Blog
Carolina Sexual Wellness Center promotes healthy sexuality through our sex positive lens. We value the need for quality sex positive sex education and one way our therapists make a difference is through writing blog posts on a wide variety of topics, including how we define sex, healthy sexuality, sex in relationships, and more.
There are new blog posts on a regular basis so be sure to check this space to find out what our therapists have to say about sex and sex therapy!
What To Know About Sexuality During Pregnancy (FAQ)
Learn how pregnancy can impact intimacy, desire, body image, and sexual wellness with expert guidance for navigating postpartum changes with your partner.
How To Set & Maintain Boundaries After Sexual Trauma
This guide explores how trauma impacts your ability to recognize and express limits, and offers step-by-step guidance on how to identify, set, and maintain boundaries.
The Willingness Scale: A Tool for Navigating Responsive Desire
The willingness scale is a practical and empowering tool to better understand your own desire, communicate more clearly with your partner, and create space for connection without pressure.
Out-Of-Control Sexual Behavior (OCSB) vs. Sex Addiction
Learn how the Out-of-Control Sexual Behavior (OCSB) framework offers a more compassionate, effective approach to understanding and addressing concerns commonly known as “sex addiction.”
What's On Your Sexual Menu?
A sexual menu offers options based on your mood, energy, stress level, and curiosity. Some nights you want a full three-course meal and other times, a snack is enough!
Understanding The Fear of Intimacy
Does the idea of being truly seen and understood terrify you? Learn how to identify a fear of intimacy in yourself and others, including what avoidance looks and feels like.
What Healthy Sexual Boundaries Look Like
Sexual boundaries are fundamental to any intimate relationship. Learn the key signs of healthy boundaries: from clear consent and open communication to feeling empowered to say “no.”
Therapist vs. Sex Therapist: What's The Difference?
Discover how sex therapy differs from general therapy and how working with a specialist can help you navigate sex, sexuality, and gender with greater confidence and support.
So You Want To Come Out? A Guide for Queer-Identifying People
There’s no one “right” way to come out. This guide offers therapist-approved tips for navigating the process with confidence and authenticity, while building the support you need along the way.
How Society Influences Our Sexual Attitudes
Sexuality is deeply personal but profoundly shaped by the society we live in. This blog explores the many factors that influence our sexual attitudes and ways we interact with ourselves and others.
Exploring Kink (Mindfully!)
Curious about kink but not sure where to start? This blog offers practical guidance for safely discovering what excites you while staying connected to your values, boundaries, and relationships.
Identifying & Unlocking Your Sexual Interests
This blog explores practical ways to recognize your desires, tune into your body’s responses, and embrace what genuinely excites you so you can build a more authentic and fulfilling sex life.
The Art of Embodying Sexuality
Embodying your sexuality isn’t about looking a certain way or having a specific kind of sex; it’s about embracing your desires, connecting with your body, and integrating your sexual self into your overall sense of identity. Read more to learn how!
Bridging The Gap: How Sex Therapy Can Help Address Desire Discrepancy
Desire discrepancy is one of the most common challenges couples face. This blog explores what desire discrepancy is, why it happens, and how sex therapy can help couples communicate better and reconnect intimately.
STIs and Your Right to Pleasure
An STI diagnosis can bring up fear, shame, and uncertainty, but it does not take away your right to pleasure. This blog explores common STI myths, provides accurate information, and guidance on navigating sexual health with confidence.
How To Be Your Best Self In A Relationship
Healthy relationships aren’t about being perfect; they’re about showing up authentically, communicating openly, and continuing to grow as a person and partner. This blog explores 5 ways to live authentically in relationships.
Why Trust and Vulnerability Matter in Relationships
Trust grows through consistent actions over time, not a one-time grand gesture. This blog explores how honesty, vulnerability, and trust work together to create stronger relationships and greater emotional intimacy.
Exploring Gender: A Guide to Your Transgender Journey
Exploring your gender identity can be both exciting and overwhelming. This blog offers guidance for navigating a transgender journey with self-compassion and support while honoring your unique path toward authenticity.
