Sex and Body Image: How to Get Out of Your Head and into Your Body with Fat-Positive Sex Therapist Noelle Benach
In this week’s episode (a much-requested topic, by the way!) I sit down with fat-positive sex therapist Noelle Benach to explore the deeply complex terrain of sex, intimacy, body image, and pleasure.
The first part of the episode is free for all listeners, and the full episode is available for paid subscribers on Substack. Upgrade to paid right here.
Topics We Discuss:
How childhood experiences with food and body shape our understanding of intimacy
The impact of diet culture on desire, sexuality, and self-worth
Pleasure as a form of resistance and reclamation
The nuanced experience of living with diabetes and navigating intimacy
How societal expectations around desire affect women and marginalized bodies
Behind The Paywall...
Expanding the definition of intimacy beyond sex
What to do when partners have differing levels of sexual desire
Why talking about intimacy can feel intimidating—and why it matters anyway
The power of consent, sensory needs, and honoring what feels good
How body shame interferes with connection and pleasure
The radical importance of self-pleasure and solo intimacy
Creating safe spaces for vulnerability and honest communication
The therapeutic process of reconnecting with desire on your own terms
About Noelle: Noelle Benach, LCPC, CST (She/Her) is a Baltimore based Psychotherapist and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. Noelle works with adult individuals, couples and those in non-monogamous relationships to address concerns such as sexuality and desire, body liberation, LGBTQIA+ issues, chronic illness concerns, neurodivergence, anxiety, fertility issues, and parenting stress.
Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Substack for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe
Apply for Abbie’s Group Membership:
Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group
Social media:
Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcast
Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness
Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy
Podcast Editing by Brian Walters
This podcast is ad-free and support comes from your support on Substack. Subscribe HERE.