renowned psychotherapist and sex therapist who has worked with thousands of people who are navigating their challenges with love and relationships, and he brings such interesting perspective to one of the topics which continues to be one of the most common but complex human experiences - love.  Follow Todd on Instagram at @YourDiagnonsense  This series has been brought to you by the luxury sexual wellness brand Lelo, who are offering listeners 30% off all Lelo products purchased on BeautyBay.com  Use the code KMOYLE30 until 11.59pm on 31st December 2024.   The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered. Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast, and always seek the advice of your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider.

The sexual wellness industry is booming with new products, platforms and apps joining the market all the time. When this is in combination with the huge role that social media and the internet plays in our lives, we can see that influencers have the potential to play a big role in starting conversations, raising awareness and breaking down taboos. Someone who has harnessed this is Shakira Scott, known as Scotty who Trademarked the term Sexfluencer™ to combine her sex education work with brand partnerships, being an advocate, and helping people to learn more about how to boost their sexual wellness and pleasure. Scotty talks about the importance of representation and how she wanted to be what she couldn't see when it came to these conversations - in a way providing what she felt was so missing for her. In this conversation we talk about what being a Sexfluencer™ is, how it works for her as a job and also some of the biggest challenges and misconceptions that she comes up against both in person and online.   --- Shakira 'Scotty Unfamous' Scott is a sex educator, Sexfluencer and multi award-winning erotic and romance author. For the last six years she's been helping people to unlearn shame, build confidence and embrace their desires with her 'How To Live Your Best Heaux Life' workshops. Follow Scotty On Instagram At @ScottyUnfamous and TikTok @scottyunfamous_ and find out more about her work at https://shakirascott.com/ --- The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

In this episode Jack Guinness describes how The Queer Bible is the book that the younger him needed and wished for. Growing up in Britain under Section 28 meant that generations of LGBTQI+ people grew up without seeing themselves or people like them in books, publications or media. This left so many feeling isolated in their feelings and experiences which Jack describes as a big part of his own life. He talks about how in telling the stories of many queer icons, written by and contributed to by so many other queer figures puts these stories out in the world where they belong, helping many to connect to their history. He describes The Queer Bible as a love letter to the LGBTQI+ community and its allies. --- Jack Guinness is the founder and editor of The Queer Bible,  Contributing Editor at GQ Magazine and is a British model, writer and presenter. The Queer Bible is a collection of essays which are a celebration of shared LGBTQ+ history and queer icons. Follow Jack On Instagram At @JackGuinness  Follow The Queer Bible On Instagram @QueerBible and find out more at https://www.queerbible.com/ --- The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists nearly 3/4 women will experience pain during intercourse at some point during their lives, and yet despite this many struggle to get answers to why they are experiencing this type of pain.   There are multiple reasons that someone may be experiencing pain in their genitals and pelvic area. It can occur at different points during their menstrual cycle, can be a more constant pain, or it can be more acute at certain times for example during or after sex. Commonly associated conditions with pain during sex are endometriosis, vulvodynia, vaginismus, menopause, and skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus, and pain can be a side effect of some medications and treatments; but there are multiple other conditions and reasons that someone can find sex painful.   Many people also describe finding it hard to know where to go to help with these symptoms, or even how to describe them and so in this episode Dr Aziza Sesay, an NHS GP with a specialist interest in women's health discusses how we can get to know our own bodies and importantly our own normal, how to advocate to ourselves and what symptoms to make sure that we don't ignore.   Disclaimer - This podcast episode contains general health awareness information, and is not to be used for personal medical advice. If listeners have concerns about their health arising from this conversation, they should please speak to their doctor or a medical professional. --- Dr Aziza Sesay is an NHS GP, GP educator, Honorary Senior Clinical lecturer, speaker and health content creator. Dr Sesay is the creative director of Black Female Doctors UK organisation and is an Ambassador for The Eve Appeal Follow Dr Aziza Sesay On Instagram At @TalkswithDrSesay --- This episode was brought to you by Ferly, the sexual wellness app empowering women and couples to overcome sexual challenges affecting their relationships. To date they’ve helped over half a million women and couples struggling with things like low libido, inability to orgasm, low body confidence and/or pain during sex. Ferly’s achieved this by guiding people through science-based tools and techniques that help them feel better in their bodies and their beds. The app is available on IOS and Android. Download it for free today and start your journey to a healthier, more confident and more pleasurable life. I have the privilege of working with Ferly as their resident advisor and I truly believe that the app has the ability to be transformative for female sexual wellness. Find out more about Ferly at https://weareferly.com/ Follow Ferly On Instagram At @theferlymethod --- The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

Many of us lack confidence in our bodies, and have anxieties or worries about how our body might look, especially when comparing ourselves to others. These anxieties can extend to our genitals with many struggling to accept their body which can interfere with desire, arousal and sexual functioning as well as self-esteem and sexual self confidence. Lydia Reeves is a female body casting artist who went through this herself as she struggled with how her vulva looked. This lead to her booking herself in for labiaplasty surgery aged 18, which she then ended up cancelling a year later.   Now Lydia is a body casting artist and an author, with her platform being focused on body diversity and acceptance helping people to learn how to celebrate not only their bodies, but accept themselves as a whole. Lydia has cast thousands of bodies, including thousands of vulva casts which aim to help people to break away from negative thinking about their bodies, and celebrate the difference in us all.  --- Lydia Reeves is a Brighton-based female body casting artist, who after body casting thousands of vulvas and hearing about the relationships that people had with their bodies, put 200 of these vulva casts into a book alongside these intimate stories. Lydia's work celebrates body diversity and acceptance showing that no two bodies, and no two vulvas are the same. She runs body casting sessions from her studio in Brighton, running casting sessions for breasts, vulvas, bums, pregnant bodies, chests and much more. Follow Lydia On Instagram At @lydiareeves_artist and find out more about her book My Vulva And I --- The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

The transition to parenthood for a couple is one that consists of huge highs and plenty of challenges, as we navigate the shift of going from couple to family, and all that comes with that. Parenting can bring intense joy and love coupled with demands on our emotions, time, availability and energy as we nurture our children through different stages of their development, whilst trying to balance our own and our partners needs alongside it all. The Gottman's  studied new parents in a longitudinal study and found that 67% of couples experienced a decline in relationship satisfaction in the first three years of their baby’s life, and in this episode Relational Life Therapist Victoria Shalet discusses what's going on for couples and relationships during these parenting years, and what we can do to care for ourselves and our relationships. --- Victoria Shalet MBACP is a Psychotherapist and Certified Relational Life Therapist. She worked as an actor for over twenty years before re-training to be a Humanistic Psychotherapist. After a number of years working with individuals and couples, she was inspired to deepen her training in the US with renowned couple’s therapist Terry Real, and later went on to train with Trauma expert Gabor Maté in his Compassionate Inquiry programme. Alongside her colleague Debbie Isaacs she is the co-creator of “The Couples Therapists” creating content on social media to help couples, and she is the founder of Oxford House Therapy – a therapy practice for different types of therapy in London. Follow Victoria On Instagram At @spaceinmetherapy and @thecouplestherapists --- The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

With the changes the world has seen as a result of the internet, and latterly the smartphone with the debut of the iPhone in 2007; there has never been more availability of information and content online at the click of a button. This has completely changed the way in which so many people access pornography and has reduced barriers to who can access it and when.   With this ever-growing online sex culture, porn literacy can offer a way of helping people to think critically, and build awareness and knowledge around the portrayal of sex that they see online. This can help them to feel informed, and to close the comparison and expectation gap between the sex experienced in pornography and that they are having in real life. Porn literacy, which has developed from a media literacy model, can be considered to be an educational tool which also helps to move people away from leaning on pornography as a form of sex education, which is something that it was never designed to be.  Ethical pornographers Erika Lust Films created The Porn Conversation to help provide families and educators with free and accessible tools to teach and talk to the younger generations about sex and pornography so that they can feel educated, informed and more able to think critically about sexual content when they come across it. --- Avril Louise Clarke is a clinical sexologist and brand manager of the Erika Lust non-profit project, The Porn Conversation, which provides comprehensive sex education tools for families and educators to educate young people at home and in school – beginning with the topic of porn literacy. Taking on the role acting as a liaison between production and performers, she is also an in-house sexologist and intimacy coordinator on the set of Erika Lust Films. Follow Avril on Instagram at @sexologygirl Learn more about The P Conversation at https://thepconversation.org/ --- The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

Adapting your life after an accident or illness is something that many individuals and couples have to go through, but many report sex and intimacy being the part of their lives that they feel least resourced to know how to manage with the big changes that have taken place for them. Knowing where to start, how to talk about it or even how to understand how sex might be affected post injury can feel like a very challenging conversation to have with a medical professional, let alone a partner.   Ed & Lois Jackson are a couple who have been through this first hand, when in their twenties their lives changed overnight when Ed suffered a life changing Spinal Cord Injury and was told he may never walk again. Fast forward a year and Ed was climbing Mount Snowdon, and the couple later founded charity Millimetres2Mountains to help those who have been through life changing illness or injury to face new challenges and re-define their own limitations. A big part of this conversation is about how an injury like this impacted them both as individuals and as a couple, both in terms of their relationship but also sex and intimacy. Ed has Brown Séquard Syndrome meaning that he has paralysis on one side of his body and loss of sensation on the other which means that they have had to be creative and adaptive when it comes to sex, and they share how learning how to communicate, laugh and be curious as a couple have been hugely important parts of the process. --- Ed Jackson's professional rugby career got cut short when he dived into the shallow end of a swimming pool in 2017 sustaining a spinal cord injury at C6/C7. Life changed on a sixpence for both him and his wife Lois. A lot of things were taken away, including Ed's, identity, his bladder and bowel performance and his sexual function. Instead of focusing on what Ed couldn't do they directed all their energy into the things he could. This has led him to climbing mountains, public speaking and the creation of their own charity – The Millimetres 2 Mountains Foundation which uses the outdoors to support other people who have gone through trauma. Alongside co-founding the charity Lois also works as a life coach, a part of which is offering support for their beneficiaries.  Follow Millimetres2Mountains on Instagram at @Millimetres2Mountains and learn more about them at https://www.millimetres2mountains.org/ Follow Lois on Instagram at @LoisJackson8 Follow Ed on Instagram at @EdJackson8 --- The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

Attachment theory is a commonly discussed psychological and relational theory that is rooted in how we develop attachments in early childhood, and continue them throughout our lives, adulthood and couple relationships. There are thousands of books written on the topic of how we can understand relationships, be better in relationships and choose the right partner - but Dr Stan Tatkin would argue that as humans we are all difficult and therefore difficult partners; which is why relationships are some of the hardest work that we'll do in our lives. 1.9 Million people have watched his Ted Talk Relationships Are Hard, But Why? And in this episode he explains what's going on for us in terms of our attachment styles, neuroscience and social worlds and how these shape our sex lives and relationships. --- Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT Clinician, author, researcher, PACT developer, and co-founder of the PACT Institute. Dr. Tatkin is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine. He maintains a private practice in Southern California and leads PACT programs in the US and internationally. He is the author We Do, Wired for Love, Your Brain on Love, Relationship Rx, Wired for Dating, What Every Therapist Ought to Know, and co-author of Love and War in Intimate Relationships, and the upcoming, In Each Other’s Care. Watch Stan's Ted Talk Here Follow Stan on Instagram at @DrStanTatkin --- The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

