Sex Positivity to Work Through Trauma

If you know anything about sex positivity, you know that it’s so much more than a popular catchphrase or lifestyle. For countless people, choosing to live a sex-positive life is a way to harness their power and heal from traumatic experiences. 

At Brooklyn Integrative Psychological Services, based in New York, our dedicated team of psychotherapists offers affirming, culturally-humble, and judgment-free therapy to help you overcome your psychological hurdles. We understand that having honest conversations around sex and pleasure can help you heal, and we’re here to offer you a safe space to find the relief you deserve.

So, if you’re curious about how sex positivity can help you work through your own trauma in psychotherapy, keep reading. 

Understanding sex positivity 

The first step to introducing this healing practice into your life is to fully understand what it means and how it applies to your mental health journey. At its core, sex positivity encourages an open, non-judgmental approach to all aspects of sexuality. What makes it stand out is that it actively rejects social stigmas and promotes the idea that consensual sexual experiences are not only normal, but can also be crucial for your overall well-being. 

By bringing these conversations and ideas to light, we’re able to challenge the outdated and pervasive shame around sex and offer a fresh perspective. Instead of framing sex as taboo or something that shouldn’t be talked about, sex positivity celebrates its diversity, consent, and communication. This shift can be crucial during the process of healing or working through trauma. 

Sex positivity as a healing tool

Beyond challenging the shame around sex and giving you a platform to discuss your sex life freely and safely, here are some of the key ways sex positivity can be used as a tool for working through your trauma: 

Reclaiming control over your body

Trauma is a terrifying or life-threatening experience that causes emotional distress and damage. If you’ve experienced trauma, you know how it can make you feel disconnected from your own body. The way sex positivity addresses this common symptom is that it slowly allows you to reclaim control of your body and rediscover a healthy relationship with yourself. By engaging in consensual, pleasurable activities or personal kinks, survivors give themselves agency over their bodies and rebuild trust.

Healthy communication 

At its core, sex positivity emphasizes the importance of open communication about desires, boundaries, and consent. This is an incredibly powerful tool for survivors of trauma who struggle to express their needs, ultimately transforming their relationship with themselves and others. 

Exploring pleasure as a form of self-care

Every person in this world deserves to experience pleasure and healing. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to make time for yourself. By embracing sex positivity, you take the time to acknowledge and explore your own pleasure. Tending to your self-care in this way is extremely healing for your mental and emotional well-being. 

Practical steps towards sex positivity 

If everything we’ve covered so far resonates with you but you still don’t know where to look or start, here are the practical steps you can take to prioritize sex positivity as a tool for your own trauma-healing journey: 

Educate yourself 

The road to sex positivity starts with learning as much about it as you can. Educate yourself about the different aspects of sexuality, consent, and healthy relationships. And if you’re still left with questions, consult with our team and we’ll provide a safe space to discuss your concerns during your psychotherapy sessions.

Seek additional support 

The most important thing for you to remember is that you’re not alone. Seek support from our team of specialists, reach out to your friends, and consider support groups that foster a sex-positive environment. 

Take small steps 

Using sex positivity as a tool to work through trauma is not a one-size-fits-all approach, which is a huge part of what makes it so wonderful. Your journey toward self-exploration, open communication with partners, and taking back your power will look different than anyone else’s. With psychotherapy at Brooklyn Integrative Psychological Services, you can tailor your healing to your own specific experiences and needs to get the most out of it. 

In the end, we hope you feel more confident discussing sex openly, embracing sex positivity, and choosing to prioritize your self-care. The road to trauma recovery is not an easy one, but taking your power back can make it all the more rewarding.

So, if you’re ready to learn more about sex positivity and other trauma treatment options, email us at coordinator@bkintegrative.com, or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment at one of our offices today!