Reawakening Sexuality After Trauma: Healing, Recovery, and Sober Sex for Survivors with Stephanie Covington, PhD, LCSW, and Vanessa Carlisle, PhD, MFA

In the journey toward healing, survivors often find that intentional practices like sober sex foster a deeper emotional and physical intimacy, essential for their trauma recovery. This emphasis on connection stands in stark contrast to much mainstream sexual messaging, which frequently excludes the necessary emotional components for true sexual well-being. Development of safe relationships is threatened when media and politics overstep their bounds, making autonomous sexual expression and recovery a constant social and personal endeavor.

Note: This episode explores human sexuality and is intended for mature audiences.

To lay the foundation for how intimacy is the cornerstone of sexual wellbeing, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with two authors and experts in trauma and sexuality, Dr. Stephanie Covington and Dr. Vanessa Carlisle.

Discussing their co-authored book, Awaken Your Sexuality: A Guide to Connection and Intimacy after Addiction and Trauma, Dr. Covington and Dr. Carlisle explore its core principles from various viewpoints. In the book, they examine the diverse facets of human sexuality, including the issues of entitlement and control that frequently surround it. 

Original Air Date Wednesday, October 8, 2025

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Meet Our Guest:

Stephanie S. Covington, PhD, LCSW, is a leading expert in trauma, addiction, and gender-responsive care. For nearly four decades, she’s developed groundbreaking, trauma-informed programs that help women heal and thrive. Her latest book, co-authored with Vanessa Carlisle, PhD, MFA, is titled Awaken Your Sexuality: A Guide to Connection and Intimacy after Addiction and Trauma, and offers a compassionate guide to reclaiming intimacy after trauma and addiction. 

Vanessa Carlisle, PhD, MFA, is a writer, coach, and educator focused on gender, sexuality, and healing. With over 25 years of experience in sex work and deep roots in advocacy, Dr. Carlisle brings a unique blend of lived experience and insight to their work. They co-authored Awaken Your Sexuality, a transformative resource for reconnecting with pleasure, intimacy, and self. 

Book: Awaken Your Sexuality: A Guide to Connection and Intimacy after Addiction and Trauma

Stephanie S. Covington & Vanessa Carlisle—Intimacy & Sexual Wellbeing: 

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