Sex, pleasure and orgasm are influenced by numerous parts of our lives - biological, social and psychological - but what happens in our brain when we fantasise, experience desire or orgasm? And how do experiences like stress and anxiety interrupt our sex lives on a brain and body level? Neuroscientist, author and researcher Dr Nan Wise unpacks what she has seen in her research using fMRI brain scans, and goes onto explain how the different parts of our lives can work with and against each other to boost or hinder sexual experiences, and what we can to do help. She talks about the role that pleasure plays across our lives, and discusses how our ability to experience healthy pleasures--those that feel good and are good for us-- are not a luxury, but a necessity for overall well-being. --- Dr. Nan Wise is a certified sex therapist, certified relationship specialist, neuroscience researcher, and author of Amazon best seller Why Good Sex Matters: Understanding the Neuroscience of Pleasure for a Smarter, Happier, and More Purpose-Filled Life. Driven by the desire to understand how the brain operates to create moods and behaviours, she returned to academia and completed her Ph.D. in 2014. Her dissertation work, Genital stimulation, imagery, and orgasm in women: an fMRI analysis, resulted in three published studies. Her research has addressed gaps in the scientific literature regarding the neural basis of human sexuality, and as a result, garnered international attention.  Follow Dr Nan on Instagram at @AskDoctorNan and read her Glamour column Ask Dr. Nan here  --- The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

Research shows at least 1 in 3 women find some aspect of their birth traumatic. Someone's birthing experience can be influenced by an almost unlimited number of factors both contextual and personal, which can make all the difference to how someone feels about their childbirth experience.  Birth trauma can be considered to be a unique trauma experience for various reasons as Dr Rebecca Moore will explore in this episode, and in 2014 birth trauma was recognised in the NICE guidelines. Many of those affected by birth trauma, describe struggling to know where to turn for support or how to even start a conversation, which can make them feel even more isolated in their experience and add to the symptoms and emotions that they are going through. In this episode Dr Rebecca Moore talks through how we can better understand the impact of a traumatic pregnancy or birth; both for those going through it, partners and loved ones; and how we can start to change the conversation and access to information for the better. --- Dr Rebecca Moore is a Perinatal Psychiatrist with over twenty years experience dealing with infertility, pregnancy loss, anxiety, depression, OCD and trauma. After developing a particular interest in birth trauma, she founded the annual Birth Trauma Conference and Make Birth Better. Instagram - @BirthBetter @Drrebeccamoore  --- The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

Most of us interact with some form of media on a daily basis, with it creating both positive and negative influence on various aspects of our health and wellbeing. The messages and information that we digest from mass media are now often translated across social media and our smartphones, meaning that it can be hard to constantly think about what we are reading and why, rather than just taking it in. These messages and narratives can show up in our sex lives as myths that we believe to be facts, which are often left unchallenged due to the still taboo nature of sex; and further impact how we think about and experience sex, and how we address problems and challenges in our sex lives. In this episode Sophia Smith Galer unpacks some of the information and disinformation that's impacting our sex lives, and discusses the role of media literacy in our sex education. --- Sophia Smith Galer is an award-winning journalist and content creator credited for pioneering journalism on TikTok. Sophia's push for representation in newsrooms for younger audiences and the stories and platforms that matter to them has won her a series of accolades, including the British Journalism Awards' Innovation of the Year in 2021, a spot on the Forbes Under 30 List and recognition in British Vogue as one of the 25 most influential women in the UK in 2022. Follow Sophia on TikTok and Instagram @sophiasmithgaler --- The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

Why is sexual communication one of the key ingredients of our sex lives, but yet is one of the hardest things for us to do? Very few of us feel well set up or equipped to talk about sex comfortably, and so in this episode Vanessa and Xander Marin New York Times Best Selling authors of  Sex Talks: The Five Conversations That Will Transform Your Love Life and hosts of  Pillow Talks podcast, unpack the specifics and mechanics of how to talk about sex, covering the five conversational steps from their book  - acknowledgement, connection, desire, pleasure and exploration. Vanessa is a sex therapist with 20 years of experience and has been featured thousands of times in major publications, and Xander describes himself as a regular dude. As a couple they share the ups and downs in their relationship, while giving you step-by-step techniques for improving yours. Follow them on Instagram @vanessaandxander --- This episode is sponsored by Roam, a brand changing the game when it comes to sexual wellness by creating inclusive, skincare inspired sex care that is good for you and good for the planet. With a selection of lubes designed for different explorations, from front and back lube to masturbation cream and massage oil. Condoms that contain 40% less packaging than traditional condoms and a selection of discreet, rechargeable toys to guarantee a better solo experience.  Roam believes that everyone should feel confident and comfortable having sex. By breaking down taboos and challenging stigmas around sex, Roam is here to make the world a more sex-positive place and make everyone feel seen. Get 20% off with Code SESSIONS20 at exploreroam.com Follow Roam on Instagram @exploreroam --- The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, and author of The Science Of Sex : Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

