Doing Well

Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers: Making Meaning of Our Sexual Experiences | Doing Well #20

In pursuing well-being, people often overlook the crucial role that sexual experiences and understanding of one’s sexual self-play in shaping their overall happiness. Embracing and exploring one’s sexuality is essential to living authentically and finding inner peace.

Meet Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers

Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers is a licensed sex and gender feminist psychotherapist, author, researcher, and professor. 

With expertise in areas such as sex therapy, spiritual intimacy, parenting, medicine, and social justice, Dr. Sellers has made significant contributions to the field. 

Dr. Sellers is widely known for her books “Sex, God, and the Conservative Church” and “Shameless Parenting,” which have had a global impact. 

Dr. Tina Schermer is passionate about supporting adolescents and families and has dedicated her career to exposing the effects of patriarchy and sexual shame on relationships and children.

About the episode

In this podcast episode hosted by Lu Ngo, Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers dives deep into the impact of sexual shame and the urgent need for comprehensive sex education. 

Drawing on her expertise as a licensed sex and gender feminist psychotherapist, Dr. Sellers sheds light on the societal factors that contribute to sexual shame and the profound consequences it has on individuals’ ability to experience love and happiness.

During the episode, Dr. Sellers discussed an impactful assignment she used to give her sexuality class, which involved writing a sexual autobiography. 

Dr. Sellers also highlighted the lack of comprehensive sex education in the United States, resulting in fragmented experiences of sexuality. She shared her journey of recognizing a rise in sexual shame among her students, attributing it to abstinence education and purity culture. 

Throughout the episode, Dr. Sellers emphasized the importance of self-awareness and self-worth in cultivating positive and authentic sexual experiences. She challenged societal misconceptions about sexuality and advocated for open and normalized conversations about sexual health. 

Dr. Sellers recognized the complexities surrounding sexual shame and the need to normalize these discussions despite systemic challenges. She highlighted the significance of comprehensive sex education in schools, citing its positive impact on reducing STIs and teen pregnancy rates. 

Dr. Sellers also addressed common misconceptions and stressed the value of providing accurate information to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their sexuality.

Dr. Sellers highlighted how early experiences of shame can profoundly affect self-esteem and overall well-being. She shared valuable insights and offered practical strategies to help individuals heal and reclaim their sense of self-worth.

In conclusion

Sexual shame is prevalent and has lasting effects on self-esteem and relationships. Comprehensive sex education, self-knowledge, and open conversations can promote sexual health. Healing from shame requires support, self-acceptance, and self-compassion. Embracing pleasure and self-exploration can improve well-being. Together, we can combat shame and empower everyone to enjoy their sexuality without fear.

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