We cover a lot of ground in this episode with Dr. Kate Balestrieri PHD, an in-demand psychologist and sex therapist driven by helping people create and define their sexuality.  The founder of the Modern Intimacy, and host of Get Naked with Dr. Kate, Dr. Kate Balestrieri built a platform that connects clinicians trained in sex therapy with people seeking therapy for sexual issues and provides a safe space for people to get access to education about sensitive topics. In just over an hour, we tap into many facets of female sexuality and mental health and cover topics including what it means to validate our mental health,  prioritize pleasure, and center ourselves.  We also dive into Barbie, Kink, and The Patriarchy!  Dr. Kate explains how female sexuality is legislated and lays out the path to a better future in becoming more embodied and empowered in our own skin.   She and I discuss the difference between a sex therapist and a sexologist, the delineation between anger and rage, and how a munch is different from a brunch!  We also talk about the need for rituals and symbols that remind us of how extraordinary we are to be alive in a female body.  She assures us that our thoughts are “not weird” and that everyone worries about being “not normal” and as long as there is consent, sexuality is just part of being human…and she even makes the case for why women should care about porn. One of the most thoughtful and articulate speakers on this topic, Dr. Balestrieri enlightens us on how women are expected to do an enormous amount of emotional labor that goes totally unseen and tells us how we can do less of it to maintain our mental health.  I love this episode and am grateful to Dr. Kate for her extraordinary work! To follow Dr. Kate  https://Modernintimacy.com To sign up for her course Righteous Rage https://modernintimacy.com/righteousrage  And for 25% off type in code: CLITEROLOGY  You heard it here first.  Welcome to your new favorite subject! This is Cliterology.     TOPICS in this episode:  Validating ourselves  Prioritizing Pleasure  Who deserves pleasure  Legislating Female Sexuality  Kink, kinky thoughts, kinky mentors   Munches  Intimacy  Menopause  Being embodied in our own skin  Anger vs. Rage Power Exchange  Sex therapy  Somatic sex therapy  Sexologists  Desire  The female orgasm  Emotional Labor  Rituals to mark significance  Free sex therapy via Dr. Kate’s externship program  Symbols  The Patriarchy  Gender Essentialism  Post Partum  The process of pregnancy and motherhood  emotional sterility  Why women should care about porn Feminist Produced Porn and Porn literacy  Bondage, Sensation Play  Empowering your own sexuality  Erika Lust  Moving Grief through our body  The Issues in our Tissues: Nikki Myers  Righteous Rage    Thank you to our sponsors Prime Plastic Surgery: https://primeplasticsurgery.com  (OFFER 10% OFF OF ALL SURGEONS FEES)   Disclaimer:  Cliterology is for general and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine in any way.  CLITEROLOGY does not constitute professional health care services or medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed as a result of this podcast. The use of information on this podcast or materials from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of Cliterology is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard getting medical advice for any such medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any conditions.