05: The Danger of Online Anti-Masturbation Programs Targeting Youth with Dr. Nicole Prause

01/18/23 • 60 min

I got the opportunity to speak with Dr. Nicole Prause about this important topic that affects so many people coming from high-demand and conservative religious communities. She has been paramount in helping my understanding throughout my career, especially in the dangers of conceptualizing sexuality through an "addictions" lens. She has some new research out where they looked at online "support groups," run by unqualified people that, not only offer tons of misinformation and unrealistic expectations for young men but also, incite violence. Dr. Nicole Prause is a licensed psychologist and a neuroscientist researching human sexual behavior and the physiology of sexual response. Her research has played a pivotal role in helping us understand that hypersexaulity might be better understood as a "non-pathological variation of high sexual desire", rather than an addiction. She is also the founder of Liberos LLC, an independent research institute. She states on the Liberos site: “After ten years of research at universities, I found myself caught between the prohibitions of my institutions on crucial research and the free-for-all poor science behind products in the marketplace. There must be a compromise that uses strong science to inform sexual health for the public. Liberos is my answer.” Dr. Prause is currently back at UCLA at the department of medicine as a senior statistician.

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Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek

Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini

Please consider donating to keep this podcast going at natashahelfer.com.

Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek

Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini

Previous Episode

04: Crisis, Connection & Community: Doing Life & Togetherness Well with Dr. Kimberly Applewhite

I had a great sit down with Dr. Kimberly Applewhite right before the Holidays where we talked about the importance of connection in a world that too often values individualism. Most of us know by this point that relationships matter to our quality of lives. At the same time navigating interpersonal situations is challenging. So whether you are facing holiday seasons, family get-togethers, or just run-of-the-mill daily living... this is a great episode to help foster emotional and community intelligence. Kimberly Applewhite, PsyD. Is a licensed psychologist at the Utah Center for Evidence Based Treatment. She specializes in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI) for health related stressors. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from New York University; and a Masters of Science in School Psychology and Doctorate of Psychology in School-Clinical Child Psychology from the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University (APA Accredited). Her graduate school focus was on assessment and treatment of children and families in bio-psycho social-spiritual contexts, as well as treatment of ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ populations.

Please consider donating to keep this podcast going at natashahelfer.com.

Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek

Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini

Next Episode

06: The Christian Legacy of Sexual Shame and What We Can Do About It with Dr. Tina Sellers

I sat down with Dr. Tina Sellers about the unfortunate legacy Christianity has with Sexual Shame. With both of us having backgrounds in faith traditions, I believe we share a distress that certain religious communities can't seem to find more sex-positive and effective approaches to such an important part of the human experience. We discussed the history and ramifications of sexual shame and some approaches people may find helpful in reframing these things in their lives. Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers is a licensed sex and gender feminist psychotherapist, best-selling author, researcher, emeriti professor, and media personality whose expertise spans sex therapy, spiritual intimacy, parenting, medicine, and social justice. Her revolutionary perspectives have been expressed on platforms such as “Spirituality & Health,” “Refinery 29,” “Vocal,” “Medium,” and “Bust Magazines,” along with many podcast, radio, news, and TV outlets. Known for exposing the impact of patriarchy and sexual shame on our ability to securely attach to our partners, and instruct our children to attach to theirs, Dr. Sellers’ book, “Sex, God, & the Conservative Church – Erasing Shame from Sexual Intimacy,” has had a global impact. Her latest book, “Shameless Parenting – Everything You Need to Raise Shame-free, Confident, Kids and Heal Your Shame Too!” was a New Release Bestseller in eight categories. She speaks throughout the world on how to heal, and how to raise shame-free relationally confident children. In 2015, Dr. Sellers left her academic position of 28 years to found the Northwest Institute on Intimacy, a post-graduate institute to train psychotherapists, educators, clergy, and physicians in sexual health and understanding their sexual biases. Most do not realize that these professionals do not get sexual health training in graduate school. Since our ability to do pleasure and connection is core to our happiness, it is critical that all professionals serving public health and wellness receive this training. Dr. Tina can be followed on Instagram @DrTinaShameless.

Please consider donating to keep this podcast going at natashahelfer.com.

Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek

Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini