In this week's episode of Ask a Sex Therapist, Heather Shannon coaches a woman named Vanessa to help her evolve her emotions and sex life. Vanessa is learning to break free from her sex negativity and integrate the sexual and the emotional. But as she tries to do so, an inner voice of self-protection is preventing her from fully letting go. What is this mysterious inner voice trying to tell her, and how can she learn to listen? Find out in this week's Ask a Sex Therapist, and brace yourself for a shocking realization!In this episode, you’ll learn:How to strengthen your intimate relationships by integrating passion and emotional closeness.What is the Internal Family Systems healing model & why is it so helpfulWhat is Self Energy & how it’s the best way to lead your lifeTo befriend even the more challenging aspects of your personality . . . And how this will accelerate healingHeal shame, emotional wounds, and vulnerability with the help of practical parts work guidance.The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Introduction,00:03:11 - Attachment Styles,00:06:57 - Integrating Emotions,00:09:30 - Internal Family Systems,00:12:37 - Befriending Parts,00:13:12 - Overcoming Fear of Letting Go During Sex00:16:02 - Acknowledging Parts and Managing Overthinking00:19:52 - The Benefits of Being in Tune with Your Body and Emotions00:23:47 - Fear of Attachment and Identifying Sensations00:25:45 - Battling Sensations00:26:25 - Burning in the Throat,00:28:05 - Acknowledging All Parts,00:29:54 - Self Energy,00:34:21 - Factor in Other People,00:38:01 - Using Self Energy,00:39:19 - Understanding Parts and Practicing Gratitude,00:39:41 - Appreciating Vulnerable Parts,00:40:06 - Positive Self-Relationship,00:40:25 - Thanking Vanessa,00:40:39 - Holistic Coaching Program.Episode LinksHEATHER’S “INTIMACY INFUSION” SIGNATURE COACHING PROGRAMBook a no pressure $1 discovery call with Heather to learn about her new Intimacy Infusion coaching program  (for singles or partnered people)LET’S CONNECT! FIND ME HERE ⤵️:Heather’s WebsiteHeather’s InstagramJoin Heather’s free “Ask A Sex Therapist” Facebook GroupHeather’s YouTube - Check out the video version of this podcast & more!SIMILARLY AWESOME EPISODES:Liked the episode? Here’s a few more episodes of Ask A Sex Therapist that you'll enjoy:Episode 19 - Listener QuestionsEpisode 3 - The emotions of sexRATE & REVIEW US!Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here. https://podfollow.com/AskASexTherapistYou want to leave a review, but you’re tech challenged? Here’s a YouTube video of how to rate & review on Apple Podcasts (iPhone/desktop).https://youtube.com/shorts/8EEOq-RltwI?feature=shareAnd here’s one