Episode 750: Grief and The Dance of Self-Discovery with Edy Nathan

The Complexity of Grief, Trauma, and Sexuality

In this podcast episode, Edie Nathan, a certified sex therapist and thought leader, discusses the interplay between grief, trauma, and sexuality. She emphasizes that each of these topics holds intense and intricate experiences on their own, but when combined, they create a complex terrain for individuals to navigate. Edie shares her personal journey of loss and trauma, which led her to shift her focus from the corporate world to the field of grief therapy. She delves into the importance of acknowledging and embracing the nonlinear nature of grief, rejecting the notion of closure, and shifting the language around grief to view it as a dance of self-discovery. Edie also introduces the concept of sexual grief as a natural response to sexually traumatic events or experiences, highlighting its impact on individual wellbeing and self-esteem. She advocates for creating a space for open conversations about grief and providing support tailored to each person's unique needs. In her upcoming book, 'Healing Sexual Grief: Reclaiming the Self from Loathing to Liberation to Love,' Edie offers readers tools and techniques to negotiate with sexual grief and find healing amidst its grip.