SEXUALITY SERIES - "Shameless" w/ Dr. Tina Shermer Sellers
Dec 5, 2023
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Dr. Tina Shermer Sellers, a sex educator and psychotherapist, discusses topics such as the impact of shame on sexual development, problems in sex education, the potential of hedonic education, deeper forms of sexual identity through tantra and entheogens, and the intersection of the conservative church, culture, and politics on sexual intimacy.
Teaching body autonomy and age-appropriate sexual education to children fosters healthy intimacy and connection.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy has transformative potential for healing trauma and mental health conditions, but ethical considerations must be addressed.
Dismantling patriarchal systems and promoting gender equality can lead to a more thriving and equitable society.
Deep dives
The healing power of sexual intimacy
Through her work in clinical sexology, Dr. Tina Schurmer-Sellers has discovered the healing potential of sexual intimacy. She found that loving sexual touch can heal people more effectively than traditional talk therapy, particularly when there is a history of sexual shame or trauma. Dr. Schurmer-Sellers believes that by understanding the unique developmental stages of children and creating a safe space for open conversations about sexuality, parents can raise shame-free and confident kids. She emphasizes the importance of teaching body autonomy and providing age-appropriate sexual education to children, as this fosters a healthy understanding of intimacy and connection. By challenging societal norms and patriarchal systems, Dr. Schurmer-Sellers envisions a future where individuals can cultivate healthy relationships with themselves, their bodies, and others, ultimately leading to a more thriving society.
The potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy
Dr. Schurmer-Sellers highlights the promising field of psychedelic-assisted therapy as a powerful tool for healing trauma and mental health conditions. She discusses the transformative potential of psychedelic substances, such as MDMA, in opening up the brain to new perspectives and facilitating healing from deep emotional wounds. However, she raises concerns about accessibility and ethical considerations in implementing these therapies. Dr. Schurmer-Sellers emphasizes the urgency of making psychedelic-assisted therapy affordable and available to those who need it most, while also ensuring that indigenous knowledge and cultural traditions are honored and respected. She sees great potential for psychedelic-assisted therapy to revolutionize mental healthcare and contribute to personal growth, resilience, and societal healing.
Challenging patriarchy for a more equitable future
Dr. Schurmer-Sellers discusses the impact of patriarchy on society and the importance of challenging its harmful effects. She emphasizes the need for gender equality and highlights the benefits of empowering women through education, reproductive rights, and leadership opportunities. By fostering a society that values love, justice, and respect, Dr. Schurmer-Sellers believes we can create a more thriving and equitable future. She acknowledges the masculinity crisis within patriarchy and suggests that promoting healthy masculinity, embracing diversity, and encouraging play and creativity can help men navigate and overcome the damaging impacts of societal expectations. Ultimately, she hopes for a future where patriarchy is dismantled, allowing individuals to fully express themselves, form deep connections, and contribute positively to society.
The importance of community and play in personal growth
Dr. Schurmer-Sellers emphasizes the significance of community and play in fostering personal growth and resilience. She suggests that authentic connections and supportive relationships are essential for individuals to continue evolving and maturing throughout their lives. Dr. Schurmer-Sellers highlights the need for men to engage in self-discovery, reconnecting with nature, and embracing their full range of emotions. She advocates for creating spaces and opportunities where individuals can freely express themselves, explore their passions, and challenge societal expectations. By nurturing a sense of community and play, people can tap into their innate wisdom and thrive, contributing to a more diverse and interconnected world.
The power of intimacy and the role of shame
Dr. Schurmer-Sellers delves into the concept of intimacy and its relationship with shame. She defines intimacy as the desire to be seen, known, loved, and accepted, a universal need shared by all. She explores the impact of shame on individuals' sense of self-worth, their ability to connect with others, and their capacity for pleasure. Dr. Schurmer-Sellers emphasizes the importance of dismantling shame to free individuals to experience healthy intimacy and embrace their unique selves. She discusses the role of psychedelics and tantric practices in opening up spaces for healing, personal growth, and the rewiring of patterns that perpetuate shame. Dr. Schurmer-Sellers envisions a future where shame is replaced with love, connection, and acceptance, allowing individuals to thrive and create harmonious relationships in all aspects of life.
For episode 23, Layman is joined by Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers, a sex educator and psychotherapist, to explore questions around gender and sexual development; the impact of shame on sexual development, and the relationship of shame and guilt; the problems in recent and contemporary sex education in the United States; the possibilities for a hedonic education; deeper forms of sexual identity and development available through tantra and entheogens; and much more.
Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers is a nationally known speaker, educator, and writer on sexual health and the biopsychosocial-sexual impact of sexual shame and trauma.
She is professor emerita of sexuality and marriage & family therapy at Seattle Pacific University. As a past board member for The American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT), Tina is at the forefront shaping change in the lives of professionals and families. As a preeminent voice on the impact of abstinence education, purity culture, and the failure to provide comprehensive sex education Dr. Sellers is frequently featured on podcasts, TV, documentaries, articles, and radio, including Spirituality & Health magazine, and NPR’s All Things Considered. In her acclaimed 2017 book, Sex, God and the Conservative Church – Erasing Shame from Sexual Intimacy, Dr. Sellers reveals how the western conservative church in collusion with American consumer-driven culture and politics, has infiltrated our core ability to attach to our partners and instruct our children to attach to theirs.
Professional Website
https://www.tinaschermersellers.com/
Shameless Parenting
https://www.amazon.com/Shameless-Pare...
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