Pleasure: Intimacy, Connection & Sex with Daniela Stevens
“A sex practice is a weekly routine and ritual of creating the space, the opportunity, so that you can step into that space with yourself or with a partner to experience the most amount of pleasure possible. And that’s not the same as scheduled sex.”
Have you ever felt like society's whispers about intimacy and sexual connection have veiled your own desires and sense of self-worth? Together with Daniela Stevens, a trauma-and-attachment informed certified Sex and Intimacy Coach, our hosts Jessica Armstrong and McKenzie Raymond peel back these layers of expectation and judgement. With Daniela’s poignant insights, they examine the societal conditioning that often clouds our perceptions of sex and discuss the transformative potential of vulnerability and presence in our most intimate moments.
Navigating the ebb and flow of desire within intimate relationships can be like a complex dance—one that requires grace, communication, and a deep understanding of our own inner workings, first. Our hosts and Daniela confront the common barriers to sexual intimacy, from past traumas to the pressure of measuring up to our partner’s needs, often at the expense of our own. This episode is an invitation to reclaim that space for ourselves, learning to prioritize our pleasure and worthiness. By fostering self-intimacy, they lay the groundwork for more fulfilling connections and a rekindled sense of desire that radiates through every facet of our relationships.
In wrapping up, they step into the concept of a sex practice—a transformative approach that extends beyond the confines of scheduled sex. Daniela guides us through the importance of creating intentional time for sensual exploration and connecting with our bodies, healing past wounds, and enhancing our presence within the experience. Offering practical strategies for managing shame and building sensation awareness, this episode is a call to action, urging us to prioritize intimacy and pleasure in our daily lives. It's more than just advice—it's the roadmap for a deeper, more connected journey with ourselves and our partners.
Key Topics:
Societal Expectations of Sex and Intimacy (03:53)
Intimacy and Sexuality, Societal Norms, and Personal Desires (07:21)
The Importance of Vulnerability in Sexual Intimacy (10:05)
Societal Impacts on Sexual Intimacy and Connection (20:51)
Intimacy, Communication, and Self-Trust in Relationships (35:15)
Shame, Pleasure, and Intimacy Practices (48:08)
Daniela’s Creation of the Sex Practice (52:30)
Prioritizing Intimacy and Connection in Busy Lives (56:45)
