33: Somatic IFS for Sexual Healing and Pleasure, with LaDonna Silva

“Can I bring breath to that excitement and bring myself back into the body, holding some of that excited energy and actually letting my system slow down so I can cherish that moment?” LaDonna Silva

Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions of childhood sexual abuse, trauma, and sexuality. Listener discretion is advised.

Patty sits down with LaDonna Silva,LMFT, an Assistant Trainer of Somatic IFS, to “flesh out” how this body-based approach founded by Susan McConnell can illuminate the felt experience of sexuality. They apply the five practices of Somatic IFS to sexual processes, recognizing the value of slowing down and gently exploring at the pace of safety and attunement, especially for those who have experienced sexual trauma, as she herself has.

The conversation moves from LaDonna's personal story into the heart of Somatic IFS itself, as she guides listeners through Susan McConnell's five practices — somatic awareness, conscious breathing, radical resonance, mindful movement, and attuned touch — with her own deeply embodied flavor. She and Patty then explore each practice as it might pertain to sexuality, offering a rich exploration of how the body can become a portal to pleasure rather than a place of constriction and shame.

They also explore what it means to stay in resonance with oneself when the resonance you're seeking isn't available from a partner, the relationship between burdens held in the body and the freedom to move — in bed and everywhere else — and the difference between telling your story and being present to the parts that are living it while you do.

LaDonna brings her poetic and embodied presence to every aspect of this conversation and courageously and intimately shares about her journey as a thriver, activist, healer and someone navigating the everyday dynamics of sexual intimacy in a long-term relationship.

About LaDonna Silva

LaDonna is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, IFS Approved Clinical Consultant, Level 3 Certified IFS Therapist, and a member of the Somatic IFS teaching staff, serving as an Assistant Trainer with Susan McConnell. With over 20 years of clinical experience, LaDonna is deeply rooted in the Internal Family Systems model and integrates Somatic IFS throughout her therapeutic, teaching and professional work. She leads IFS workshops, trainings, retreats, and multiple consultation groups, specialising in SIFS, trauma, sexual abuse and assault, grief, couples work, and support for the LGBTQI+ community. She has served on the faculty at John F. Kennedy University, the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology/Sofia University, and Santa Clara University, teaching courses in clinical practice and integrative psychotherapy.

Connect with LaDonna:

www.ladonnasilva.com

www.embodiedself.net

www.awakenwildhearts.com

www.souliology.com/embodied-self-embodied-system

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054440921577 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ladonnasilva/

About Self-Led in Bed

Self-Led in Bed is a podcast where we explore our fascinating internal sexual landscapes and discover our authentic sexual Self through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS).

Hosted by Patricia Rich — Certified IFS Therapist, AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist, coach, and creator of the Self-Led Sexuality and The Six S’s models — each episode brings warm, smart, and often juicy conversations.

Resources

Get the free ⁠The Six S's of Sexual Self-Energy Infographic.