The practice of manifesting has gained a lot of attention over the last few years, and so for this final episode of series three I wanted to understand how manifesting can show up in our dating lives, relationships and sex lives. Defined as the practice of thinking aspirational thoughts with the purpose of making them real, I see a lot of cross over with my work as a therapist. Both practices are about helping people to remove barriers and self-doubt, build confidence and helping people to get to where they want to be, whatever that looks like for them.   Not knowing much about manifesting apart from what I have learnt through Roxie Nafousi and her book MANIFEST: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life, made her the perfect guest for this conversation. Roxie has been named "The Manifesting Queen" by Forbes, and "The A-Lists favourite manifestor" by The Sunday Times Style Magazine.   •••   Roxie Nafousi is a self-development coach, the author of Sunday Times Bestseller, MANIFEST: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life, and Manifest: Dive Deeper which is now available for pre-order for release in January 2023. Roxie is also an ambassador for the Mental Health Foundation, hosts the popular podcast series called "The Moments That Made Me", and is the creator of "The Journal" a powerful 12 week self-love and empowerment programme in collaboration with The Head Plan.    Roxie's commitment to transforming the lives of people who suffer with emotional and mental health issues and helping them to fulfil their potential has seen her become a renowned and respected figure in the wellness world.    Instagram @roxienafousi     https://www.roxienafousi.com/   Pre-Order Manifest : Dive Deeper here    •••   Today's conversation was brought to you by Hanx, who offer trusted contraception and intimate health treatments - without the stigma. Set up by best friends Sarah and Farah, Hanx offers natural, sustainable, sexual wellness essentials such as condoms and lubricants that are free from unecessary chemicals that can lead to UTIs and yeast infections. Hanx believe it's time the world stopped being weird about our sex lives, and that starts with tackling taboos around sexual health and they champion a no-blushes approach about everything from your vaginal pH to how to have *that* contraception conversation.   HANX is offering listeners 20% off the Bestseller Bundle, which brings together: -10 Pack of HANX Condoms in Standard or Large size. Ultra-thin, ultra-sensitive, vegan, biodegradable and no nasties.  -HANX super-gentle, water-based Lubricant. It's safe to use with condoms and sex toys, for pre-and post partum sex and for those experiencing menopausal dryness. Plus: it's proudly unflavoured with no thrush-inducing glycerine and  - An organic cotton Subtle Pouch which is perfectly sized to fit a pack of HANX and a Lubricant, plus any other bedroom essentials. - Just add to basket and use code SWS20 at hanxofficial.com Instagram @HanxOfficial  •••   The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist. Kate believes that so much of what needs normalising when it comes to sex and relationships can be changed through conversation; and this is why the podcast is focused around the idea of hosting informal but informative conversations.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

Despite being a condition which impacts one in five hundred women Vaginismus is a rarely discussed and often misunderstood sexual dysfunction. It’s characterised by the involuntary contraction of the muscles around the vagina which can make penetration painful, difficult and often impossible. There are unlimited reasons for why someone might be struggling with this condition, and equally many ways that it may show up for them in terms of challenges with sex, relationships, dating, body confidence and self-esteem. Even though it’s so common there are very few resources available which makes it difficult for people to know where to turn for information and advice.   •••   This is where my guests for today come in as The Vaginismus Network is one of the only platforms with advice from both peers and experts. Kat is one of the co-founders, and Rosie is a volunteer who both feel really passionately about this topic as they have Vaginismus themselves. Connecting over their shared experience and feelings, co-founders Kat and Lisa decided to give others what they both felt that they were missing - a way to connect, talk and get advice on a condition that was missing from the mainstream. The Vaginismus Network hosts online and in-person events, offers a matching service to connect people, and has blogs and advice on everything from smear tests,  to vaginismus and pregnancy, dilator training and personal accounts of Vaginismus.   Instagram @thevagnetwork    Rosie @vaginismuswho    https://www.thevaginismusnetwork.com/   ••• In this conversation the topic of pleasure is central to both Kat and Rosie's stories about them managing their vaginismus and building a more positive relationship with their bodies. This is something that is also a huge part of today's sponsor Lelo's ethos and pleasure products; and for this episode they've prepared a special promotion just for you. Listen to our discussion, and use the unique code KATELELO at lelo.to/KATEXLELO to shop their entire pleasure toy range at a discount. Follow Lelo at @Lelo_official     •••   The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist. Kate believes that so much of what needs normalising when it comes to sex and relationships can be changed through conversation; and this is why the podcast is focused around the idea of hosting informal but informative conversations.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

Love is a huge part of our humanity, and for many of us it plays a big part in how we engage with the world whether it's the love we have for a romantic or sexual partner, familial or friendship love, or the love that we have for ourselves. Our social context has changed so much across the centuries which has impacted how we love and how we think about love. So with all these changes to the world and how we live, has the role of love in our lives changed? Have we adapted love to fit our new environments or are we at a crossroads between the two? ••• There couldn't be a better guest for me to ask these questions of than Evolutionary Anthropologist and author of Why We Love: The New Science Behind our Closest Relationships, Dr Anna Machin. Anna in her own words studies the very nature of being human. Her research, the majority of which has been carried out at the University of Oxford, focuses on the science and anthropology behind our closest relationships, with lovers, friends and family, pets, gods and celebrities.  She is a broadcaster and author of two books: The Life of Dad: The Making of the Modern Father (2018) and Why We Love: The New Science Behind our Closest Relationships (2022)  •••   The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist. Kate believes that so much of what needs normalising when it comes to sex and relationships can be changed through conversation; and this is why the podcast is focused around the idea of hosting informal but informative conversations.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

Anxiety can show up in every area of our lives, and sometimes with what feels like no logical explanation or reason. One of the hardest things can also be not knowing how to communicate or explain to a partner about how we are feeling, particularly if from the outside it looks like nothing has changed. Performance anxiety can show up for us in situations both old and new, and anxiety in other areas of our life can leak into our intimate lives. This has the potential to disrupt the relationship status quo and our ability to be intimate, vulnerable or sexual with one another; or if we are single can get in the way of us meeting someone or dating. So we can see that this is a bidirectional relationship where sex and relationships may cause anxiety, and anxiety may impact our sex lives and relationships.    One of our most natural ways to deal with anxiety is avoidance, but this is polarised with our desire for closeness or intimacy in relationships which can create both inner and outer conflict as we battle between the two. This can present as a wide variety of thoughts, feelings and behaviour which can feel really confusing for both us as individuals, and any partners that we may have.   •••   My guest for this episode is one of my favourite authors, therapists and podcasters who like me is really passionate about taking therapy out of the therapy room. Anna Mathur hosts the podcast The Therapy Edit which has an astounding nearly 1 million downloads, she has authored two books which both went straight into the top 10 of The Sunday Times bestsellers list - Mind Over Mother: Every Mum’s Guide to Worry and Anxiety in the First Years and Know Your Worth & her latest book that's just out is The Little Book of Calm for New Mums .    https://www.annamathur.com/   Instagram @AnnaMathur    •••   This episode was sponsored by Love Sleep by This Works.  This Works understand the connection between sex, sleep and well-being and as experts in the field of sleep and circadian rhythms. They have developed the Love Sleep range, a series of bedroom solutions with a 100% natural Superblend with Ylang Ylang and Patchouli, designed to enhance levels of relaxation in your evening space and promote intimacy – the antidote to digital hyper connectivity and over stimulation, paving the way for better sleep and better relationships.    After using the Love Sleep Pillow Spray 1 in 3 users had more intimate moments. Find Out More At https://www.thisworks.com/products/love-sleep-pillow-spray Instagram @ThisWorks      •••   The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist. Kate believes that so much of what needs normalising when it comes to sex and relationships can be changed through conversation; and this is why the podcast is focused around the idea of hosting informal but informative conversations.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

