Dr. Adam Dorsay introduces SuperPsyched and interviews Dr. Holly Richmond about healing sexual trauma and her book Reclaiming Pleasure. They note prevalence statistics and emphasize that sexual trauma is violating even when not violent, making accurate naming (e.g., sexual abuse vs assault vs rape) central to healing because “words inform our experience.” Richmond outlines a sequence of awareness, understanding, and behavior change, integrating somatic, trauma, and sex-therapy interventions, and uses grounding practices such as “that was then, this is now” and present-moment sensory orientation. She defines sex positivity as sex that is consensual and pleasurable, discusses eros as life force linking sexuality and overall wellbeing, and explains fantasy as a safe bridge to desire, including consensual non-consent themes distinct from real-life consent. Richmond previews a forthcoming book on sex after kids and names attunement and giving the benefit of the doubt as key skills for relationships.
00:00 Welcome and Content Warning
01:44 Meet Holly Richmond
03:58 Couples After Trauma
04:33 Awareness to Change
07:11 Power of Naming
09:19 Defining Abuse Assault Rape
12:19 Thoughts Feelings Sensations
15:27 Sex Positivity Framework
18:29 Pleasure Beyond Sex
20:00 Control and Nervous System Scale
22:06 That Was Then This Is Now
24:03 Grounding With Mantras
24:56 Visual Tethers And Boundaries
26:56 Real Versus True Pain
28:57 Sex And A Better World
32:01 Why Fantasy Matters
35:19 Consensual Non Consent
37:06 Fantasy Versus Reality
40:45 Porn Jealousy And Honesty
41:46 Sex After Kids Book
43:22 Attunement And Benefit Of Doubt
46:04 Closing Thanks And Subscribe
Helpful Links:
Dr. Holly Richmond
Reclaiming Sexual Pleasure Book
Dr. Holly Richmond Instagram
Dr. Holly Richmond Facebook
Dr. Holly Richmond LinkedIn
