Reclaiming Desire After Assault - Julie Peters

Reclaiming Desire After Assault - Julie Peters

What happens when trauma steals your joy and desire? In this thought-provoking episode of 'Mental Illness Happy Hour', host Paul Gilmartin chats with author and yoga teacher Julie Peters about her path to reclaiming passion and pleasure after experiencing sexual assault. Julie doesn't shy away from the tough topics. She opens up about being catcalled and sexualized at just 11 years old, how workplace harassment shaped her self-worth, and her struggles with anorexia and a complicated relationship with food.

Her story takes a deep dive into the societal issues that affect us all, like toxic masculinity, the MeToo movement, and how media shapes our views on sexuality. Julie also shares her painful experience of being sexually assaulted by a trusted friend and how she found healing through mindfulness, therapy, and yoga. Throughout the conversation, Julie and Paul emphasize the importance of intuition and consent in relationships.

They explore how stress and trauma can manifest physically, especially in the pelvic floor, and how practices like yoga can help release that tension. Julie's insights offer a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and that sharing our stories can break down the shame surrounding mental illness and trauma. Tune in for a conversation that's both heart-wrenching and hopeful, offering practical advice and compassionate understanding for anyone on a similar journey.