Category: Shame

• Solo Sex as Self-Love: Healing Shame and Reclaiming Pleasure

  

  Struggling with shame around masturbation due to religious or cultural conditioning? Learn how to reframe solo sex as an act of self-love, self-connection, and healing. Discover the science-backed benefits of mindful masturbation and how to overcome sexual shame.

  Forest Benedict, LMFT

  February 17, 2025

  Health, Religious trauma, self-compassion, Self-Connection, Sexual shame, sexuality, Shame

  health benefits, masturbation, Religious trauma, self-compassion, self-connection, Sexual shame, solo sex

• My Going Inside Podcast Interview: Religious Trauma, Sex Addiction, Masculinity, & IFS

  

  Explore healing and authenticity in the latest Going Inside Podcast episode with Forest Benedict. Dive into religious trauma, sex addiction recovery, toxic masculinity, and the transformative power of Internal Family Systems (IFS). A must-listen for anyone seeking freedom and self-connection.

  Forest Benedict, LMFT

  December 9, 2024

  Addiction, IFS, pornography, Recovery, Religious trauma, self-compassion, Self-Connection, Sexual Addiction, Sexual shame, sexuality, Shame, trauma

  group therapy, IFS, masculinity, mental health, recovery, Religious trauma, self-connection, sex addiction, Sexual shame, trauma

• From Religious Sexual Shame to Sex-Positive Self-Connection: New Podcast Interview Out Now!

  

  Listen to *Breaking Free: Healing from Religious Trauma and Fundamentalist Beliefs*—a heartfelt podcast filled with practical advice and encouragement for anyone on a journey of healing from religious trauma and sexual shame. Join as I open up about my path from faith-centered life to deep self-connection, sharing insights on inner trust and empowerment. Tune in…

  Forest Benedict, LMFT

  November 4, 2024

  Change, IFS, Inspiration, Religious trauma, self-compassion, Self-Connection, Sexual shame, sexuality, Shame, trauma

  IFS, Religious trauma, self-compassion, self-connection, Sexual shame

• The Invitation (An IFS-Inspired Poem)

  

  Experience “The Invitation,” a heartfelt poem inspired by an IFS healing journey. Explore themes of self-discovery, courage, and embracing authenticity. Connect with your true self and let healing begin.

  Forest Benedict, LMFT

  November 2, 2024

  IFS, Inspiration, Poetry, Self-Connection, Shame, trauma, writing

  healing, IFS, poetry, self-connection, trauma

• Life After Sexual Shame: My New Podcast Interview

  

  Join me in this heartfelt podcast episode as I discuss healing from religious trauma, overcoming sexual shame, and finding self-acceptance through IFS therapy. Whether you’re seeking freedom from shame or exploring sexuality with curiosity, this episode offers encouragement, hope, and support.

  Forest Benedict, LMFT

  October 31, 2024

  Change, IFS, Inspiration, Religious trauma, self-compassion, Self-Connection, Sexual shame, sexuality, Shame, trauma

  IFS, life after religion, life after sexual shame, podcast, Religious trauma, Sexual shame

• When Christianity Hurts: Understanding Religious Trauma and Its Psychological Impact

  

  Explore how certain aspects of Christianity can contribute to religious trauma and disconnection from the self. This blog post takes a skeptical, science-based approach to understanding the psychological and emotional impacts of rigid religious teachings, while offering support for those seeking healing and personal growth.

  Forest Benedict, LMFT

  October 24, 2024

  Faith, IFS, Religious trauma, Self-Connection, Sexual shame, Shame, trauma

  Christianity, critical thinking, disconnection from self, fear-based teachings, healing, intellectual growth, Internal Family Systems, mental health, moral absolutism, psychological impact, purity culture, religious suppression, Religious trauma, science-based perspective, Sexual shame, toxic religion

• What Do You Want to Read? Should We Dig Deeper or Break New Ground?

  

  Discover meaningful topics that matter most to you. Explore personal growth, childhood trauma, codependency, IFS, ADHD, religious trauma, and more in this reflective blog post. Share your thoughts and help shape the conversation.

  Forest Benedict, LMFT

  September 12, 2024

  Addiction, Connection, IFS, Inspiration, Recovery, Religious trauma, self-compassion, Sexual Addiction, Sexual shame, Shame, trauma, writing

  ADHD, BreakNewGround, ChildhoodTrauma, codependency, CompulsiveBehavior, ConnectionAndHealing, DigDeeper, EmotionalHealing, FindingPurpose, HealingJourney, IFS, InnerWork, MentalHealth, Neurodivergence, PersonalGrowth, ReligiousTrauma, SelfCompassion, SelfDiscovery, SexualShame, TraumaRecovery

• The Hidden Struggle: Men, Isolation, and the Need for Connection

  

  Explore why many men struggle with isolation and loneliness, the importance of building meaningful connections, and how joining the Healing Through Connection group can help. Learn how this supportive community can transform your life by fostering deeper bonds with others and yourself.

  Forest Benedict, LMFT

  August 30, 2024

  Addiction, Attachment, Connection, Recovery, Shame

  belonging, connection, group therapy, IFS, isolation, loneliness, men, online group, recovery, Sexual shame, trauma

• Hating Addiction Won’t Heal It: An IFS Perspective

  

  Healing addiction requires understanding and compassion, not hate. Discover how Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy offers a unique approach to addiction by addressing the underlying pain with curiosity and self-love. Learn more from my recent podcast interview on the power of IFS and how it can lead to lasting healing.

  Forest Benedict, LMFT

  April 6, 2024

  Addiction, Change, IFS, Recovery, Religious trauma, self-compassion, Sexual Addiction, Sexual shame, Shame, trauma

  addiction, group therapy, healing, IFS, interview, pain, recovery, Religious trauma, Sexual shame, trauma

• Healing Through Connection Online Groups for Men

  

  Join a Healing Through Connection online group for men

  Forest Benedict, LMFT

  March 21, 2024

  Addiction, Change, Connection, IFS, Parenting, Recovery, Shame

  connection, friendships, group therapy, IFS, isolation, men, recovery, Sexual shame