Self-Led Sexuality: Reclaiming Intimacy Through IFS with Patricia Rich, LCSW (299)
5/12/20261 hr 20 min
Patricia Rich introduces the concept of self-led sexuality — approaching sexuality from curiosity, compassion, and connection rather than fear or conditioning. She explains how understanding our internal “parts” can help individuals navigate conflicting desires, deepen consent, and create greater safety within themselves and their relationships. Explore the complexities of sexuality, emphasizing the importance of self-led sexuality and the integration of Internal Family Systems (IFS) in sexual therapy. The conversation also examines the broader cultural forces that influence sexuality, including capitalism, gender expectations, and the silence many therapists themselves experience around sexual topics. Grounded in both clinical insight and humanity, this episode offers a refreshing framework for understanding sexuality as a space for healing, embodiment, and authentic connection.
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First 90 secondsPatricia Rich· Guest0:02
I do adopt a very expansive notion of this life force energy and how we embody it and how we can allow different levels of pleasure in different contexts and at different times. And then one of the things I've based my model on is just like the eight C words that Dick Schwartz came up with for self energy was I came to the notion that self energy also has sexual qualities, and this core self, and I call these the six S's of sexual self energy. The idea is that when our system can allow, you know, when our parts can relax, that this core energy we have has qualities of being safe, sensual, spacious, sensitive, steamy, and satisfied.
Speaker 10:54
[upbeat music] Welcome to Therapist Uncensored. Building on decades of professional experience, this podcast tackles neurobiology, modern attachment, and more in an honest way that's helpful in healing humans. Your session begins now with Dr. Ann Kelly and Sue Marriott.
Ann Kelley· Host1:11
[upbeat music] Hey, you guys. While we know relationships are wonderful, they are also really hard. Many of us believe that they shouldn't be, that if we have good connection and good communication, things will just go smoothly,