EP 231: The Secrets to Healthy Sexuality: A Sex Therapist’s Insights with Rossana Sida

EP 231: The Secrets to Healthy Sexuality: A Sex Therapist’s Insights with Rossana Sida

by | Sep 15, 2023 | Podcast

  1. Why did you become a Sex therapist? What did you find so fascinating about it that you wanted to pursue it? 
  2. Looking at an article from Gitnux: 32% of people that watch porn believe their porn habits are problematic or addictive, 56% of divorce cases involve one party having an obsessive interest in porn. 
    • Have you seen a lot of cases of porn addiction? Why does it happen? 
      • Typically those who compulsively or habitually watch porn it is due to a feeling of loneliness, isolation, a feeling that they cannot be themselves around others, or that relationships with others drain them. They go to porn then to feel a part of something fun and pleasurable where they can just let their inhibitions go. 
        • So are they divorcing because of the porn watching, probably not. They are already feeling lonely and isolating themselves or looking for a nonjudgemental place to be themselves. That’s a couples issues. 
  3. Who struggles more with sex men or women? Why? 
    • They both have their own struggles. The most common struggles for men are erectile dysfunction, using porn more than they’d like, and wanting more or less sex than their partner. 
    • Women most commonly struggle with the impacts of sexual trauma, lack of pleasure in sex, painful sex, and mismatched desire for sex. 
    • My theory is that men are more focused on performance. 
    • What are the typical struggles or thoughts that men go through vs. women?  
      • Men = Performance due to expectations of what it is to be masculine, you’re not a man if you can’t get hard/want sex all the time/want to be more submissive in the bedroom, and able to become desirous for sex quickly or spontaneously
      • All men want is sex/ pressure to keep their men satisfied, only able to desire sex if the stars are aligned or it’s been a good day or after steps, responsive 
  4. Does bad sex lead to a bad relationship? 
    • Sex is a big part of any serious relationship and I’ve found that a lot of relationships and marriages fall off if there is a lack of sex. Phases/Seasons
    • Why do some couples have sex but then find it hard to talk about sex with each other? The world finds it hard to talk about sex, and that’s why. It is not normalized. No practice. Even in medical and therapeutic settings, it has been documented that unless a doctor specifically asks about sex, patients will not bring it up first. Also fear of judgment from partner
  5. How can women and men increase their libido or sexual drive? 
    • Men are focused on having peak testosterone levels and lots of times take supplements to promote it or even go on TRT.
      • Always good to check in with your doctor about hormone levels for both men and women if they’re experiencing a lack of desire, erectile issues, vaginal dryness, pain with sex.  
    • Is there anything you recommend for men and women to increase their sex drive? Supplements, sleep, exercise?
      • The basics of taking care of yourself, sleep, eating right, exercise, and if that is as good as it’s going to get then prioritizing and finding what it is you’re really looking for (touch, attention, etc.)
    • Can working the night shift affect it?
      • Absolutely, if partners are two ships passing in the night then their mindset will be in opposite places. Other than that, working the night shift people often lack sleep, sun, socialization with friends and all of these things can affect how sexy we feel. When we lack sleep our hormones don’t always have time to restore to their proper levels and so it can result in a lack of desire and erectile issues, less lubricating. 
  6. How does sex and the perception of sex affect people who have been sexually assaulted?
    • It looks different for everyone but some common themes are: Have a lot of sex so that they can feel like they are in control of their sex life and their body but what’s going on here is that they have the sex bc of underlying beliefs of lets beat them to the punch. OR they avoid sex, only have sex out of obligation or duty, or dissociate during sex. Or some people are just fine having sex within the context of a safe rx afterwards but they may have triggers pop up from time to time. 
    • What does the healing process look like?
      • Finding the person’s beliefs about the event, their fault, why it happened, how it has impacted their views of self, others, and the world (can’t trust anybody or questioning higher power) and working through each of those beliefs that are not helping them. 
    • Sex is such a big part of life, how does it affect relationships when someone is unable to have sex or is uncomfortable with it
      •  Partners begin to feel unloved, unattractive, unfulfilled
  7. Have you seen an increase in Non-Monogamy?
    • Can you explain a non-monogamous relationship? 
      •  Yes, there has been an increase in various types of non-monogamy 
        • Swingers: swap sexual partners
        • Open: sexual contact 
        • Polygamy: marriage with multiple 
        • Pulyamour: romantic relationships with others
        • Throuple/Triad: a monogamous relationship with more than 2

