In this episode of What Excites Us, we are thrilled to welcome Amory Jane, a pioneering figure in the world of psilocybin facilitation and sexual wellness. Amory Jane shares her transformative journey from sex educator to becoming one of the first licensed psilocybin facilitators in the United States. Together, we explore the powerful intersection of psychedelic therapy and sexuality, shedding light on its profound healing potential.

Tune in as Amory Jane recounts her early involvement with Measure 109 in Oregon, the groundbreaking legislation that legalized psilocybin in therapeutic settings. She offers deep insights into the essential concepts of set and setting, the different stages of a psilocybin journey, and the critical role facilitators play in creating safe and supportive environments for participants.

Drawing on her rich background in sex education and therapy, Amory Jane explains how psilocybin can help address mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and PMDD. We delve into how this powerful medicine allows people to confront their shadow parts, embrace self-acceptance, and unlock their full potential.

Throughout the conversation, we also explore the importance of integration sessions for sustained healing, overcoming shame in sexuality, and fostering healthier relationships with oneself and others. Plus, Amory gives us a sneak peek into her sex-positive furniture venture, adding a unique twist to her multifaceted career.

Don't miss this enlightening discussion that bridges the gap between psychedelics, therapy, and sexuality, offering hope for personal healing and acceptance.

Episode Highlights:

• Amory Jane's path from sex education to psilocybin facilitation.

• Insights into Oregon's Measure 109 and the legalization of psilocybin therapy.

• The significance of set and setting in psychedelic journeys.

• How psilocybin therapy can aid in mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, and PMDD.

• Overcoming shame in sexuality through psychedelic experiences.

• The critical role of integration sessions post-journey.

• Amory’s passion project: a sex-positive furniture company.

Be sure to visit Amory Jane at:
https://www.amoryjane.com/
https://www.triumphantunfolding.com/
Amory.Design

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Understanding OCD and Anxiety: Navigating Intimacy with Sarah Hazleton

In this episode we dive into the intricacies of OCD and anxiety, particularly focusing on how they affect intimacy and relationships, with guest Sarah Hazleton, a licensed clinical social worker.

Sarah explains how OCD manifests through intrusive thoughts and compulsions, its impact on relationships, and the different subtypes of OCD including relationship OCD and Pure O.

We discuss the importance of appropriate therapeutic approaches, like Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), and resources for those seeking help.

The conversation touches on the stigma and shame surrounding OCD, particularly when it involves sexual and intimate thoughts. Practical advice is provided for those seeking therapy, including how to find qualified therapists through reliable sources. This episode is released in recognition of mental health awareness, emphasizing the significance of understanding and accepting diverse mental health challenges.

Sarah is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker specializing in treatment of OCD and anxiety related disorders. She completed her master’s degree at University of New England in 2007 and spent the early part of her career as a clinician working with children, adolescents, and families experiencing severe and persistent mental health challenges. Over recent years, Sarah has focused her therapy practice on the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders using Exposure Response Prevention and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as primary treatment modalities. Intimacy, gender, and sexuality are often interwoven in a client's obsessive and anxious thoughts, yet are often not identified by clients as a treatment issue. Sarah hopes to improve awareness of some of the "unspoken and taboo" thoughts and worries people experience. She wants to decrease the stigma felt by people whose OCD and/or anxiety is affecting their relationships, intimacy, and identity.

You can find Sarah at www.hazeltoncounseling.com

The article mentioned at the beginning - https://www.verywellmind.com/impact-of-ocd-on-sex-life-5086811

The International OCD Foundation - https://iocdf.org/

Here are some books recommended by Sarah and the IODCF. Buying them through these links will help support What Excites Us! Thank you!

• The Anti-Anxiety Program: A Workbook of Proven Strategies to Overcome Worry, Panic, and Phobias - Peter J. Norton (Author), Martin M. Antony (Author) - https://amzn.to/4eZWGyL

• Coping With OCD: Practical Strategies for Living Well With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - Bruce Hyman, PhD with Troy Dufrene - https://amzn.to/3zR8ch7

• The OCD Answer Book: Professional Answers to More Than 250 Top Questions About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  by Patrick B. McGrath, PhD - https://amzn.to/4eFf5kK

• "It'll be Okay:" How I Kept Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) from Ruining My Life
  by Shannon Shy - https://amzn.to/3XZQ6S5

• Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts: A CBT-Based Guide to Getting Over Frightening, Obsessive or Disturbing Thoughts - by Sally Winston, PsyD & Martin Seif, PhD - https://amzn.to/3zVtlGQ
  
  

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Content Warning

03:05 Understanding OCD and Anxiety

12:16 Types of OCD

17:22 OCD's Impact on Relationships

21:24 Compulsions During Intimacy

25:09 Relationship OCD

32:43 Challenges Faced by Teens with OCD

36:35 Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) Explained

47:52 Resources for OCD Support

53:27 Finding the Right Therapist
56:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

My guest CJ, from No Shame with CJ, and I explore how societal norms have shaped our views on aging, particularly for women, and how breaking free from those constraints can open up a world of erotic evolution and neuro-expansion.

CJ shares her journey from a shy and quiet person into someone who actively pursues pleasure, non-monogamy, and kink. She has insights on how being intentional can help you age better, navigating hormonal changes, and advocating for yourself in medical settings. Whether it’s debunking myths or embracing alternative pleasures, CJ's has wisdom that anyone can use, and share with your loved ones.

CJ is an alternative pleasure coach and mentor who is all about liberating sexual expression and cultivating new pleasure palates. She gets off on debunking the myths around female aging, desire and desirability as well as talking about the taboo. She loves welcoming midlife + women into alternative pleasures and lifestyles so that they can experience erotic evolution and neuro-expansion as they age. Please follow her on Instagram and her website, she has freebies there including a free call!

https://www.instagram.com/noshamewithcj or @noshamewithCJ
https://www.noshamewithcj.com/

CJ mentions Dr. Marie Claire Haver and Kelly Casperson. Their books are linked below and you buy them through these links We will get a tiny donation, an actual win win!

The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change with Purpose, Power, and Facts
By Marie Clare Haver - https://amzn.to/3ZGbjmD

The Galveston Diet: The Doctor-Developed, Patient-Proven Plan to Burn Fat and Tame Your Hormonal Symptoms
By Marie Clare Haver - https://amzn.to/3zBII7e

Midlife Matters: How to Become Stronger, Live Wiser, and Sail Through Menopause
By Kelly Casperson M.D. - https://amzn.to/4gJBmiy

You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over Your Sex Life
By Kelly Casperson M.D. - https://amzn.to/4emVi9y

Please also visit WhatExcitesUs.com
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