Post Assault Sexual Recovery: Control, Connection, Pleasure with Holly Richmond
Esther interviewed Holly Richmond this month on Sessions. Holly was also a guest at our 2019 Session Live event, In Search of Eros. It was a pleasure to interview her again, and dive more deeply into what sexual recovery means post sexual-assault.
Holly began her career as a creative writing teacher at a detention center for girls. While reading their stories, she became aware of their histories of sexual abuse. Her desire to help these girls led her to begin a career as a Somatic Psychologist and Certified Sex Therapist.
We talk a lot about trauma in our line of work, especially when it comes to talking about sex. In their interview, Holly and Esther discuss the importance of becoming more comfortable talking about sexuality with your clients and in your day to day lives. As a result, you help normalize the language of sex and create a safe environment for them to open up.
Holly reveals to Esther one of her central questions she asks her clients, "What is your body saying that you can’t?"
The answers to this question help unearth the client’s core fear and triggers, and how they take care of themself. The answers also allow Holly to help shift the narrative. She illustrates how their response to the sexual trauma they experienced isn't wrong, but an act of protection in the moment.
During their interview, Holly identifies the three key elements of sexual recovery:
- Control
- Connection
- Pleasure
To learn more about the three elements of sexual recovery through the somatic lense, watch the full interview on Sessions. Start your two-week free trial today.