Sexual experiences involve the participation of both our bodies and our minds; and so the relationship that we have with our bodies and how we think and feel about them can hugely influence our experience of sex. Body confidence is something that comes up a huge amount in the therapy room for both men and women. Whilst it may not be explicitly obvious that it’s why we are struggling with sex and intimacy; challenges with body confidence and negative thoughts about our bodies can distract and disconnect us from these experiences. This can then further inhibit desire, arousal and someone's experience of pleasure.   My guest for this episode is someone who has been through real highs and lows with the relationship with her body, and speaks honestly about how that's had a ripple effect into different areas of her life and wellbeing. Lauren Black is a body confidence and fashion influencer and founder of a new brand called Love Glow Heal. I wanted to have this conversation with Lauren as she has been very public about the fact that she has been in anorexia recovery since June 2020, and she has documented her whole recovery journey online. She's been featured on BBC Radio 1, ITV, GMB and 5LIVE and was interviewed on the BBC documentary The Instagram Effect.   Instagram @imlaurenblack   Love Glow Heal @loveglowheal   •••   This episode focuses on building a healthy and loving relationship with ourselves, learning to love our bodies, and building confidence along the way. And I couldn't have picked a better guest than Lauren Black, whose story is packed with helpful relationship advice and tips on developing strong confidence while staying true to yourself. The award-winning pleasure brand LELO is the sponsor of this episode, with a special treat for all listeners. Use the code KATELELO at lelo.to/KATEMOYLE to pick a luxurious sexy toy and get a gift with every purchase     •••   The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist. Kate believes that so much of what needs normalising when it comes to sex and relationships can be changed through conversation; and this is why the podcast is focused around the idea of hosting informal but informative conversations.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

Break ups are one of the inevitable risks of starting a relationship, and something that most of us will go through in one shape or another during our lifetimes. Break ups are also regularly the theme of stories on our screens, stages, books and in our music and in many ways we are obsessed with love stories and their endings. There are also so many questions around break ups that we don't have the answers to.    Is there a 'good' way to break up? Can we ever be friends with an ex? Can it ever be a good idea to go back?  And how do we get over someone?   So for this conversation I invited my friend and colleague relational psychotherapist Charlotte Fox Weber to talk all about break ups, what happens to us psychologically, how we cope and what it teaches us about life and love.   •••   Charlotte Fox Weber is a relational psychotherapist and writer with a particular interest in desire and our hidden wants. Her book What We Want is coming out this summer (available for pre-orders now) https://geni.us/whatwewant . She founded and headed The School of Life psychotherapy service, and is the co-founder of Examined Life, a therapy collective.   https://charlottefoxweber.com/   Instagram @charlottefoxweberpsychotherapy     ••• This episode was brought to you by Quanna, a CBD company championing sexual wellness as a means to heal and live more fulfilling lives.  Tired of awkward intimate products with nasty ingredients that aggravate your most sensitive areas and uncomfortable intimate moments that leave you underwhelmed? Quanna's Oomf lubricant has a formula that values clean ingredients without harmful additives, it is prebiotic enriched to help maintain the healthy microflora of the intimate areas and keep infections at bay. Oomf also garners the powerful healing properties of CBD to ease discomfort via pelvic relaxation and increase pleasure sensation to reach your peak. Quanna aim to turn taboo into empowerment and deliver and all natural and honest product range that you deserve. To learn more and browse, visit their website https://www.byquanna.com or follow them on Instagram @By.Quanna   Want to try for yourself, use the code: "KATEOOMF" to get 20% off all products.   •••   The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist. Kate believes that so much of what needs normalising when it comes to sex and relationships can be changed through conversation; and this is why the podcast is focused around the idea of hosting informal but informative conversations.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

Whenever I discuss what I do as a job there is much curiosity about what happens behind the door of the therapy room. This is why I really wanted to host a conversation with someone who knows what that's like from the other perspective, as the client. This is because as much as I can talk about therapy from the position of the therapist, it will never give a full view of what the experience of psychosexual therapy is really like.  So my guest for this episode is author of the column Conversations With My Sex Therapist Emma-Louise Boynton. Since going through the experience of psychosexual therapy, and immersing herself in the sexual wellness world, she now hosts the brilliant monthly event series and podcast called Sex Talks at the The London Edition Hotel focused on opening up more honest conversations around sex, desire and the female pleasure taboo. She recently launched female healthcare company Daye's first podcast - Talking Taboos with Daye and is a founding editor at The Stack World. https://www.emmalouiseboynton.com/ Instagram @emmalouiseboynton  •••       This episode is sponsored by iPlaySafe, the new app that is removing the 'ick' from sharing STI test results with potential partners.  Download the free medically-approved app to order your home STI testing kit. Your result will be sent directly to your app verifying your sexual health status, it's then up to you when, with whom, and whether you share it.  The free app also gives you access to articles, podcasts and sexual education content. Join the iPlaySafe community today!    https://www.iplaysafe.app/ Instagram  @iplaysafeapp   •••   The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist. Kate believes that so much of what needs normalising when it comes to sex and relationships can be changed through conversation; and this is why the podcast is focused around the idea of hosting informal but informative conversations.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

