Adam Young, a therapist specializing in trauma and author of "Make Sense of Your Story," dives deep into the journey of understanding our sexual narratives. He emphasizes the importance of embracing personal narratives to confront shame and foster emotional growth. The discussion also touches on the intersection of faith and personal desires, urging listeners to express their emotions candidly to God. Young provides insight into the healing power of community support and shares previews of his workshop at the upcoming Porn-Free Man Conference.
Engaging with one's personal sexual story, including experiences of shame and disappointment, fosters healing and deeper relationships with God.
Navigating desires through candid discussions with God can transform fear into understanding, leading to authentic personal growth and fulfillment.
Deep dives
The Importance of Engaging Your Story
Engaging one's personal story is vital for experiencing healing and growth, particularly in the context of sexuality. According to insights shared in the podcast, each person's narrative, shaped by desires and disappointments, informs their behavior and choices throughout life. This engagement allows individuals to understand their sexual history, including how they were introduced to concepts of sexuality and arousal, which is often through inadequate or harmful means. By reflecting on these experiences, not only can individuals begin to dismantle sexual shame, but they also open the door to a deeper relationship with God and a healthier view of their sexuality.
Exploring Shame and Disappointment
Acknowledging and exploring feelings of sexual shame and disappointment is critical for personal growth and transformation. The podcast highlights that many individuals carry unexamined stories of sexual harm, and confronting these experiences is necessary for healing. When individuals take the time to write down their feelings of shame or disappointment regarding their sexual experiences, they can start to understand and release the burdens that bind them. This process is not only about engaging with the past but also about inviting God into those memories to experience His kindness and healing.
The Role of Hope and Surrender
The discussion emphasizes the importance of hope and the often challenging relationship individuals have with their desires. Many people fear that embracing their desires will lead to further pain or disappointment, resulting in a desire to suppress those feelings. Instead, a candid engagement with God about one's desires offers a path to deeper understanding and fulfillment. By viewing surrender as a wrestling match with God, individuals can navigate their feelings and desires more honestly and ultimately find freedom, leading to a more authentic relationship with themselves and their spirituality.
You have a story. Your sexuality has a story. Adam Young explains why and how to engage your sexual story: desires and disappointments, arousal, emotions, shame, abuse, and your war with hope. Adam also gives us a preview of the workshop he will lead at The Porn Free Man Conference on "Engaging God About Your Story." This episode is incredible!
Adam Young is a therapist who focuses on trauma and abuse, and the host of The Place We Find Ourselves podcast. Adam is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master's degree in Social Work (Virginia Commonwealth University) and Divinity (Emory University). Adam is the author of Make Sense of Your Story: Why Engaging Your Story with Kindness Changes Everything. He currently serves as a Fellow and Instructor at The Allender Center. Adam lives in Fort Collins, CO, with his wife and two children.