How to Talk About Anger
This week on Sexvangelicals, we interviewed Sarah Stankorb, author of Disobedient Women. Sarah gathers the stories of women abused by members and leadership structures of Evangelical religious groups, and explores how the camaraderie of online spaces helped survivors cognitively recognize the injustices that they were subjected to, and access the anger necessary to grieve their experiences.
Overcoming the Verbal Jiu-Jitsu of Spiritually Abusive Communities
Communities utilize specific language to form identities and norms. We examine language's role in fostering spiritual abuse and present deconstruction practices to counteract these linguistic patterns. Discover the importance of defining terms, citing sources, and engaging in inquiry as part of the healing process from spiritual abuse.
4 Essential Relationship Strategies for 2024
As we prepare to enter 2024, how can we engage in more deliberate and considerate communication with our partners, family, and friends, both in person and online?
From Palantírs to Pixels: Creating a False Sense of Control
Unaddressed anxiety, particularly in relationships affected by violence and trauma, can have severe consequences. Jeremiah draws a parallel between tracking apps and the magical palantírs from "Lord of the Rings," unveiling the deceptive allure of control they offer.
A Ring By Spring…Or Your Money Back
Purity Culture equates marriage with relational success. Jeremiah delves into the importance of communication skills, conflict management, and negotiation strategies for fostering quality relationships.
Shifting from 'I Language' to 'We Language': Accountability in Relationships
While "I feel [this] when [this happens]" is often seen as ideal communication, truly successful couples go a step further by taking responsibility for their roles in negative patterns. Join us as we explore setting relationship goals and supporting each other's growth to build stronger connections.
When the Emphasis on Change in Deconstruction Becomes Too Much
The deconstruction process can be overwhelming and exhausting. Make sure to be kind to yourself.
Hustle Culture, Hiking, and Healing
Hiking serves as the perfect metaphor for navigating hustle culture. We know where we are, we know where we’re going (for the most part), we have a few rest days, and there are a ton of different options from point A to point B.
How Evangelicalism Fuels Defensiveness
As one of Gottman’s “Four Horsemen” of unhealthy relationships, defensiveness can quickly erode a healthy relationship. For couples from Evangelical backgrounds, defensiveness around “defending the faith” often spills over into other aspects of our lives.
The Positive Power of Anger
Being angry can be a helpful way to navigate pain and injustice. In this episode, we do a deep dive into understanding the complexities of anger, and how we can harness it to bring healing and justice.
Putting the "Mutual" Back in "Mutual Pleasure"
The people who experience positive sexuality over long periods of time are those who are able to put in the hard work of mutuality, negotiation, and emotional regulation.
What Happens When You Want to Leave Church but Your Partner Doesn't?
Navigating shared values becomes particularly complex in long-term relationships, where the tension between maintaining stability (homeostasis) and embracing change (morphogenesis) constantly evolves. Join us for an enlightening discussion with Dr. Jimmy Bridges, offering strategies for couples facing significant shifts in their life patterns and routines.
How Talking About Sex Will Change Your Relationship Dynamics
Embracing new perspectives on sexuality and orientation can be transformative. Jeremiah's sex therapy training program led him to adopt values of honesty, intentionality, and curiosity, revolutionizing his approach to sexuality. Through open conversations with his ex, friends, and church leaders, he experienced a shift in the dynamics of the systems he engaged with.
The Importance of Creating More Ethical Porn
What happens if we ask a group of young adults to discuss how porn might be produced and consumed more ethically and responsibly?
How to Practice Honesty When You've Been Lied To About Sex
The Clinton-era abstinence-only sex education policies had devestating impacts on long-term relationships. Kara Haug from Reframing Our Stories shares valuable insights on normalizing conversations around sex and relationships.
What Does It Mean to be an Established Adult?
In Evangelical Christian contexts, weddings are rites of passage into adulthood. However, marital status has no marking on the quality of communication, conflict resolution, and sexual satisfaction of a two-person relationship. We need a new rubric for relational and developmental success.
Emerging Adulthood: Living in Your 30s as a Former Evangelical
We explore the origins and effects of Purity Culture, its influence on different age groups, and the psychological stages of development. Gain valuable insights into the experiences of individuals in their 30s and 40s, as they navigate identity formation, responsibilities, and personal growth.
That's Gross! | Navigating Disgust in Relationships
Join usin exploring effective strategies for discussing STI prevention and understanding the impact of disgust on interpersonal connections. Discover valuable tips and insights on initiating conversations about sensitive topics while uncovering the psychology behind disgust.
STI Awareness: Bringing Healing Through Shared Stories | Interview with Jenelle Pierce
Join us for a powerful conversation with Jenelle Pierce, founder of the STI project, as we delve into the importance of STI awareness, destigmatization, and the healing power of sharing personal stories.
Reflections on Affirmative Consent
Consent, defined as voluntary cooperation and permission for sexual satisfaction and intimacy with willing partners, is frequently approached from a legal standpoint rather than a relational perspective. The legal system aims to simplify complex human behavior, while relational therapists prioritize the recognition and acceptance of this inherent complexity.