339: Sexual Emergence - Surprising Twists in our understanding of ourselves with Jess Levith

Jessa Zimmerman, host of Better Sex, welcomes back Jess Levith to discuss 'sexual emergence' – the fluid nature of sexuality and its changes over time. They delve into personal experiences and professional insights, covering the impact of life stages and contexts on sexual identity. Jess Levith explains how her unexpected crush led to a journey of self-discovery and the concept of sexual emergence. They also discuss the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and the 'sexaflex' model in understanding and navigating changes in sexuality. This episode aims to inspire listeners to explore and understand their sexual identity through different life contexts.

00:00 Introduction to Better Sex Podcast

00:46 Guest Introduction: Jess Levith on Sexual Emergence

02:11 Personal Journey and Realization

03:31 Understanding Sexual Emergence

05:30 Sexual Contextualism and Ecosystems

09:58 Exploring Sexual Fluidity

12:26 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

17:22 Practical Applications of ACT in Sexuality

18:34 Introduction to Sex Therapy

18:48 Deconstructing Sexual Issues

19:37 Exploring Values and Spirituality

21:22 Present Time Awareness and Acceptance

23:05 Sexual Emergence and Midlife Challenges

25:48 Proactive Sexual Exploration

28:59 Writing and Resources

31:10 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Find my new quizzes:

For the higher desire partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdpmistake

For the lower desire partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldpmistake

Bio:

Jess Levith is a certified sex therapist through AASECT (the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists) seeing therapy clients within the state of CA. She teaches at various colleges around the Bay Area and has specialized training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment Focused EMDR, Out of ControlSexual Behaviors (OCSB), and Modern Attachment Theory (interpersonal neurobiology).

In the past few years she's taken a deeper dive into buddhist psychology, completing a certificate program at The Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy. Currently she's working on a book that takes a deep dive into ACT and sexual emergence later in life.

@jesslevith_cst

sexualcontextualism.com

east-baytherapy.com

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More info and resources:

Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcast

Secret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcast

How Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.com

The Course – https://www.intimacywithease.com

The Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.com

Podcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.com

Access the Free webinar: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass