Let's talk about the part of chronic pelvic pain that doesn't get discussed nearly enough.
Sex.
Intimacy.
Navigating Relationships.
The fear that your partner might leave.
The pressure to push through discomfort.
In this episode, I'm joined by my friend and colleague Vanessa Blackstone, Executive Director of the Pain Psychology Center, for an honest and nuanced conversation about sex, intimacy, chronic pelvic pain, and healing.
Together, we explore the ways shame, cultural conditioning, people-pleasing, and nervous system patterns can shape our relationship with sex and our bodies.
We also explore:
• Why conversations about sex are often missing from the chronic pain and mind-body healing space
• The cultural messages many women receive about sex, pleasure, and their bodies
• How people-pleasing and perfectionism can impact intimacy
• Why creating safety with yourself matters before creating safety with a partner
• Dating and navigating intimacy while living with chronic pelvic pain
• Rebuilding trust with your body after years of symptoms
This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt disconnected from their body, afraid of intimacy, or unsure how to move forward when pain has impacted their relationship with sex.
You are not broken.
You are not alone.
And there is another way forward.
Connect with Vanessa:
Instagram: @that.therapist
PRT Workbook
Vanessa’s Substack: https://substack.com/@vanessablackstone
Connect with Rachel:
IG: thepelvicpaincoach
Get Your Free Pain Flare Plan
Book A Pelvic Pain Strategy Session
Get on the waitlist for Beyond Chronic Pelvic Pain (doors opening again this summer)
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
