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What is it really like to be a sex worker, and why does society still attach so much stigma to sex work? In this deeply personal episode, accredited psychosexual therapist Lauren Muratore shares her own experiences of working in the sex industry, the discrimination she faced, and how those experiences shaped her understanding of sexuality, shame, relationships, and human behaviour. This is not an episode about sensationalising sex work. It's an honest conversation about prejudice, identity, social judgment, and what happens when people are reduced to stereotypes rather than seen as human beings. Lauren explores: The reality of working in the sex industry.The stigma and discrimination faced by sex workers.How shame impacts mental health and relationships.Why society views sexuality through a moral lens.What her experience taught her as a psychosexual therapist.How these lessons continue to influence her work helping individuals and couples today.Whether you're curious about sex work, interested in psychology and relationships, or want to challenge your own assumptions, this episode offers an honest perspective rarely heard. ---------- Host: Lauren Muratore Get FREE Sex & Relationship advice sent to your inbox. Subscribe to my newsletter: ⁠https://laurenmuratore.kit.com/381047dd8b⁠ My Blog & Videos: ⁠www.laurenmuratore.com⁠ Want a therapy appointment? My clinic, Integrated Sex + Relationship Therapy: ⁠www.integratedsextherapy.com.au⁠ ————— Join my socials: Insta: @integrated.sxtherapy Youtube: @Lauren.Muratore TikTok: @Laurenmuratore Linkedin: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-muratore-632473191⁠ ————— Get in touch: ⁠[email protected]⁠ “Ask a Sexologist Question” anonymous email for me to answer in a show and on socials: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Why do people have sex? A 2007 study identified 237 distinct reasons humans engage in sexual activity, revealing that our motivations extend far beyond pleasure, love, and reproduction. Researchers grouped these motivations into four major factors and 13 subcategories that help explain the "why" we have sex. In this episode, Lauren unpacks the science behind these four factors and 13 subcategories, exploring how different sexual motivations shape our relationships. You’ll discover what drives your motivation, how your reasons for having sex may differ from your partner’s, and why these differences can create both connection and conflict. By understanding your own sexual motivations, and those of your partner, you can gain valuable insight into your relationship, improve communication around intimacy, and identify practical ways to create a more fulfilling and satisfying sexual connection. ------- Host: Lauren Muratore Get FREE Sex & Relationship advice sent to your inbox. Subscribe to my newsletter: ⁠https://laurenmuratore.kit.com/381047dd8b⁠ My Blog & Videos: ⁠www.laurenmuratore.com⁠ Want a therapy appointment? My clinic, Integrated Sex + Relationship Therapy: ⁠www.integratedsextherapy.com.au⁠ ————— Join my socials: Insta: @integrated.sxtherapy Youtube: @Lauren.Muratore TikTok: @Laurenmuratore Linkedin: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-muratore-632473191⁠ ————— Get in touch: ⁠[email protected]⁠ “Ask a Sexologist Question” anonymous email for me to answer in a show and on socials: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Why does your body sometimes respond sexually when you don’t actually feel desire, attraction, or consent , and what does that mean for relationships, communication, and intimacy? Alternatively why does your body not respond when you're mentally into the experience? In this episode, Haley Krenzke joins me to unpack arousal non-concordance: something many people experience, and something we regularly hear in clinic. We explore how expectations about how our bodies “should” behave can create confusion, pressure, and disappointment in sex and relationships. Together, we discuss what “normal” actually looks like, how to communicate more openly about desire and consent, and why better sex often starts with removing performance pressure, letting go of rigid expectations, and reconnecting with playfulness and curiosity. Host: Lauren Muratore Guest: Haley Krenzke | www.luxsextherapy.com Get FREE Sex & Relationship advice sent to your inbox. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://laurenmuratore.kit.com/381047dd8b My Blog & Videos: www.laurenmuratore.com Want a therapy appointment? My clinic, Integrated Sex + Relationship Therapy: www.integratedsextherapy.com.au ————— Join my socials: Insta: @integrated.sxtherapy Youtube: @Lauren.Muratore TikTok: @Laurenmuratore Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-muratore-632473191 ————— Get in touch: [email protected] “Ask a Sexologist Question” anonymous email for me to answer in a show and on socials: [email protected]

