Episode 37: Creative Sex + Disability
EPISODE OVERVIEW
This week I sat down with Mariah Power, a Licensed Professional Counselor & Certified Sex Therapist, for an enlightening discussion about her health journey with multiple sclerosis. Utilizing her innate passion for connecting with others, she opened her own private practice in Georgia where she is able to aid clients in not just confronting their anxieties and sexual concerns, but in finding uniquely creative ways to work through them as well. Mariah’s lighthearted approach of finding humor in pain is invigorating as she opens up about her difficult marriage, the fight for a diagnosis, and how she started taking control of her inner narrative.
Mariah sheds light on how chronic illness taught her what to look for in a relationship, the value and joy in embracing your natural sexuality, and how the struggles of her journey have made her stronger and healthier than before. She stresses the importance of accepting your challenges head-on and using creativity to make the most of any situation. I hope you enjoy our talk as much as I did!
“a lot of my own experience with chronic illness and pain is what pushed me to start talking about these things with clients.”
— MARIAH POWER
Highlights
My conversation with Mariah was illuminating, and I’m so grateful that she allowed us an intimate look into the more difficult steps on her journey. She tackles the stigma of sex with a disability and shares her insights on how to find what pleasure means to you in this open-hearted discussion.
Some of my favorite moments include:
Fighting for validation
Finding a partner that loves you in illness
Shifting your negative inner-voice into a positive force
Approaching challenges with curiosity
How to reclaim your sexuality
Exploring the pleasure in pain
Reconnecting with creative outlets
LINKS
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Mariah’s PSYCHOTHERAPY practice
http://www.mariahshearerlpc.com/
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Succulent Wild Woman by Sark
Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski
EPISODE CREATORS
HOST
www.laurenselfridgetherapy.com
Lauren Selfridge, Associate Marriage + Family Therapist
MUSIC EDITOR
www.lilymakessound.com
Lily Sloane, composer / audio producer / sound maker
transcript + SHOW NOTES WRITER
www.latashadoylewrites.com
Latasha Doyle, content + copy specialist
Podigy Podcast Editing
www.podigy.co
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