I’m thrilled to share about an upcoming podcast episode that dives deeply into some of the most transformative areas of my own healing journey—addressing religious trauma, healing sexual shame, and learning to embrace a more authentic, fulfilling relationship with myself and my body. This interview will be released on Monday on the Grow with Shea podcast, and I’ll be sharing the link through my blog and social media when it’s live. I’d love for you to join me in counting down the days until this episode is available, as it has been such a meaningful experience to open up and share in this way.
In our conversation, I open up about the journey that led me to leave Christianity and the healing I’ve experienced as I’ve navigated new understandings of sexuality and self-acceptance. Through Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, I’ve been able to work through some of the deep-seated shame around sexuality and my own body that religious teachings had left me with. IFS has been a powerful tool for me, guiding me to connect with parts of myself in ways that bring profound healing. My hope is that sharing this journey will offer you new insights and hope as well.
This episode was also special because of Shae, the wonderful host, who shared her own experiences of deconstruction. Hearing her perspective as a woman who grew up in the church and is actively working on her own healing brought a unique depth to our conversation. Her insights were relatable and inspiring, and together, we created a space that I believe will be meaningful for anyone navigating similar paths.
In one of the most heartfelt moments of the interview, I was asked what I would say to my younger self, if I could go back in time. Reflecting on that answer brought tears to my eyes, as it was such an honest and healing realization. Sharing it felt like offering a piece of my heart, and I hope it resonates with those who listen.
My story in this podcast is, in many ways, 180 degrees different from what I shared in my book, Life After Lust. I’ve experienced so much healing around my sexuality that I no longer see myself as someone recovering from “porn addiction” or “lust addiction.” Instead, I now recognize how deeply my Christian beliefs shaped my understanding of sexuality, pushing me to judge, suppress, and control it.
As a child, I was taught some incredibly harmful things about sexuality and my body. This created a strong sense of shame at an early age, so controlling my behavior, thoughts, and actions became a survival mechanism. At the time, it seemed like the best way to survive and please God, so I don’t judge myself for taking on that approach—it was all I knew, and it seemed like the only way to be accepted and safe. But as I’ve healed from religious trauma and built a loving, compassionate relationship with myself, I realize that I don’t have to live in that way anymore.
I’ve discovered that I can live out my sexuality based on curiosity rather than control. This has brought me a kind of freedom I once thought impossible, not needing anyone else to tell me what to do or how to feel about my sexuality. I’m able to decide what is meaningful, enjoyable, pleasurable, and ethical to me, and that’s been one of the most significant parts of my healing journey.
In this interview, I also share advice on navigating sexual curiosities in ways that feel safe and authentic. Moving from fear-based, shame-inducing beliefs into new areas can feel both scary and exciting, and I hope my guidance will be helpful for anyone stepping into that space. It’s natural to feel unsure when exploring something new after years of suppression, and my goal is to offer support and encouragement for those trying to find their way.
For Christians who have been taught to see any desire for porn or sexual thoughts as a sign of moral failure or “addiction,” I hope this episode will invite a new kind of curiosity and open up a broader conversation about sexuality—one that isn’t rooted in shame. While compulsive behaviors around sexuality do exist, it’s also essential to recognize the role of religious conditioning and the impact of shame and sex-negativity in shaping our understanding of what is “normal” or “healthy.”
If you’re currently healing from the harmful effects of religious teachings about sexuality or body image, and are seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, this episode has something valuable to offer. It explores how IFS can help people process shame on a profound level, inviting pleasure and curiosity where there was once fear.
I am so excited to share this podcast with the world and trust that it will inspire those who need it most. My hope is that listeners will find encouragement, hope, and maybe even a renewed sense of freedom on their own healing journey.
Stay tuned—I’ll be sharing the link here and on social media soon! Click here for previous interviews. If you’re ready to explore the power of IFS for healing sexual shame and embracing your true self, I’d be honored to have you listen. If you want my support in your healing journey, just reach out. Thank you to everyone who has supported and walked with me on this unexpected and powerful healing path. Here’s to healing, pleasure, and freedom.
In compassionate support,
Forest Benedict, LMFT
For more articles on self-connection, codependency, religious trauma, CPTSD, IFS, connection, healing, and beyond, I invite you to check out my blog and follow for future posts here.
*This blog created with the help of AI
Leave a Reply