How much did you talk about sex and human sexuality growing up? What were the messages you got about sex and sexuality religiously, culturally, or even racially? I imagine MANY of you were like me and didn’t necessarily have many direct conversations about sex and sexuality, but oh were the messages you received culturally and religious LOUD!

So, today, my guest and I are going to talk about how gaslighting has impacted the way so many of us think and feel about sex and human sexuality. My hope for this episode is to raise awareness, help us step out of any shame or messages of “not enough” we may carry, and be freer to be in alignment with our authentic self when it comes to sex and our sexuality.

Bio: My guest today is MJ Denis, a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Texas. She is also an AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist and an APSATS-Certified Partner Trauma Specialist.

Story Time: Sarah and MJ talk about the way gaslighting and sexual issues intersect. From "Purity culture" to how many times a week you have sex with your intimate partner - they cover a lot of relevant topics with both candidness and education.

 Top Take-Aways:

1. Look for signs of gaslighting around sex and sexuality by specifically paying attention to confusion and self-doubt.
2. Practice communication with your partner (when it's safe to do so).
3. Look for cognitive dissonance (feeling like you have to choose between either self-abandonment and keeping the relationship OR staying connected to your truth and losing the relationship).

If you want to understand more about the ways gaslighting has shown up in your life, and robbed you of knowing yourself, loving yourself, and trusting yourself, check out the programs I offer on my website. If you want to know more about ETT and the therapy MJ offers, go to her website.

And here is my weekly invitation for you to follow me on your preferred social media platform… I’m on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Those are the spaces where you can leave comments, and we can interact, and I would really enjoy having conversations with my podcast listeners!

And remember – you may have crashed and burned; been broke and hurt, but damn it, you’re a phoenix and you’re rising again. I think it’s time we fly.