Sexuality is a part of who we are and we all deserve to learn about it in a way that is safe, comfortable, and judgement-free. Learning about positive sexuality is transformative for individuals and society overall. My guest, Elizabeth Greenblatt, strives to support young people develop the skills to navigate their sexuality in a healthy and fulfilling way and believes young people must be at the center of this work.

Elizabeth says “we must understand that young people are the experts on their lives and listen to them. We must be willing to listen without judgement and provide support that helps them to make healthy decisions and think critically about their choices. And we must talk about pleasure. Only talking about sex within the context of disease and pregnancy prevention does a disservice to young people and doesn't help them build skill in prioritizing healthy and pleasurable experiences.”

Being listened to is huge, it teaches us how to listen to (and know) ourselves. Knowing the Self is such an important starting point. And yet, generations upon generations of parents pass down their own not knowing. One of the biggest ways we can change this narrative is through listening. These skills are building blocks for health romantic relationships and communication. Listening is a huge part of having consensual conversations. 

With the holidays approaching and COVID on the uprise around the country I hope our conversation about how sex education can be done well also may shed light on how we can navigate necessary but often challenging conversations around public health, consent and differences in risk tolerance while tending to ourselves and listening to one another. If there’s a silver lining from the pandemic it’s that we have daily opportunities to practice talking about consent, risk, our differing comfort levels, and develop conversational skill around bodily autonomy.

RESOURCES:

Elizabeth Greenblatt has been teaching about health and sexuality for over 25 years. She currently works with Sex Savvy Hudson Valley to support and provide comprehensive sexuality education to students, teachers, administrators, and staff. Elizabeth also provides community and online workshops parents/caregivers, adults, and young people. Learn more about her upcoming online sex-ed program for 3rd-5th graders at sexsavvyhudsonvalley.com/events

Learn more about Rebecca’s practice at connectfulness.com and explore her upcoming online offerings: 

If you enjoyed this episode and want to dive in deeper, consider joining the next cohort of my Supporting Your Relational Self 6-week-online-course. This course is based on the teachings of Pia Mellody. We’ll cultivate lifelong practices to sustain you, untangle core issues that affect us all in relationships, and weave in relational skills to expand your Self care practices. Learn more at connectfulness.com/offerings

Also, my colleagues Jules Shore and Vickey Easa and I are currently working behind the scenes to produce and launch a new podcast. And we are also offering another authorized online presentation of Terry Real's RLT Essential Skills Relationship Bootcamp. Open to individuals, couples and therapists. Learn more about the podcast and the bootcamp at WhyDoesMyPartner.com

This podcast is not a substitute for counseling...