The idea of 'the talk' is something that fills many parents and caregivers with anxiety. The worry about what to say, how to answer questions and getting it right can feel pretty daunting. Paired with the fact that many of us didn't have a perfect version of 'the birds and the bees' chat ourselves means that we don't feel set up to know how to talk to our kids about sex and relationships.    This is why my guest today is the brilliant sex educator Sarah Sproule, who makes it her mission to ensure every parent and caring adult knows how to build deeper connection with their growing kid(s). Sarah has two decades experience as a therapist and a masters in sexuality studies, and is a mother of three teens.   Instagram @Iamsarahsproule   www.sarahsproule.com     •••   This important episode with Sarah was supported by my friends at Lelo who have sponsored this episode. Lelo are leaders in the sexual wellness space, promoting the breaking down of stigmas and helping to empower people to start difficult but important conversations like in this episode. Tune in, and afterwards, use the code KATELELO at lelo.to/KATE, treat yourself to a new pleasure device, and get a gift with your purchase. Make sure to follow @lelo_official for a daily dose of sexual wellness inspiration.   https://www.lelo.com/   •••     The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist. Kate believes that so much of what needs normalising when it comes to sex and relationships can be changed through conversation; and this is why the podcast is focused around the idea of hosting informal but informative conversations.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy   •••

Shame is a feeling that often comes paired with sex, and is an emotion that as a therapist I regularly hear people describe that sex makes them feel. This is why I really wanted to host a conversation around the relationship between sex and shame, where we think it comes from and what we think is maintaining it. Sex is so much more than just the act of what we are doing, and it holds meaning for us which is why when we view what we are doing sexually as shameful, or feel shame around our sexual lives, that it can start to impact us in other ways such as self confidence, self-esteem and relationships. My guest for this conversation is the brilliant Natalie Lee aka StyleMeSunday who has just authored her memoir and manifesto on sexual shame Feeling Myself  https://www.waterstones.com/book/feeling-myself/natalie-lee/9781785043864 . The book is incredibly honest, something that Natalie and I discuss as going up against shame and challenging the feeling that it should keep us silent. Natalie digs deep into her relationship with sex and shame, and talks about how when she realised how much it was holding her back, that she then started to get curious and explore the process of freeing herself from some of that shame. Natalie began her career as a midwife before starting her blog, Style Me Sunday, in July 2012. Over nearly a decade, she has grown her platform from a blog to a brand, and now reaches women across various different mediums. Instagram @StyleMeSunday  Natalie's Book Feeling Myself  https://www.waterstones.com/book/feeling-myself/natalie-lee/9781785043864   •••   This episode was brought to you by Ferly, the sexual wellness app empowering women and non-binary folk to overcome sexual challenges affecting their relationships. To date they’ve helped over 200,000 women struggling with things like, low libido, inability to orgasm, low body confidence and/or pain during sex. Ferly’s achieved this by guiding women through science-based tools and techniques that help them feel better in their bodies and their beds.    The app is available on IOS and Android. download it for free today and start your journey to a healthier, more confident and more pleasurable life. I have the privilege of working with Ferly as their resident advisor and I truly believe that the app has the ability to be transformative for female sexual wellness.   https://weareferly.com/ Instagram  @weareferly      •••     The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist. Kate believes that so much of what needs normalising when it comes to sex and relationships can be changed through conversation; and this is why the podcast is focused around the idea of hosting informal but informative conversations.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy   •••

Our sex lives are subject to many gendered messages and narratives which shape how we think that our sex lives 'should' look. Engrained messages about masculinity, manhood and how men should act in sexual situations can influence sex lives both consciously and unconsciously, in what today's guest Cam Fraser describes as the idea of 'Man Box Culture'.   Cam and I unpack some of the myths of masculinity and sex that are impacting men.  We also talk about how the language that we use can be influential and how opening up our definitions of sex and sexuality can be helpful for everyone.   •••   Cam Fraser is a Certified Professional Sex Coach, Certified Sexologist, Registered Counselor, and Registered Tantric Yoga Teacher. His work integrates scientifically validated, medically accurate information about sexual health, with sacred sexuality teachings from the mystery traditions. As a coach, he helps men go beyond surface-level sex and into full-bodied, self-expressed, pleasure-oriented sexual experiences free of anxiety or shame.   https://www.cam-fraser.com/   Instagram @thecamfraser   •••   This episode is sponsored by iPlaySafe, the new app that is removing the 'ick' from sharing STI test results with potential partners.  Download the free medically-approved app to order your home STI testing kit. Your result will be sent directly to your app verifying your sexual health status, it's then up to you when, with whom, and whether you share it.  The free app also gives you access to articles, podcasts and sexual education content. Join the iPlaySafe community today!    https://www.iplaysafe.app/ Instagram  @iplaysafeapp   •••   The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist. Kate believes that so much of what needs normalising when it comes to sex and relationships can be changed through conversation; and this is why the podcast is focused around the idea of hosting informal but informative conversations.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