Welcome to Ask a Sexologist, the recurring segment where your anonymous questions about sex, intimacy, relationships, desire, communication, and modern love get answered honestly, scientifically, and without shame. From mismatched libidos to confidence, kink, attraction, emotional connection, and everything people are usually too afraid to ask out loud. No topic is off limits. Real questions. Expert answers. Unfiltered conversations about what’s really happening behind closed doors. This episode Lauren discusses sexual chemistry, what to do if you don't like dirty talk, how to have sex with a large penis, and how to address loss of attraction and what this really means in a relationship. Want to ask a question? Get in touch at: [email protected] Host: Lauren Muratore Get FREE Sex & Relationship advice sent to your inbox. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://laurenmuratore.kit.com/381047dd8b My Blog & Videos: www.laurenmuratore.com Want a therapy appointment? My clinic, Integrated Sex + Relationship Therapy: www.integratedsextherapy.com.au ————— Join my socials: Insta: @integrated.sxtherapy Youtube: @Lauren.Muratore TikTok: @Laurenmuratore Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-muratore-632473191 ————— Get in touch: [email protected] “Ask a Sexologist Question” anonymous email for me to answer in a show and on socials: [email protected]

What if the problem isn’t your relationship (or even you); but the fact you’ve stopped listening to yourself? In this episode, I’m joined by intuitive leader and coach, June Mac to unpack the skill most people have been conditioned to ignore: their own inner knowing. June explains how to slowly build your intuition with ease and gives examples. We also link intuition, backing yourself, and confidence to how that enhances your life overall. Listening to yourself, learning how to be an intuitive lover can help advocate for you and your partners pleasure. When you trust yourself, your life and relationships change. And your sex life does too. Host: Lauren Muratore Guest: June Mac | www.junemac.com | Insta @msjunemac Get FREE Sex & Relationship advice sent to your inbox. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://laurenmuratore.kit.com/381047dd8b My Blog & Videos: www.laurenmuratore.com Want a therapy appointment? My clinic, Integrated Sex + Relationship Therapy: www.integratedsextherapy.com.au ————— Join my socials: Insta: @integrated.sxtherapy Youtube: @Lauren.Muratore TikTok: @Laurenmuratore Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-muratore-632473191 ————— Get in touch: [email protected] “Ask a Sexologist Question” anonymous email for me to answer in a show and on socials: [email protected]

Why is talking about sex so hard, even in long-term relationships? In this episode, I break down why so many people struggle to talk about sex, what’s really underneath the silence, and how avoiding these conversations quietly erodes intimacy over time. Because it’s not just about sex. It’s about vulnerability, rejection, shame, power, and everything we were never taught how, or allowed to say out loud. I’ll walk you through: Why talking about sex feels uncomfortable (even with someone you love) and reframing this.The hidden fears that stop couples from speaking honestly and how to work through the fear.How sexual communication impacts desire, connection, and satisfaction.Why shrinking will most likely not help you want sex.Questions to ask yourself that help you understand your sexual self and identity.If you’ve ever thought, "this shouldn’t be so hard to talk about", you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not stuck. This episode will help challenge the fears, assist you to understand what’s really going on, and give you further deep questions to explore in your own time. ————— Host: Lauren Muratore Get FREE Sex & Relationship advice sent to your inbox. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://laurenmuratore.kit.com/381047dd8b My Blog & Videos: www.laurenmuratore.com Want a therapy appointment? My clinic, Integrated Sex + Relationship Therapy: www.integratedsextherapy.com.au ————— Join my socials: Insta: @integrated.sxtherapy Youtube: @Lauren.Muratore TikTok: @Laurenmuratore Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-muratore-632473191 ————— Get in touch: [email protected] “Ask a Sexologist Question” anonymous email for me to answer in a show and on socials: [email protected]

