Resource Radar: Sex Ed Edition

Resource Radar: Sex Ed Edition

By: Teresa D’Astice, LMFT

Finding accessible, accurate, and inclusive information to explore sexual safety, pleasure, and preferences can be challenging. 

My intention in this post is to share a few resources that promote understanding, self-acceptance, and raised awareness around sexual pleasure and functioning. 

1. Understanding Sex

• Nervous system impacts on desire and arousal:

• Sexual “brakes and accelerators”; what brings us closer to, or further from, pleasure

• “The Dual Control Model,” by Emily Nagoski

• "The Keys to a Happier, Healthier Sex Life,” by Emily Nagoski (Ted Talk)

• Spontaneous and Responsive Desire

• "Pleasure is the Measure," by Emily Nagoski

• Experiencing Unwanted Arousal

• "The Truth About Unwanted Arousal," Emily Nagoski (Ted Talk)

• Emotional impacts: 

• “Slay Sexual Shame,” by Pleasure Mechanics

• “How Does Sex Affect Your Emotions,” by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST

2. Exploring Pleasure

• Interactive Resources:

• "Worksheets from Come As You Are," by Emily Nagoski

• “Here is a Worksheet to Help You Talk to Your Partners About Sex,” by Autostraddle

• "The 5 Erotic Blueprints: What They Are & How To Find Yours," by Jamie LeClaire

• Blogs:

• Pillow Talk, a blog by Afrosexology

• Sex Ed, a blog by Wildflower

• Books:

• Tell Me What You Want, by Justin Lehmiller, Ph.D.

• Come As You Are, by Emily Nagoski

• Loving with the Brain in Mind, by Mona Fishbane, Ph.D.

This is barely scratching the surface of the information out there; pleasure, desire, connection, sexuality, and language is ever evolving. 

I’m always open to receiving feedback about this content, and if you have a resource that you’re passionate about, I’d love to hear about it! 

Feel free to email me at tdastice@gmail.com

Photo by Anna Pou : https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-white-dress-shirt-kissing-woman-in-white-sleeveless-dress-9451221/