Note sull'episodio
In Season 3, Episode 11 of the Element Q Podcast, TJ Woodward sits down with Dr. Rose Schlaff, PT, DPT, WHC, IF, a pelvic physical therapist, sexologist, and mentor in integrative sexual wellness, for an insightful conversation about the connection between trauma, the nervous system, pelvic floor health, sexual wellness, shame, and LGBTQIA+ mental health.
Dr. Rose explains why the pelvic floor is an important—and often overlooked—part of whole-person mental health care. She explores how trauma can influence the body's threat response, bladder and digestive function, pain, sexual health, intimacy, and our ability to experience safety and pleasure.
The conversation also challenges the idea that physical symptoms are somehow "all in your head." Instead, TJ and Dr. Rose explore how the brain and body communicate in both directions, and how creating safety can help us begin to change patterns that were once protective.
In this episode, we explore:
Why everyone has a pelvic floor—and why pelvic health matters to every gender and body
How trauma can contribute to pelvic floor tension and dysfunction
The connection between anxiety, bladder function, digestion, and the nervous system
Why trauma symptoms are not your fault
How the body's protective responses can become patterns that continue long after trauma
The relationship between trauma, pain, sexual health, and intimacy
The impact of shame and silence around sexuality
Why clinicians need to become more comfortable talking about sexual health
How safety can help support nervous system regulation and healing
The relationship between neuroplasticity, thoughts, emotions, and physical symptoms
Somatic awareness and reconnecting with the body
Practical ways couples can create more safety and communication around intimacy
Why moving from pain to pleasure can be part of the healing process
How LGBTQIA+ affirming and trauma-informed care can support more complete healing
Dr. Rose also discusses her Reclaim the Flame® method, which integrates neuroscience, somatic awareness, and affirming trauma-informed sex counseling to help people move from disconnection toward desire, pleasure, confidence, and connection.
🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: https://www.elementqhealingcenter.com
TJ Woodward: https://www.tjwoodward.com
Dr. Rose Schlaff: https://www.bewellwithrose.com