In this episode Dee Hartmann shares the value of incorporating pleasure into treatment for pelvic pain. Pain-free intercourse is an excellent long-term goal, but our patients usually want to experience pleasure during intimate moments with their partners and themselves. Moving the brain from a pain to pleasure-focused state requires a graded approach from attuning to pleasurable sensation in our environment to exploring safe and pleasurable touch with ourselves. Calming the brain, feeling embodied, and safe in communication to receive pleasurable touch are incredibly important for physical, emotional, and relational healing.

If you would like to learn more about integrating pleasure into your rehab practice, and want to provide your clients with a great resource, I highly recommend reading 'The Pleasure Prescription; A Surprising Approach to Healing Sexual Pain.'  It includes case studies, diagrams, and the latest scientific research. Each chapter ends with “prescriptions” designed to guide readers through the healing process.

Other resources mentioned in this podcast include:

• Vulvalove.com
• Pleasuremovement.com
• Genitalhealth.org

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