I didn’t learn about sex in a textbook. I learned it in the real world. Before becoming an accredited clinical sex therapist, I worked in the sex industry as a private independent sex worker (escort). It shaped everything I know about desire, intimacy, and why sex stops working in relationships. And while most people expect that to be a chapter I’d keep quiet on, it’s actually where I learned some of the most confronting truths about desire, power, and performance. In this episode, I’m not here to shock you. I’m here to show you what most people get wrong about sex. Because what happens in the bedroom isn’t just about technique. It’s about psychology, identity, safety, control, and vulnerability. And after a decade in clinical private practice, I can tell you this; the struggles couples face behind closed doors is not that different from what I witnessed long before I had a clinical framework to explain it. This is the story of how I went from living sex, to studying it, to helping people transform it. And why the truth about intimacy is far more uncomfortable and far more powerful than we’ve been taught. Host: Lauren Muratore Free Content: www.laurenmuratore.com My clinic, Integrated Sex + Relationship Therapy: www.integratedsextherapy.com.au Subscribe to my newsletter: https://laurenmuratore.kit.com/381047dd8b ————— Join my socials: Insta: @integrated.sxtherapy Youtube: @Lauren.Muratore TikTok: @Laurenmuratore Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-muratore-632473191 ————— Get in touch: [email protected]

What happens when sexual behaviour doesn’t fit neatly into the labels we use? In this episode, I sit down with Dr Joe Kort to unpack the misunderstood world of straight men who have sex (or fantasies) with men. We explore the psychology, cultural narratives, and relationship dynamics behind this; moving beyond stereotypes to reveal that behaviour doesn't correlate to sexual orientation Whether you’re curious about sexual fluidity, questioning assumptions about masculinity, or simply interested in how people make sense of their erotic lives, this conversation will challenge and expand your perspective. Host: Lauren Muratore Guest: Dr Joe Kort | www.joekort.com Get FREE Sex & Relationship advice sent to your inbox. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://laurenmuratore.kit.com/381047dd8b My Blog & Videos: www.laurenmuratore.com Want a therapy appointment? My clinic, Integrated Sex + Relationship Therapy: www.integratedsextherapy.com.au ————— Join my socials: Insta: @integrated.sxtherapy Youtube: @Lauren.Muratore TikTok: @Laurenmuratore Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-muratore-632473191 ————— Get in touch: [email protected] “Ask a Sexologist Question” anonymous email for me to answer in a show and on socials: [email protected]

Trying to conceive? Discover how acupuncture may support fertility, reduce stress, and improve reproductive health naturally. Meet Sheena Vaughan is director of Qi Medicine, acupuncture specialist working predominantly with fertility, and pregnancy assistance support. In this episode, we learn what acupuncture is helpful for (everything) and common issues patients trying to conceive and experiencing infertility seek help on. Sheena assists patients find hope, answers, and describes how the body follows the mind. Acupuncture is great to help the body work on it's own, and Sheena describes how she helps devise a plan forward for patients. We also discuss the science of the decline in sperm health. For anyone trying to conceive and struggling, this a a great episode to learn about a complimentary therapy that helps the body whilst couples counselling or sex therapy can help the mind- both assisting in the spirit! Host: Lauren Muratore  Content www.laurenmuratore.com Clinic  www.integratedsextherapy.com.au Guest: Sheena Vaughan https://qimedicine.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/qi_medicine_acupuncture/ ————————— Join my sex positive socials: Youtube: @Lauren.Muratore Instagram: @integrated.sxtherapy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntegratedSexRelationshipTherapy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-muratore-632473191/ TikTok: @sextherapy_w.laurenm ———————— Get in touch: Questions- [email protected] Potential Client- [email protected] Press & Media- [email protected]

