The Sensate Space

Jun 26 2024 12 ep. 6 mins
The Sensate Space Podcast artwork

The Sensate Space is a psychologist-led podcast with bite-sized episodes dedicated to chronic intimate pain conditions and the role of psychology, including nurturing wellbeing and connection, feeling safe and working with the nervous system, and building a treatment team. We’ll talk about the psychological experiences and symptoms of pelvic pain and sexual pain conditions including dyspareunia (painful intercourse), vaginismus, vulvodynia, genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD), and link these with ideas from ACT and DBT therapy, and polyvagal theory.

  Health & Fitness
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Dismissed at the doctor’s office? Here’s how to self-advocate using DBT techniques (pelvic pain healthcare)

Jun 26 2024 15 mins  
Learn how to effectively advocate for yourself in healthcare settings when seeking help for pelvic and sexual pain conditions like vaginismus and endometriosis. Discover the DEARMAN technique and broken record strategy to assert your needs confidently. SHOWNOTES: ⁠⁠https://www.thesensatespace.com/POD1⁠2 FREE GUIDE FOR PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS: ⁠⁠https://thesensatespace.com/

What is the role of psychology in pelvic pain management? A biopsychosocial approach.

Jun 19 2024 8 mins  
This episode will focus on how psychology fits within understanding and treating genito-pelvic pain penetration disorder (GPPPD), aka vaginismus and dyspareunia. We explore biological/physical, psychological, and environmental (social/contextual) factors and discuss its importance for all three areas to be addressed in a treatment plan. SHOWNOTES: ⁠⁠https://www.thesensatespace

Top myths about genito-pelvic pain (GPPPD; vaginismus, dyspareunia)

May 01 2024 3 mins  
Join us as we dispel common myths about genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, a pelvic and sexual pain condition encompassing vaginismus and dyspareunia. SHOWNOTES: ⁠⁠https://www.thesensatespace.com/POD10⁠ FREE GUIDE FOR PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS: ⁠⁠https://thesensatespace.com/empowered/⁠⁠ (for people with anxiety + pain with pap smear and similar). STICKERS + HELP

6 Tips for Managing Sexual Pain Symptoms

Apr 24 2024 6 mins  
Psychologist provides six tips for managing symptoms of sexual pain conditions such as vaginismus (/GPPPD), dyspareunia, endometriosis. SHOWNOTES: ⁠⁠https://www.thesensatespace.com/POD9⁠ FREE GUIDE FOR PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS: ⁠⁠https://thesensatespace.com/empowered/⁠⁠ (for people with anxiety + pain with pap smear and similar). STICKERS + HELPFUL THINGS: ⁠⁠https

How common is genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder? aka vaginismus + dyspareunia

Apr 17 2024 4 mins  
Is it common? What are the other factors that impact? This episode is a super-short snapshot of recent research into the prevalence of GPPPD (aka vaginismus/dyspareunia). SHOWNOTES: ⁠⁠https://www.thesensatespace.com/POD8⁠ FREE GUIDE FOR PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS: ⁠⁠https://thesensatespace.com/empowered/⁠⁠ (for people with anxiety + pain with pap smear and similar). S

Sexual pain myths: Top 5 pieces of bad advice for vaginismus

Apr 10 2024 8 mins  
Have you been told to "just relax" or "have a glass of wine?". Yup, that's not helpful - and we talk about why (and more) in this episode about the harmful myths surrounding genito-pelvic pain disorders like GPPPD / vaginismus. From misguided counsel by well-meaning loved ones to uninformed guidance from professionals, we address the damaging advice commonly

What does that mean? Unpacking jargon in pelvic pain care

Apr 03 2024 6 mins  
In this episode, we discuss: Common terms used in pelvic and sexual pain treatment (demystifying medical jargon!) Definitions and explanations of terms like dyspareunia, vaginismus, GPPPD, vestibulodynia, vulvodynia, atrophy, dystrophy, neuralgia, neuropathic pain, and nociceptive pain SHOWNOTES: ⁠⁠https://www.thesensatespace.com/POD6 FREE GUIDE FOR PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS:

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Building Your Pelvic Pain Treatment Team

Mar 27 2024 7 mins  
Feeling stuck with your progress? Wondering what your option for pelvic pain treatment support might be? In this episode we discuss: The importance of a team approach in treating pelvic and sexual pain conditions (like GPPPD/vaginismus, endometriosis). Three main points to consider when building your treatment team: trial and error, changing treatment needs over time, and co-oc

Release and relax with extended exhale breathing

Mar 20 2024 4 mins  
This episodes explores the potential of extended exhale breathing, a simple technique used for reducing tension, relaxing your body, and promoting overall well-being. Whether you're seeking stress relief, managing tight muscles, or simply looking for a daily boost, this method can be a helpful tool. I talk about the mechanics of extended exhaling, its impact on nervous system r

Making informed healthcare decisions: Using your B.R.A.I.N. to consent

Mar 13 2024 4 mins  
In this episode, we discuss navigating informed consent using a simple yet effective tool: the B.R.A.I.N. acronym. Whether you're faced with healthcare decisions for yourself or a loved one, understanding the Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, and the option of doing Nothing can help you to make confident and informed choices. This episode was developed to support people