In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Theresa Litz, PhD, a licensed clinical social worker and sex therapist, to explore how sexual wellness and pelvic health intersect. With advanced training in human sexuality studies, EMDR, somatic resourcing, and experience working with men’s sexual victimization, she brings a nuanced, trauma-informed perspective to this conversation.
We talk about why intimacy can become wrapped up with physical discomfort, apprehension, and shame, and how our nervous system, past experiences, and cultural scripts all contribute. Dr. Litz explains how she collaborates with pelvic floor physical therapists, why medical evaluation and therapy work best together, and what people can actually expect from sex therapy —from history-taking and building safety to moving at a client-led pace.
Listeners learn about tools like sensate focus, mindfulness, self-exploration, and EMDR to rebuild trust in the body and reframe unhelpful beliefs. We also discuss CBD as one supportive option for relaxation and easing muscular guarding, and we close with a message of grounded hope: pleasure is still possible and can be defined on our own terms.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Men’s and women’s different experiences accessing care for pelvic and sexual health
- What sex therapy actually involves and when to seek it out
- How the nervous system, past experiences, and apprehension shape sexual function
- EMDR, sensate focus, mindfulness, and self-exploration as tools to rebuild trust in the body
- Navigating intimacy in relationships, including guilt, shame, and communication between partners
- How pelvic floor PT and sex therapy can work together for better outcomes
- Where CBD may fit in as a supportive tool for relaxation and easing muscular guarding
Resources from this Episode
- Guest Website: https://www.betterbeinggroup.com/theresa-litz
- Book References:
- Better Sex Through Mindfulness: How Women Can Cultivate Desire by Lori A. Brotto, PhD (Great resource for learning how mindfulness can improve desire and provides exercises to put the material into practice): https://www.amazon.com/Better-Sex-Through-Mindfulness-Cultivate/dp/1771642351
- Desire: An Inclusive Guide to Navigating Libido Differences in Relationships by Lauren Fogel Mersy, PsyD and Jennifer A Vencill, PhD, ADPP (Great resource discussing differences in libido and different external factors that impact desire. It also includes activities partners can do together and individually to learn more about themselves): https://www.amazon.com/Desire-Inclusive-Navigating-Differences-Relationships/dp/0807006785
- Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski, PhD (Great resource discussing sex and sexuality as a whole. Dr. Nagoski also has a workbook with activities that goes deeper into the concepts discussed): https://www.amazon.com/Come-You-Are-Surprising-Transform/dp/1476762090
- https://resources.medroots.com/blog/
- https://resources.medroots.com/blog/the-new-way-to-make-sex-more-comfortable-and-enjoyable-for-women-with-pelvic-discomfort/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-sex-effectiveness#potential-benefits
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37702237/
Disclaimer:
The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of MedRoots or the medical community at large. Listeners should consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any healthcare-related decisions.
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