Induced menopause refers to when menopause happens after surgical removal of the ovaries, radiation or chemotherapy damage to the ovaries, or from the use of other medications to intentionally induce menopause as part of the treatment of certain diseases. The main difference to the process of natural menopause is that there is a rapid onset of symptoms rather than the gradual onset that occurs with natural menopause. It’s also often happening at the same time as diagnosis, treatment or management of certain health conditions or diseases which can’t be ignored as a part of someone’s experience.   My guests for this episode are the brilliant and incredible knowledgable Dr Hannah Short & Dr Liz O’Riordan; both who not only have extensive professional experience in this area but have personally experienced induced menopause.   ••   Liz O'Riordan is an international speaker, broadcaster and award-winning co-author of 'The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer: How to Feel Empowered and Take Control'. In 2015 (aged 40) she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer whilst working as a Consultant Breast Surgeon. In 2018 she had a locoregional recurrence on her chest wall. The side effects of treatment for this meant she had to retire as a surgeon in 2019.   During chemotherapy she started an award-winning blog about her experiences (www.liz.oriordan.co.uk) and now talks all over the world about how to improve patient care. In 2020 she launched her podcast – Don't Ignore The Elephant – that talks about the things no-one else does, like sex, death and body image.   Instagram - @oriordanliz    Dr Hannah Short is a GP and an accredited specialist in Menopause and Premenstrual Disorders, recognised by the British Menopause Society (BMS), The International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) and The National Association for Premenstrual Syndromes (NAPS).  Hannah has a particular interest in induced (medical and surgical) menopause, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and hormone sensitivity disorders. She is a member of the IAPMD Clinical Advisory Board and the Surgical Menopause Advisory Committee, and has previously worked as a volunteer doctor for The Daisy Network (a charity dedicated to girls and women diagnosed with POI). Hannah also has personal experience of premature surgical menopause, having undergone a hysterectomy and ovary removal at the age of 35. This drives her passion and informs her work. She is the co-author of “The Complete Guide to POI and Early Menopause”, due for publication in June 2022.   https://drhannahshort.co.uk/   ••   Join us for a special episode dedicated to International Masturbation Month! Or, as some may call it - May. For this occasion, powered by the leading makers of award-winning luxury sex toys at LELO, we have a naughty surprise for you. Tune in, pick yourself a new pleasure device and get a special gift with every purchase using the code KATELELO at  lelo.to/LELOxKATE Don’t forget to follow @lelo_official for a daily dose of sexual wellness inspiration.     ••   The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist. Kate believes that so much of what needs normalising when it comes to sex and relationships can be changed through conversation; and this is why the podcast is focused around the idea of hosting informal but informative conversations.    Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

Kicking off series three is a conversation with the absolutely brilliant Eleanor Tattersfield @marbyandelm who has been collecting the UK’s sex secrets. Anonymously sent to her on postcards this collection of cards are absolutely stunning, and they really do have a story to tell in terms of what’s going on in our sex lives and how we think and feel about sex.   I talk to Eleanor about how I think the postcards are a form of sex education; and are opening up our narratives about what we find erotic, desirable, pleasurable and what turns us on. The series also breaks down the idea that there are limited ways that we can express ourselves sexually, and encourages us to think about our definitions and ideas about sex.    •••   Marby & Elm is a little stationery shop on Exmouth Market in Clerkenwell. After the success of Lockdown Secrets ( https://www.marbyandelm.com/store/products,lockdown-secrets-book_647.htm ) Eleanor decided to launch the series Sex Secrets in a hope to prove that in fact we all pretty much share them and are far from alone.   Instagram @marbyandelm https://www.instagram.com/marbyandelm TikTok @marby_and_elm   •••   This episode is sponsored by iPlaySafe, the new app that is removing the 'ick' from sharing STI test results with potential partners.  Download the free medically-approved app to order your home STI testing kit. Your result will be sent directly to your app verifying your sexual health status, it's then up to you when, with whom, and whether you share it.  The free app also gives you access to articles, podcasts and sexual education content. Join the iPlaySafe community today!    https://www.iplaysafe.app/ Instagram  @iplaysafeapp   •••   The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist. Kate believes that so much of what needs normalising when it comes to sex and relationships can be changed through conversation; and this is why the podcast is focused around the idea of hosting informal but informative conversations.   Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

In this final episode of the second series of The Sexual Wellness Sessions hosted by Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist Kate Moyle, we're discussing the future of sex. My guest Bryony Cole and I talk about the biggest changes and trends that we have seen impacting our sex lives recently, and where we think the future of sex is heading.   Undoubtably there has been an enormous shift in our sex lives and accessibility to information since the dawn of the internet; and we see that smart phones in particular have played a huge part in changing how we find and meet partners, stay in relationships, and break up. In our conversation Bryony and I talk about the pros and cons of the impact of tech on our lives, the changes to sexual healthcare and solutions; and how sex tech, trends and developments can not just change how we have sex now, but can influence narratives, messages and education going forward.    Bryony Cole is the world's leading authority on sextech, and she's fascinated by the way technology permeates every corner of our lives, even the most intimate ones. She is the creator and host of the Future of Sex podcast, founder of Sextech School and Lovehoney's resident sextech advisor. Since launching the top-rated podcast Future of Sex, Bryony has been on stages across the world forecasting trends in the sextech industry for governments, tech titans and entertainment companies, including SXSW, PEN World Voices Festival, Skolkovo Foundation and Founders Forum. Bryony recently launched Sextech School, a course for entrepreneurs looking to get started in sextech. This episode was brought to you by Lelo the luxury sex toy brand combining luxury, pleasure and innovation to create sex toys for both solo and couple pleasure; and I am very proud to work with Lelo as their UK Sex Expert, and you can use the code KMLELO15 until the end of 2021 to get 15% off your order at https://www.lelo.com/    @lelo_official Kate Moyle is Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, who is passionate about having open and normalising conversations around sex and relationships; and helping people to get to a place of sexual health, happiness and wellbeing.  Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