"Am I Normal?" & Other Common Worries About Sex
Wondering if your sexual thoughts, desires, or experiences are normal? Explore some of the most common concerns people have about sex and walk away with a new, reassured perspective on the diversity of sexuality.
How to Be a Better LGBTQ+ Ally: Supporting Without Centering Yourself
Being an ally requires listening, learning, and using your privilege to support others without making yourself the center of the conversation. This blog explores what meaningful LGBTQ+ allyship actually looks like.
Explained: The Dual Control Model of Sexual Response
Sexual desire doesn’t always come naturally and effortlessly. In reality, it fluctuates. Learn what influences sexual desire and how understanding the Dual Control Model can improve intimacy and sexual satisfaction.
How to Talk About Sex with Your Partner
Let’s be honest, talking about sex can feel awkward. This blog explores how to start conversations about sex, express your needs and boundaries, and build deeper connection through honest communication with your partner.
Finding Balance Between Sexuality & Spirituality
This blog explores the complex relationship between sexuality and spirituality, offering insight into how to reconcile your sexual desires with your spiritual beliefs in a fulfilling way.
Sex, Relationships & A Global Pandemic
Periods of stress and uncertainty can have a significant impact on intimacy. This blog explores how the COVID-19 pandemic affected relationships and offers strategies for maintaining connection during challenging times.
Want Better Sex? Consider Getting Rid Of Foreplay
Hear us out on this….This blog challenges traditional ideas about foreplay and the sexual hierarchy to explore how emotional connection, affection, and communication can play a powerful role in building desire and intimacy.
Practicing Self-Focus In Relationships
Self-focus is not the same as selfishness: it means learning to understand your own emotions, needs, and desires. This blog explores how self-awareness and direct communication can strengthen relationships.
What Do Sex & Baking Have In Common? They Take Practice
Learn why good sex takes practice, how to navigate awkward moments, and why repetition, communication, and curiosity can strengthen intimacy over time.
More Than Monogamy: How To Define The Relationship You Want
Whether you’re interested in monogamy, an open relationship, or something in between, healthy relationships start with honest conversations. Learn how to define the relationship dynamic you really want.
What Counts as Sex? Expanding Your Definition of Intimacy
Discover why redefining sex beyond intercourse and orgasm can reduce performance anxiety, improve intimacy, and create a more pleasure-focused sexual experience.
Postpartum Sex & Relationships (How To Stay Connected)
Having a baby can transform every aspect of a relationship, including intimacy. This blog explores common challenges couples face after parenthood and offers insight into reconnecting.
The Myth of True Love
Learn about the difference between infatuation and enduring love. This blog explores how vulnerability, acceptance, and personal growth create deeper and more meaningful connections over time.
What Porn Gets Wrong About Real-Life Sex
Pornography is designed to entertain, not educate. This blog explores common myths perpetuated by mainstream porn and offers a more realistic, pleasure-focused perspective on healthy sexuality.
How Family & Upbringing Shapes Sexuality
Discover how family, culture, religion, and childhood experiences influence your views on sex and relationships. Learn how greater self-awareness can support sexual well-being.
What Your Sex Life Can Teach You About Yourself
Sex can be a powerful reflection of our fears, beliefs, wounds, desires, and patterns of relating to others. This blog explores how intimacy can serve as a mirror for self-discovery.
Sexual Health Beyond Intercourse: A More Complete Approach
Sexual health is about much more than physical function or intercourse. Learn how a broader definition of sex can improve intimacy, communication, pleasure, and satisfaction in your relationships.
Understanding Low Sexual Desire
Sexual desire can be influenced by everything from stress and relationship challenges to medical conditions, medications, pain, and life transitions. Discover how communication, support, and therapy can help improve sexual satisfaction.
Are You Having Good Enough Sex?
Struggling to be on the same page with your partner regarding the sexual aspects of your relationship? Learn about the Good Enough Sex model and how it can help you develop a more satisfying sexual relationship.
Unrealistic Sexual Expectations & How They Can Harm Relationships
Many sexual struggles stem not from dysfunction, but from unrealistic expectations. Learn how expectations about desire and performance can impact relationships and discover a healthier approach to intimacy.
The Authentic Self
is Soul Made Visible.
– Sarah Ban Breathnach