Is porn really addictive? This episode explores the science, psychology, and controversy behind pornography addiction and its impact on sex, relationships, and the brain. Silva Neves is a world-renowned psychosexual therapist from London. We dive into the misconceptions of porn addiction. As Silva explains, frequency of viewing porn provides zero indication if porn is the problem. So why are so many people self diagnosing themselves as porn addicts? Hear what Silva describes a tsunami sex negative messages and the stories that provoke fear and shame. Another common issue we discuss is when one person in a relationship is anti porn and the other person enjoys it, what's next? Solo sex is part of an individuals sex life, how to integrate that into a couple dynamic is the trick, especially because people don't usually discuss their porn values early on in dating. I asked Silva what the science says- and it will surprise you! Science did not find causation but it did find correlation. Listen in to hear how that ties into misogyny. What about porn for education? Silva sheds light on how helpful it could be for the queer community, as sexually is often depicted in the media as heteronormative. The porn debate could still be up in the air for you, this episode will get you thinking about it in a different light. Host: Lauren Muratore Guest: Silva Neves | https://silvaneves.co.uk/ Get FREE Sex & Relationship advice sent to your inbox. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://laurenmuratore.kit.com/381047dd8b My Blog & Videos: www.laurenmuratore.com Want a therapy appointment? My clinic, Integrated Sex + Relationship Therapy: www.integratedsextherapy.com.au ————— Join my socials: Insta: @integrated.sxtherapy Youtube: @Lauren.Muratore TikTok: @Laurenmuratore Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-muratore-632473191 ————— Get in touch: [email protected] “Ask a Sexologist Question” anonymous email for me to answer in a show and on socials: [email protected]

Struggling to talk about sex with your partner? This episode breaks down how better sexual communication can transform intimacy, desire, and connection. Talking about sex can feel awkward, vulnerable, or even impossible; but avoiding the conversation often creates distance, resentment, and unmet needs. In this episode, we explore how to communicate about sex with your partner, ask for what you want in bed, navigate rejection and mismatched desire, and build deeper intimacy through honest conversation. Learn practical tools for sexual communication, emotional safety, and creating a healthier, more connected relationship. Laura Lee discusses the nuances of how to talk about sex, what to talk about, and how to find comfort in the uncomfortable. Host: Lauren Muratore Guest: Laura Lee | www.lauralee.com Get FREE Sex & Relationship advice sent to your inbox. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://laurenmuratore.kit.com/381047dd8b My Blog & Videos: www.laurenmuratore.com Want a therapy appointment? My clinic, Integrated Sex + Relationship Therapy: www.integratedsextherapy.com.au ————— Join my socials: Insta: @integrated.sxtherapy Youtube: @Lauren.Muratore TikTok: @Laurenmuratore Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-muratore-632473191 ————— Get in touch: [email protected] “Ask a Sexologist Question” anonymous email for me to answer in a show and on socials: [email protected]

Living with chronic trauma can keep your nervous system stuck in survival mode; this episode explores how hypnotherapy may help heal trauma, reduce anxiety, and restore emotional safety. Jessie Reynolds shares her personal lived experience, and the effects of CPTSD that lead her to becoming a hypnotherapist who specialises in trauma. She discusses how chronic trauma can make someone feel stuck. That the trauma is programmed into the subconscious and bypasses the conscious mind (critical faculty). Hypnotherapy can get to the subconscious, and help the mind see things from a new perspective.  It can help the nervous system & how we relate to our experiences. Who should seek hypnotherapy? Listen to find out! Jessie so beautifully says people aren’t broken, and that the desire to change has to out weigh the fear of change. Host: Lauren Muratore Guest: Jessie Reynolds | ⁠https://www.traumatransformed.com.au/ The Science: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/04/science-of-hypnosis Get FREE Sex & Relationship advice sent to your inbox. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://laurenmuratore.kit.com/381047dd8b My Blog & Videos: www.laurenmuratore.com Want a therapy appointment? My clinic, Integrated Sex + Relationship Therapy: www.integratedsextherapy.com.au ————— Join my socials: Insta: @integrated.sxtherapy Youtube: @Lauren.Muratore TikTok: @Laurenmuratore Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-muratore-632473191 ————— Get in touch: [email protected] “Ask a Sexologist Question” anonymous email for me to answer in a show and on socials: [email protected]

