The 4 Phases of Erotic Liberation (and Why Receiving Changes Everything) with Darshana Avila

Why do so many people long for deeper pleasure and intimacy — yet feel blocked, disconnected, or unable to receive?

In this grounded and illuminating conversation, somatic intimacy guide Darna Avila shares how trauma-informed somatics and consent practices create the foundation for true erotic liberation.

Together, we explore how nervous system safety, regulation, and clear boundaries open the door to authentic desire, deeper connection, and more expansive pleasure. Darna introduces her four phases of erotic liberation — regulation, receiving, allowing, and expressing — and explains why many of us, especially women and AFAB bodies, have been conditioned to people-please, overgive, and disconnect from our own needs.

We talk about:

• the link between trauma and sexual shutdown
• the fawn response and people-pleasing in intimacy
• why receiving pleasure can feel unsafe
• the Wheel of Consent and clear communication
• rebuilding trust in the body
• reclaiming desire and erotic sovereignty
• pleasure as a source of power and activism
• how personal healing supports collective liberation

This episode is an invitation to slow down, listen inward, and remember that your pleasure is not selfish — it’s life force.

More resources and writings: rahichun.com. darshanaavila.com
If this episode supported you, leaving a 5-star rating or brief review helps this work reach more people.