Welcome back to The Holistic Counselor Podcast!
In this raw, redemptive, and research-backed conversation, Diana sits down with Dr. Carol Tanksley—a board-certified OB-GYN, ordained minister, trauma-informed coach, and author—to confront one of the most taboo topics in both clinical and Christian spaces: sex, shame, and spiritual healing.

If you were raised in purity culture, survived sexual trauma, or are struggling with intimacy in marriage, this episode is a compassionate, evidence-based invitation to heal from sexual brokenness and rediscover God's design for whole-person intimacy.

 In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The trauma impact of purity culture and religious shame

• Why churches avoid "the sex talk"—and the damage it causes

• How porn has become our culture's primary sex educator

• What Scripture really says about mutuality, consent, and the body

• The neurobiology of shame and how it blocks healthy intimacy

• Practical tools for healing sexual trauma and toxic religious messaging

• Helping children and teens develop healthy, faith-informed sexual understanding

• Somatic healing and rewiring the nervous system through safe connection

• Rebuilding your image of God after spiritual or sexual abuse

 Therapy Meets Theology: Key Insights

"If the gospel has nothing to say to the hardest parts of our story, what good is it?" – Dr. Carol Tanksley
"You cannot go from 'sex is dirty' to 'sex is holy' just because you got a ring."
"Healing begins when shame is brought into the light—with Jesus and with safe others."

 Resources Mentioned:

•  Sex Ed Reclaimed – A Christ-centered sex education course for parents and caregivers

•  The Sex Talk Series – Video curriculum to help Christian parents talk to kids about sex over a decade-long journey of age-appropriate conversation

•  Dr. Carol's In-Person Healing Intensives – A 4-day immersive experience combining somatic therapy, faith integration, and trauma-informed support

•  Dr. Carol Ministries Website – Books, blogs, podcasts, and coaching focused on faith, sexuality, healing, and relationships

•  Book Mentioned: Sexpectations by Dr. Carol Tanksley

•  Faith-Based Healing Tool: Soaking in Song of Solomon to rewire sexual shame through Scripture

 For Parents & Therapists: Practical Tools

• Start "the sex talk" as early as toddlerhood with normalized language

• Use visuals like anatomy brochures and age-appropriate books

• Teach bodily autonomy and respectful curiosity—not shame

• Have 10,000 mini conversations about sex, not just one big talk

• Help clients deconstruct harmful beliefs and rebuild a safe image of God

• Support trauma survivors in processing their story with a safe witness

 Who This Episode Is For:

• Christians recovering from purity culture, shame, or sexual trauma

• Parents seeking faith-based sex education tools

• Therapists, coaches, and leaders looking for trauma-informed Christian resources

• Individuals navigating intimacy blocks in marriage or dating

• Survivors of spiritual or sexual abuse trying to rebuild trust and identity

Support This Work
Each episode takes 3–5 hours to prepare, research, record, and produce with care, intentionality, and trauma-informed planning. If this podcast has encouraged you, supported your growth, or offered meaningful insight, one way to help keep it independent and ad-free is by visiting the merch store. Your purchase helps sustain thoughtful, holistic conversations on mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being for listeners around the world.

Explore the collection:
https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/

If this episode helped you, please take a moment to leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Reviews are one of the most impactful ways to help others discover the show.