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/fmSnxfpaAv0 

https://www.instagram.com/togethernesstherapy/ 

EP 230: Revealing the Realities of Human Trafficking with Amanda Blackwood

EP 230: Revealing the Realities of Human Trafficking with Amanda Blackwood

by | Sep 1, 2023 | Podcast

Understanding the Complex Realities of Human Trafficking

The crime of human trafficking is a stark reminder that even in our modern world, where progress and connectivity thrive, a dark underbelly of exploitation and abuse continues to persist. In this comprehensive blog post, we delve into the intricate mechanisms of human trafficking, the staggering number of people affected, and the factors that perpetuate this heinous crime.

The Mechanics of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a complex web of criminal activities designed to exploit vulnerable individuals. It involves several key stages:

  1. Recruitment: Traffickers identify and exploit vulnerabilities, often targeting individuals in poverty, conflict zones, or those seeking a better life.
  2. Transportation: Victims are transported across borders or within a country using various methods, such as hidden compartments, falsified documents, or coercion.
  3. Exploitation: Once captive, victims are subjected to various forms of exploitation, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, child soldiering, and organ trafficking.
  4. Control and Abuse: Traffickers exert control through physical violence, threats, manipulation, and isolation, making escape seem impossible.

The Global Impact

The scale of human trafficking is staggering, with millions of lives affected each year:

  1. Scope and Scale: The International Labor Organization estimates that over 40 million people are victims of human trafficking globally, generating illicit profits of around $150 billion annually.
  2. Sex Trafficking: Around 4.8 million individuals are trapped in forced sexual exploitation, often driven by the demand for commercial sex.
  3. Labor Trafficking: Approximately 16 million people are trapped in forced labor, working in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and domestic work.
  4. Children at Risk: Alarmingly, children account for nearly one-third of all trafficking victims, with many subjected to the worst forms of exploitation.

Factors Fueling Human Trafficking

  1. Poverty and Lack of Opportunity: Economic disparities and limited access to education and jobs make individuals susceptible to traffickers’ false promises.
  2. Conflict and Instability: Ongoing conflicts and instability in certain regions create environments conducive to trafficking, especially among displaced populations.
  3. Gender Inequality: Women and girls are disproportionately affected due to gender-based discrimination, making them targets for sexual exploitation and forced labor.
  4. Weak Legal Frameworks: Inadequate legal systems and corruption can enable traffickers to operate with impunity.

Breaking the Chains: How to Make a Difference

  1. Raise Awareness: Educate yourself and others about the realities of human trafficking. Share accurate information on social media and within your community.
  2. Support Anti-Trafficking Organizations: Contribute to NGOs working to prevent trafficking, rescue victims, and provide support.
  3. Advocate for Change: Pressure governments to strengthen anti-trafficking laws, improve law enforcement efforts, and provide support for victims.
  4. Empower Vulnerable Communities: Support programs that empower vulnerable individuals through education, vocational training, and access to healthcare.

Human trafficking is an affront to our shared humanity, exploiting the most vulnerable among us for profit. By understanding its mechanisms, acknowledging its scope, and taking concerted actions to combat it, we can work towards a world where every individual’s dignity and freedom are upheld.

To watch the interview with Amanda Blackwood, click the watch the full episode link.

Watch the full episode: 

Amanda’s website: www.GrowthFromDarkness.com