The Sensate Space

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/empowered/⁠⁠ (for people with anxiety + pain with pap smear and similar). STICKERS + HELPFUL THINGS: ⁠⁠https://thesensatespace.com/shop/⁠⁠ IMPORTANT: This is a psychology podcast about vaginismus and other pelvic and sexual pain disorders, and related issues (genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, dyspareunia, vulvodynia, painful intercourse, gynaecological pain, sexual dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain) for the purpose of education and collaboration; it’s not therapy or medical advice. Information is general in nature and does not replace individualised assessment or treatment advice. Please seek professional support tailored to your specific needs. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please see our ⁠⁠About⁠⁠ page for more information.

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.com/POD11⁠ FREE GUIDE FOR PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS: ⁠⁠https://thesensatespace.com/empowered/⁠⁠ (for people with anxiety + pain with pap smear and similar). STICKERS + HELPFUL THINGS: ⁠⁠https://thesensatespace.com/shop/⁠⁠ IMPORTANT: This is a psychology podcast about vaginismus and other pelvic and sexual pain disorders, and related issues (genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, dyspareunia, vulvodynia, painful intercourse, gynaecological pain, sexual dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain) for the purpose of education and collaboration; it’s not therapy or medical advice. Information is general in nature and does not replace individualised assessment or treatment advice. Please seek professional support tailored to your specific needs. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please see our ⁠⁠About⁠⁠ page for more information.

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 + HELPFUL THINGS: ⁠⁠https://thesensatespace.com/shop/⁠⁠ IMPORTANT: This is a psychology podcast about vaginismus and other pelvic and sexual pain disorders, and related issues (genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, dyspareunia, vulvodynia, painful intercourse, gynaecological pain, sexual dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain) for the purpose of education and collaboration; it’s not therapy or medical advice. Information is general in nature and does not replace individualised assessment or treatment advice. Please seek professional support tailored to your specific needs. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please see our ⁠⁠About⁠⁠ page for more information.

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://thesensatespace.com/shop/⁠⁠ IMPORTANT: This is a psychology podcast about vaginismus and other pelvic and sexual pain disorders, and related issues (genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, dyspareunia, vulvodynia, painful intercourse, gynaecological pain, sexual dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain) for the purpose of education and collaboration; it’s not therapy or medical advice. Information is general in nature and does not replace individualised assessment or treatment advice. Please seek professional support tailored to your specific needs. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please see our ⁠⁠About⁠⁠ page for more information.

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). STICKERS + HELPFUL THINGS: ⁠⁠https://thesensatespace.com/shop/⁠⁠ IMPORTANT: This is a psychology podcast about vaginismus and other pelvic and sexual pain disorders, and related issues (genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, dyspareunia, vulvodynia, painful intercourse, gynaecological pain, sexual dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain) for the purpose of education and collaboration; it’s not therapy or medical advice. Information is general in nature and does not replace individualised assessment or treatment advice. Please seek professional support tailored to your specific needs. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please see our ⁠⁠About⁠⁠ page for more information.

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 encountered. Learn why these misconceptions are harmful and gain insights into the lived experiences of those affected. Listen in to equip yourself with the knowledge needed to challenge these myths and foster a supportive environment for everyone impacted by genito-pelvic pain conditions. SHOWNOTES: ⁠⁠https://www.thesensatespace.com/POD7⁠ FREE GUIDE FOR PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS: ⁠⁠https://thesensatespace.com/empowered/⁠⁠ (for people with anxiety + pain with pap smear and similar). STICKERS + HELPFUL THINGS: ⁠⁠https://thesensatespace.com/shop/⁠⁠ IMPORTANT: This is a psychology podcast about vaginismus and other pelvic and sexual pain disorders, and related issues (genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, dyspareunia, vulvodynia, painful intercourse, gynaecological pain, sexual dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain) for the purpose of education and collaboration; it’s not therapy or medical advice. Information is general in nature and does not replace individualised assessment or treatment advice. Please seek professional support tailored to your specific needs. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please see our ⁠⁠About⁠⁠ page for more information.

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: ⁠⁠https://thesensatespace.com/empowered/⁠⁠ (for people with anxiety + pain with pap smear and similar). STICKERS + HELPFUL THINGS: ⁠⁠https://thesensatespace.com/shop/⁠⁠ IMPORTANT: This is a psychology podcast about vaginismus and other pelvic and sexual pain disorders, and related issues (genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, dyspareunia, vulvodynia, painful intercourse, gynaecological pain, sexual dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain) for the purpose of education and collaboration; it’s not therapy or medical advice. Information is general in nature and does not replace individualised assessment or treatment advice. Please seek professional support tailored to your specific needs. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please see our ⁠⁠About⁠⁠ page for more information.

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-occurring conditions. Which professionals to consider including in your treatment team and why Barriers to accessing a treatment team. SHOWNOTES: ⁠⁠https://www.thesensatespace.com/POD1⁠ FREE GUIDE FOR PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS: ⁠⁠https://thesensatespace.com/empowered/⁠⁠ (for people with anxiety + pain with pap smear and similar). STICKERS + HELPFUL THINGS: ⁠⁠https://thesensatespace.com/shop/⁠⁠ IMPORTANT: This is a psychology podcast about vaginismus and other pelvic and sexual pain disorders, and related issues (genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, dyspareunia, vulvodynia, painful intercourse, gynaecological pain, sexual dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain) for the purpose of education and collaboration; it’s not therapy or medical advice. Information is general in nature and does not replace individualised assessment or treatment advice. Please seek professional support tailored to your specific needs. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please see our ⁠⁠About⁠⁠ page for more information.

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 regulation, and identify recent scientific studies supporting its effectiveness. Join in to learn how you can incorporate this technique into your daily routine. This episode was designed to support people with pelvic and sexual pain (e.g. GPPPD, vaginismus, vulvodynia). SHOWNOTES: ⁠⁠https://www.thesensatespace.com/POD1⁠ FREE GUIDE FOR PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS: ⁠⁠https://thesensatespace.com/empowered/⁠⁠ (for people with anxiety + pain with pap smear and similar). STICKERS + HELPFUL THINGS: ⁠⁠https://thesensatespace.com/shop/⁠⁠ IMPORTANT: This is a psychology podcast about vaginismus and other pelvic and sexual pain disorders, and related issues (genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, dyspareunia, vulvodynia, painful intercourse, gynaecological pain, sexual dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain) for the purpose of education and collaboration; it’s not therapy or medical advice. Information is general in nature and does not replace individualised assessment or treatment advice. Please seek professional support tailored to your specific needs. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please see our ⁠⁠About⁠⁠ page for more information.

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 with sexual pain conditions such as GPPPD/vaginismus/vulvodynia/dyspareunia/endometriosis to safely advocate for themselves and navigate healthcare experiences. SHOWNOTES: ⁠⁠https://www.thesensatespace.com/POD3 FREE GUIDE FOR PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS: ⁠⁠https://thesensatespace.com/empowered/⁠⁠ (for people with anxiety + pain with pap smear and similar). STICKERS + HELPFUL THINGS: ⁠⁠https://thesensatespace.com/shop/⁠⁠ IMPORTANT: This is a psychology podcast about vaginismus and other pelvic and sexual pain disorders, and related issues (genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, dyspareunia, vulvodynia, painful intercourse, gynaecological pain, sexual dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain) for the purpose of education and collaboration; it’s not therapy or medical advice. Information is general in nature and does not replace individualised assessment or treatment advice. Please seek professional support tailored to your specific needs. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please see our ⁠⁠About⁠⁠ page for more information.

In this episode, we're discussing Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder (GPPPD), a female sexual dysfunction condition. GPPPD combines dyspareunia and vaginismus, affecting around 14-34% of pre-menopausal women. We'll discuss various symptoms, including pain during intercourse, fear of pain, and the emotional impacts. This condition varies from person to person. For more on managing GPPPD and access to resources, including a free eBook guide, visit our website. SHOWNOTES: https://www.thesensatespace.com/POD2 FREE GUIDE FOR PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS: https://thesensatespace.com/empowered/ (for people with anxiety + pain with pap smear and similar). STICKERS + HELPFUL THINGS: https://thesensatespace.com/shop/ IMPORTANT: This is a psychology podcast about vaginismus and other pelvic and sexual pain disorders, and related issues (genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, dyspareunia, vulvodynia, painful intercourse, gynaecological pain, sexual dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain) for the purpose of education and collaboration; it’s not therapy or medical advice. Information is general in nature and does not replace individualised assessment or treatment advice. Please seek professional support tailored to your specific needs. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please see our About page for more information.

This show is 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 and sexual pain conditions (like GPPPD/Vaginismus, vulvodynia, dyspareunia, and endometriosis) and link these with ideas from acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, somatic practices, and polyvagal theory. SHOWNOTES: ⁠https://www.thesensatespace.com/POD1 FREE GUIDE FOR PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS: ⁠https://thesensatespace.com/empowered/⁠ (for people with anxiety + pain with pap smear and similar). STICKERS + HELPFUL THINGS: ⁠https://thesensatespace.com/shop/⁠ IMPORTANT: This is a psychology podcast about vaginismus and other pelvic and sexual pain disorders, and related issues (genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, dyspareunia, vulvodynia, painful intercourse, gynaecological pain, sexual dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain) for the purpose of education and collaboration; it’s not therapy or medical advice. Information is general in nature and does not replace individualised assessment or treatment advice. Please seek professional support tailored to your specific needs. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please see our ⁠About⁠ page for more information.