Why do BDSM participants often report higher sexual satisfaction? This episode explores the research on BDSM, communication, consent, trust, and what all couples can learn from these relationship dynamics. Anabel Reddaway chats with me about the research she conducted that confirms BDSM participants report higher sexual satisfaction than the general public.  Annabel deep dives into the concept that women are actively consenting and seeking what they want in the BDSM world.  It’s a space safe to talk.  She also explains the 4Cs, RACK, and how participants report a sense of being free.  We also look at how if you exercise your agency, female subs have the most control because they can tell the dom to stop at any stage with a safe word.  Not all humans feels safe to say stop in the non BDSM world.  Get some tips from the research Annabel found. Host: Lauren Muratore  Content www.laurenmuratore.com Clinic  www.integratedsextherapy.com.au Guest: Anabel Reddaway | http://coequalcoaching.co.uk/ Anabel's Paper: https://journalofpositivesexuality.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/10.51681.1.1012_Directness-of-Communication-Mediates-Sexual-Satisfaction_Carty-Davidson.pdf ————————— Join my sex positive socials: Youtube: @Lauren.Muratore Instagram: @integrated.sxtherapy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntegratedSexRelationshipTherapy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-muratore-632473191/ TikTok: @sextherapy_w.laurenm ———————— Get in touch: Questions- [email protected] Potential Client- [email protected] Press & Media- [email protected]

How does autism shape intimacy, communication, and sexual relationships? This episode explores autism and sexuality, including sensory needs, emotional connection, desire, and navigating relationships in a neurodiverse world. Sex is not always typical, brains are not always typical; that is the beauty of being human. Deb shares the Date-Ability Program she runs for NDIS participates, as well intimate insights that are relevant to neurodivergent folk. Host: Lauren Muratore Guest: Deb Vanderwerp | https://fs-solutions.com.au Get FREE Sex & Relationship advice sent to your inbox. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://laurenmuratore.kit.com/381047dd8b My Blog & Videos: www.laurenmuratore.com Want a therapy appointment? My clinic, Integrated Sex + Relationship Therapy: www.integratedsextherapy.com.au ————— Join my socials: Insta: @integrated.sxtherapy Youtube: @Lauren.Muratore TikTok: @Laurenmuratore Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-muratore-632473191 ————— Get in touch: [email protected] “Ask a Sexologist Question” anonymous email for me to answer in a show and on socials: [email protected]

What if your ideas about pleasure, sex, and desire were shaped by culture, colonisation, and shame? This episode explores the history of pleasure and the movement to decolonise sexuality, intimacy, and the body. Toya Ricci took me on a journey to the 1920's blues era, ancient Hawaiian culture, and even the Amazon. Pleasure has been around a long time, and could argue pleasure changed during the colonisation process. But what have we learned from history to implement change? Toya takes a pleasure led approach to her findings. Host: Lauren Muratore Get FREE Sex & Relationship advice sent to your inbox. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://laurenmuratore.kit.com/381047dd8b My Blog & Videos: www.laurenmuratore.com Want a therapy appointment? My clinic, Integrated Sex + Relationship Therapy: www.integratedsextherapy.com.au ————— Join my socials: Insta: @integrated.sxtherapy Youtube: @Lauren.Muratore TikTok: @Laurenmuratore Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-muratore-632473191 ————— Get in touch: [email protected] “Ask a Sexologist Question” anonymous email for me to answer in a show and on socials: [email protected]