In this episode of the Intimacy Lab, Michelle Renee speaks with Angela Rivero, a somatic practitioner and sex and relationship coach. They explore the concepts of somatic experiencing, the healing process, and the importance of emotional intelligence in relationships. Angela shares insights on trauma, grief, and the significance of reconnecting with oneself. The conversation also touches on boundaries, the power of asking for help, and the journey of self-discovery in navigating intimacy and desire.

Takeaways

• Healing is not a destination but a journey of reconnection.
• Somatic experiencing helps us understand our body's signals.
• Emotions need to be felt and processed, not suppressed.
• Grief is a natural part of healing and self-discovery.
• Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Boundaries are essential for healthy relationships.
• Celebrating small wins can foster self-acceptance.
• Recognizing glimmers of joy is crucial for emotional health.
• Curiosity about our desires can enhance intimacy.
• Generosity in relationships requires clear boundaries.

Angela Rivero is a Somatic Experiencing practitioner and sex & relationship coach based in Escondido, CA. She specializes in female intimacy and anatomy education, guiding clients to understand body signals, complete stress cycles, and build capacity for safety, pleasure, and connection. Angela supports complex trauma healing, boundaries, and changing desire through practical, compassionate tools. She works with clients online and in person, hosts the Everyday Intimacy with Angela Rivera podcast, and her website is https://somashift.org.

Michelle Renee (she/her) is a therapeutic intimacy specialist, trained as both a Cuddle Therapist and Surrogate Partner, and the co-owner & Director of Training at Cuddlist.com. She practices a trauma-informed, consent-based approach that helps folks of all genders rebuild trust with touch, set clear boundaries, and access authentic pleasure ... at their own pace. She serves clients nationwide and partners with therapists to integrate somatic, consent-based healing. Michelle's websites are ⁠https://meetmichellerenee.com⁠⁠ and ⁠https://humanconnectioncoach.com⁠ and she can be found on social media at ⁠https://instagram.com/meetmichellerenee⁠.

If you’d like to ask a question for Michelle to answer on an episode, https://www.meetmichellerenee.com/podcast

To grab your own set of We’re Not Really Strangers https://amzn.to/47XJjvm

Become a Cuddlist Certified Touch Practitioner and save 10%: https://cuddlist.podia.com/cuddlist-certification/6dnxo?coupon=REFERRAL

In this episode of the Intimacy Lab, Michelle Renee discusses her journey as a therapeutic intimacy specialist and cuddle therapist. She reflects on her recent experiences, including feelings of insecurity about sharing personal stories and the balance between openness and sensitivity in conversations about intimacy and sex. Michelle emphasizes the importance of authenticity, self-reflection, and the need for healing through touch in relationships. She encourages listeners to embrace their own journeys and to seek connections that resonate with them.

Takeaways

• Michelle emphasizes following her excitement in projects.
• She reflects on the feedback received from her last episode.
• Navigating insecurities about being 'too much' is a common theme.
• Authenticity in conversations about intimacy is crucial.
• Michelle shares her experiences at a cuddle retreat.
• She discusses the balance between openness and sensitivity.
• The importance of cleaning up any conversational messes is highlighted.
• Michelle believes in the power of touch in healing.
• She encourages listeners to embrace their own journeys.
• Future episodes will explore various topics in intimacy.

• 
  

  Michelle Renee (she/her) is a San Diego-based Human Connection Coach and Cuddle Therapist. Michelle's websites are ⁠https://meetmichellerenee.com⁠⁠ and ⁠https://humanconnectioncoach.com⁠ and she can be found on social media at ⁠https://instagram.com/meetmichellerenee⁠.

  
  

  If you’d like to ask a question for Michelle to answer on an episode, https://www.meetmichellerenee.com/podcast

  
  

  To grab your own set of We’re Not Really Strangers https://amzn.to/47XJjvm

  
  

  Become a Cuddlist Certified Touch Practitioner and save 10%: https://cuddlist.podia.com/cuddlist-certification/6dnxo?coupon=REFERRAL

  
  

In this episode, Michelle and Coach Alex Ray debrief their recent intimate experiment, exploring themes of vulnerability, friendship, and sexual orientation. They discuss the emotional highs and lows of their experience, the importance of communication in navigating intimacy, and the complexities of arousal and connection. Through laughter and tears, they reflect on the significance of their bond and the lessons learned about themselves and each other. In this conversation, Michelle and Coach Alex explore the complexities of asexuality, communication in intimate relationships, and the importance of understanding individual preferences in sexual experiences. They discuss the significance of pleasure beyond orgasms, the challenges of arousal and desire, and the need for comprehensive sexual education. The dialogue emphasizes the diversity of bodies and the importance of vulnerability and communication in fostering deeper connections.

Alex Ray (he/she/they) is an internationally certified sex and relationship coach with eight years of experience. Whether guiding singles toward their dream partner, bringing couples closer together, or supporting an amicable separation, Alex specializes in helping people speak up for their needs and desires with confidence.

Passionate about sex education and open conversations, Alex is launching Kink Curious, a new podcast premiering in May, where they explore the why behind what turns people on. They’re also building an employee-owned sex education company to bring shame-free learning to more people.

Connect with Alex online ⁠@heyalexgay on⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok⁠ or ⁠coachalexray.com⁠

Michelle Renee (she/her) is a San Diego-based Human Connection Coach and Cuddle Therapist. Michelle's websites are⁠ ⁠https://meetmichellerenee.com⁠⁠⁠ and⁠ ⁠https://humanconnectioncoach.com⁠⁠ and she can be found on social media at⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/meetmichellerenee⁠⁠.

If you’d like to ask a question for Michelle to answer on an episode, ⁠https://www.meetmichellerenee.com/podcast⁠