I wrote this article, “How a little S&M can help you heal from sexual trauma,” a while ago for Greatist and wanted to share it here too. I’m all about healing however you need to, and sometimes the body/mind/heart wants to order off the menu. Of course, power play and sexual reclamation aren’t right for every trauma survivor, and even when they are, they might not be right all the time. This is just a look at my own on-going sexual healing, my relationship, and the resources and practices that helped start me off. Some of my favorite resources make an appearance, including….

Healing Sex: A Mind-Body Approach to Healing Sexual Trauma by Staci Haines

Speaking of Sex with the Pleasure Mechanics podcast

Please: an educated pleasure shop

I hope these resources are helpful! I get a lot of joy working with trauma survivors as a yoga teacher and a fortune teller. Survivors are resilient, tough, and inspiring, and I’m glad that my experiences and my trauma aware training can help me connect. I’m always so honored when a client trusts me enough to share what they’ve been through and what they need. Survivors have been through hell, and I think after processing and working toward loving the self, it affords a kind of second sight.

Wishing you the best of love and pleasure!

Photographer: Deniz Ataman