Sexual shame is a common experience for many individuals who have grown up in strict religious environments that teach negative messages about sex and sexuality. This shame can lead to feelings of guilt, fear, and self-doubt, and can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health and relationships. It can also lead to sexual dissatisfaction and dysfunction, such as painful sex, erectile dysfunction, sexual drive disorders, and anorgasmia. However, there are steps that can be taken to combat religious sexual shame and begin to heal from its effects. Natasha Helfer, a renowned sex therapist, provides insightful guidance on this journey.
Educate Yourself About Healthy Sexuality
One of the first steps to combating sexual religious shame is to educate yourself about healthy sexuality. This may involve reading books, attending workshops, or seeking therapy from a mental health professional who specializes in sexual issues. Natasha Helfer emphasizes the importance of learning about healthy sexual practices and attitudes to challenge the negative messages that you may have internalized from your religious upbringing.
Challenge Negative Beliefs
Many individuals who experience sexual religious shame have been taught that sex is dirty, sinful, or shameful. It is important to challenge these negative beliefs and replace them with more positive and affirming messages about sex and sexuality. Natasha Helfer advises questioning the teachings of your religious tradition, seeking out alternative perspectives, and engaging in self-reflection about your own values and beliefs.
Practice Self-Compassion
Dealing with sexual religious shame can be a difficult and painful process. Natasha Helfer stresses the importance of practicing self-compassion and treating yourself with kindness and understanding as you work through your feelings. This may involve engaging in self-care activities, seeking support from loved ones, and practicing mindfulness or meditation to help calm your mind and body.
Seek Out Supportive Communities
It can be helpful to seek out supportive communities of individuals who have also experienced sexual religious shame and are working to heal from its effects. Natasha Helfer recommends joining support groups, attending therapy groups, or connecting with online communities that focus on sexual healing and empowerment. By sharing your experiences with others who can relate, you can feel less alone and more understood in your journey towards healing.
Set Boundaries
Finally, it is important to set boundaries with individuals or institutions that perpetuate sexual religious shame in your life. This may involve distancing yourself from toxic relationships, setting limits with family members or religious leaders who promote harmful beliefs about sex, or advocating for change within your religious community. Natasha Helfer highlights the necessity of setting boundaries and asserting your own values and beliefs to create a safe and empowering space for yourself to heal and grow.
Conclusion: A Path to Healing
Combatting sexual religious shame is a challenging but important process that can lead to greater self-acceptance, self-esteem, and overall well-being. By educating yourself, challenging negative beliefs, practicing self-compassion, seeking out supportive communities, and setting boundaries, you can begin to heal from the effects of sexual religious shame and embrace a healthier and more positive relationship with your sexuality. Natasha Helfer and her team at Symmetry Counseling are dedicated to providing the support and resources needed to help individuals navigate this journey and find healing.
This Article is published on Health Source Magazine