In this episode of The Sexual Wellness Sessions hosted by Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist Kate Moyle, we're discussing the topic of sexual trauma and the impact that it can have on someone's life. My guest Silva Neves is a Psychotherapist specialising in Trauma, EMDR, and Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy; and he has an enormous amount of experience working with those who have been through trauma and sexual trauma experiences.    In our discussion we talk through how trauma and sexual trauma are defined, common ways that it can manifest whilst acknowledging that everyone is different, and ways in which people can start to move through and process what has happened to them and the aftermath. With a focus on sex lives and relationships Silva discusses how couples can manage if one or both partners have experienced sexual trauma, how to communicate about triggers and ways of managing situations and boundaries; and working together to build trust, intimacy and a sex life and relationship that works for them.    Silva Neves is a COSRT-accredited and UKCP-registered psychotherapist and supervisor, author, and provider of clinical trainings internationally on the topics of sex, relationships, trauma and grief. For 11 years he has specialised in psychosexual & relationship therapy, couples therapy and the treatment of compulsive sexual behaviours. He is also a trauma psychotherapist experienced in working with survivors of sexual abuse, sexual trauma, sexual and romantic affairs, and compulsive sexual behaviours. Silva is the author of Compulsive Sexual Behaviours, A Psycho-Sexual Treatment Guide for Clinicians (2021, Routledge) and he featured in the BBC programme Sex On The Couch.   @silvanevespsychotherapy   https://www.silvaneves.co.uk/   www.sexpositivityUK.com   Today's episode was brought to you by Blueheart, the easy to use, expert-designed app for couples who are experiencing difficulties with libido - this is one of the most common sexual challenges that couples come up against. Blueheart are challenging the taboo around the subject by making getting help and advice more accessible. Blueheart is removing some of the barriers to make sex therapy possible for everyone, they offer expert-led therapeutic techniques, activities education and guided conversations, all from the app so that you can prioritise your relationship and sexual wellbeing in a way that works for you at your own pace. The Blueheart app is available to download now on Android and iPhone https://www.blueheart.io/   @blueheart_app Kate Moyle is Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, who is passionate about having open and normalising conversations around sex and relationships; and helping people to get to a place of sexual health, happiness and wellbeing.  Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

In this episode of The Sexual Wellness Sessions hosted by Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist Kate Moyle, we're talking about motherhood, and how being a mother can create impact and change in our sex lives. We discuss all of the factors that are influencing the lives of modern mothers, and how a snowballing of social factors are directly impacting mothers and their relationships with self and partners.    In our conversation Sarah and I cover how mothers go through stages and changes physically, emotionally, psychologically and in terms of identity, all of which can create a huge shift in how we see ourselves as a person; which can then show up in our sex lives and relationships. Sarah refers to this as matrescence, which is defined as the process of becoming a mother and the changes that occur in different aspects of our lives as a result, and she talks about how this is reflected back to us by society and culture.    Sarah Forbes is a curator + sexual culturalist + author. Dubbed a "sexpert supreme" by Cosmopolitan Magazine, her memoir, "Sex in the Museum" is based on her decade as the Curator of the Museum of Sex in New York. Trained as an anthropologist, Sarah is writing her second book, "Mama Sex," an anthropological look at motherhood and sexuality. With a focus on sexuality, gender and history, Sarah has been a featured expert everywhere from the New York Times to the The Today Show.    @mamasexbook   https://www.mamasexbook.com/   Today's episode was brought to you by Ferly, the sexual wellness app empowering womxn and non-binary folk to overcome sexual difficulties which can range from lack of libido, inability to orgasm or simply low body confidence. Ferly do this with science based tools and techniques, that help them feel better in their bodies and their beds. The app is available on iOS and Android. Download it today and start your journey to a healthier, confident and more pleasurable life. I have the privilege of working with Ferly as their resident advisor, and truly believe their app has the ability to be transformative for female sexual wellness. https://weareferly.com/   @weareferly Kate Moyle is Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, who is passionate about having open and normalising conversations around sex and relationships; and helping people to get to a place of sexual health, happiness and wellbeing.  Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

In this episode of The Sexual Wellness Sessions hosted by Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist Kate Moyle, we're talking about Chemsex with a particular focus on the gay, bisexual and men-having-sex-with-men community where chemsex is most common. My guest for this conversation is David Stuart who was the first person to name and identify Chemsex as an emerging gay cultural phenomenon. He's a support worker, public servant and a drug use counsellor, specialising in chems and chemsex. He is incredibly experienced in working with those struggling with chemsex use, and what factors are often involved in starting and maintaining the use chems as a part of someone's sex life.    One of the challenges of chemsex is that people often describe this particular use of drugs, as making them feel less inhibited and experiencing increased pleasure; however the flipside of this is that is can pose challenges for sober sex. In this conversation we unpack some of the cultural and social factors that are contributing to people's challenges with chemsex; and we examine some of the narratives and experiences that can influence someone's relationship to chems.    David Stuart was the first to name and identify Chemsex as an emerging gay cultural phenomenon. He developed the world’s first chemsex support services, and he fought relentlessly for greater chemsex awareness by encouraging and stimulating cultural dialogue and discussion within our international gay, bi and Queer communities. He continues to support international governments and communities to manage the cultural phenomenon from a place of kindness, sex positivity and cultural competence. https://www.davidstuart.org/   @davidastuart   Today's episode was brought to you by Blueheart, the easy to use, expert-designed app for couples who are experiencing difficulties with libido - this is one of the most common sexual challenges that couples come up against. Blueheart are challenging the taboo around the subject by making getting help and advice more accessible. Blueheart is removing some of the barriers to make sex therapy possible for everyone, they offer expert-led therapeutic techniques, activities education and guided conversations, all from the app so that you can prioritise your relationship and sexual wellbeing in a way that works for you at your own pace. The Blueheart app is available to download now on Android and iPhone https://www.blueheart.io/   @blueheart_app   Kate Moyle is Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist, who is passionate about having open and normalising conversations around sex and relationships; and helping people to get to a place of sexual health, happiness and wellbeing.  Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy