Mental Health Rewritten

"Mental Health Rewritten" is a groundbreaking podcast that delves into the most pressing and often stigmatized topics in mental and behavioral health. Hosted by the acclaimed Dominic Lawson—recipient of 33 podcasting awards, including multiple honors in the mental health space—this show offers a fresh perspective on issues ranging from sex addiction and substance abuse to eating disorders and racial trauma. Each season is thoughtfully structured into themed mini-series, allowing for an in-depth exploration of complex subjects. Guided by the DSM-5 and ICD-11, episodes feature candid conversations with experts and individuals with lived experiences, providing listeners with both clinical insights and personal narratives. Join us biweekly as we challenge societal norms, break down barriers, and rewrite the narrative surrounding mental health. Whether you're a mental health professional, someone with personal experience, or simply interested in understanding the intricacies of the human mind, "Mental Health Rewritten" offers valuable insights and fosters a community of empathy and support. Subscribe now to embark on a journey of discovery and transformation.

Starting the Conversation Around Sexual Anorexia 07/02/2025

Starting the Conversation Around Sexual Anorexia Kyle sits awake at 2 AM, the glow of his laptop revealing a single word in the search bar: “avoidance.” He scrolls past harsh phrases like fear of intimacy and sexual withdrawal that feel like accusations. Then one term stops him—“sexual anorexia.” For the first time, he wonders: What if I’m not broken, but scared? And what if scared has a name? This episode of Mental Health Rewritten explores the little-discussed realm of sexual anorexia, a term for fear-driven intimacy avoidance often rooted in trauma. Though not officially listed in the DSM-5, sexual anorexia is a profoundly real experience, marked not by mere disinterest but by an instinctual, protective shutdown of the body and emotions in the face of intimacy. It’s a concept that can help survivors put a name to what was once shrouded in shame. Narrative storytelling and expert insight intertwine as we follow Kyle’s journey and others like him. Survivor Janet Bentley shares her struggle with physical closeness after sexual abuse, describing how discovering the term sexual anorexia transformed her self-understanding from silent shame to shared understanding. Janet’s personal account — from feeling isolated and “broken” to finding hope in healing after sexual abuse — illustrates the power of naming trauma and seeking support. Her experience led her to found the Courageous Survivors nonprofit, creating a safe space for those with similar stories. Renowned clinician Dr. Alexandra Katehakis offers compassionate commentary on why the mind and body respond this way. She explains how deeply embedded trauma can hijack the nervous system (drawing on the Polyvagal Theory of Dr. Stephen Porges) and cause a fight, flight, or freeze response during intimacy. Listeners learn how the body may literally shut down or go numb when triggered — not as dysfunction, but as the nervous system’s attempt to feel safe. Dr. Katehakis discusses somatic healing techniques and the slow rebuilding of safety, trust, and consent in a relationship, highlighting the neurobiology behind why “the body remembers what the mind wants to forget.” The episode also explores how these trauma responses fit (or don’t fit) into clinical labels. We delve into Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (FSIAD), the official diagnosis for low sexual desire in women, and why such labels often fail to capture the nuance of trauma-related intimacy avoidance. This discussion shines light on the inadequacy of one-size-fits-all diagnostic terms when intergenerational shame and personal trauma histories are involved. By blending Kyle’s fictional story, Janet’s real-life testimony, and Dr. Katehakis’s scientific expertise, the narrative challenges the stigma around sexual avoidance. Intimacy avoidance born from trauma is recast not as a life sentence of dysfunction, but as a protective response that can gradually be understood and healed. Join host Dominic Lawson in this conversation that destigmatizes sexual anorexia and offers hope for trauma recovery. From the quiet pain of avoidance to the slow steps of reconnection, Mental Health Rewritten invites you to reconsider intimacy after trauma through a new lens — one of empathy, understanding, and the radical act of naming our truth out loud. This episode is a compassionate guide toward healing after sexual abuse, reminding listeners that what feels like “brokenness” can, in time, become a story of courage and reconnection. Mental Health Rewritten, created by the OWLS Education Company, in collaboration with theUmmah Collective Group is hosted, written and produced by me, Dominic Lawson Executive Producers Kenda Lawson and Dr. Whitney Howzell Cover art was created by Alexandria Eddings of Art Life Connections. Some music was provided by DJ Krate Digga of the Mighty SoundChampz Crew Major Themes Covered Understanding Sexual Anorexia: Defining sexual anorexia as an extreme fear of sexual intimacy and compulsive avoidance of sex, viewed through a trauma-informed lens rather than as mere lack of desire. Intimacy as a Triggering Threat: How past sexual abuse or deep-seated shame can make intimacy avoidance a self-protective response, with the body’s nervous system instinctively shielding the survivor (e.g. freezing or shutting down during closeness). Personal Story of Recovery: Janet Bentley’s candid account of her journey healing after sexual abuse – from decades of feeling alone with intimacy fears to discovering the term sexual anorexia and finding empowerment in naming her experience. Expert Insight and Somatic Healing: Dr. Alexandra Katehakis’s commentary on trauma and the body – discussing Polyvagal Theory, somatic therapy, and how understanding the neurobiology of trauma (e.g. fight/flight/freeze responses) can inform gentle healing and the rebuilding of trust and consent in relationships. Beyond Diagnostic Labels: An exploration of clinical terms like Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (FSIAD) and why such diagnoses may fall short. The conversation highlights the limitations of traditional labels in addressing trauma-related intimacy issues, questioning whether what is often pathologized as dysfunction is actually a normal adaptive response to abnormal experiences. Intergenerational Shame and Stigma: Insight into how shame around sexuality – often passed down through families or cultural messages – can compound trauma, and the importance of breaking silence and stigma. The episode emphasizes creating a supportive social context that validates survivors’ experiences instead of adding to their shame. The Power of Naming and Storytelling: A central theme of turning “silent shame into shared understanding,” demonstrating how putting words to one’s experience (like calling it sexual anorexia) can be a first step in trauma recovery. Through Kyle’s fictional narrative and Janet’s real story, the show illustrates that naming the problem opens the door to community, professional help, and hope for change. Resources & Mentions – Nonprofit founded by Janet Bentley to support adult survivors of sexual trauma. (Episode with Janet Bentley)* – Janet shares her story of sexual trauma and healing. Book – by Patrick J. Carnes, PhD – A pioneering look at sexual anorexia and its ties to trauma (Hazelden, 1997). (Explores fear of intimacy and provides recovery strategies.) Book – by Wendy Maltz, LCSW – A compassionate guide for survivors of sexual abuse to reclaim healthy intimacy (Updated Edition, 2012). (Dr. Stephen Porges) – An influential framework explaining how the autonomic nervous system (vagus nerve) responds to trauma and safety cues. (Helps make sense of “freeze” and shutdown responses in intimacy.) – Dr. Alexandra Katehakis’s therapy center in Los Angeles, offering resources on sex addiction, sexual anorexia, and trauma recovery. Sources : Medical News Today – “Sexual anorexia: Symptoms, treatment, causes, and more.” Confirms that sexual anorexia is not an official DSM-5 diagnosis. : Patrick Carnes’ book Sexual Anorexia defining it as “the emptiness of profound deprivation, a silent suffering”. Also describes the fear-driven avoidance and how it can mask as disinterest. : (NIH/NLM) – “Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder.” Explains that FSIAD in DSM-5 merged the prior desire and arousal disorders for women and is distinct to females. : Reclaim Therapy Blog – “Understanding the Freeze Trauma Response” by Sarah Herstich, LCSW. Provides an overview of Polyvagal Theory (Dr. Stephen Porges) and the three neural pathways: social engagement, fight/flight, and dorsal vagal freeze when threat overwhelms. : Journal of Sexual Medicine review (Pulverman, 2018) – “Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Women’s Sexual Health.” Indicates that in random community studies, 25–59% of women with CSA histories have sexual dysfunction, highlighting the strong link. : LovePanky (educational blog) – “Sexual Anorexia: 19 Signs…” Enumerates signs like fear of sex, avoidance of anything sexual (even revealing clothes or media), and judging one’s own sexuality – matching the episode’s descriptions. : CriminalDefenseLawyer.com – “Marital Rape Laws.” States that marital/spousal rape is illegal in all US states only since 1993, and notes the prior marital exemption laws. : The Nation (June 2023) – “The Supreme Court Has Dealt Another Devastating Blow to Women.” Describes a recent SCOTUS ruling (Medina v. Planned Parenthood) as part of “the assault on bodily autonomy.” Illustrates ongoing legal battles over women’s control of their bodies. : The Second Sex via PhilosophyNow summary – Beauvoir observed that society makes a young woman feel her body is objectified and shameful (e.g. men’s leering causing her to wish to be “invisible”). : ABC News (Apr 2018) – “Inside the VR therapy designed to help sexual assault survivors heal by facing attackers.” Reports on psychologists using VR scenarios to help rape survivors confront fears in a safe, controlled way. /episode/index/show/35ad4bf7-5053-460d-83af-01056c7c5fea/id/37243600

Mental Margins: Internal Barriers & OnlyFans Reveal 06/27/2025

Mental Margins: Sex Education & Understanding Predators 06/26/2025

Mental Margins: Trauma 06/23/2025

Mental Margins: Men, Shame, and Assault 06/20/2025

Mental Margins: Complex PTSD 06/19/2025

Rewriting the Conversation Around Sexual Assault 06/17/2025

Rewriting the Conversation Around Sexual Assault In this powerful and necessary episode of Mental Health Rewritten, we open with a deceptively simple question: “Is this sexual assault?” From that moment forward, we begin a journey that challenges long-held beliefs about consent, trauma, and silence, especially when the abuse doesn’t look the way we expect it to. At the heart of this episode is Maria, a fictional composite of real stories. We explore the types of harm that don’t come through force, but through the absence of consent, emotional pressure, or the quiet rewriting of boundaries inside long-term relationships. But Maria’s story is just the beginning. We’re also joined by Ashley-Lauren Elrod, a survivor whose candid testimony spans over a decade of sexual abuse, much of it at the hands of family members. Her story is raw and revealing of how trauma fragments memory, distorts identity, and leaves lingering questions like: Who am I outside of what happened to me? How do I tell the truth when the people who hurt me are the ones who raised me? Together with expert voices—therapists Havi Kang, Dr. Justin Dodson, Dr. Alex Katehakis, and Dan Woerheide—we examine: Why sexual assault in marriage is still so often denied or minimized How dissociation becomes the mind’s defense when the body can’t escape What gaslighting looks like in everyday language—and how it erodes self-trust The difference between love and entitlement, and how one can masquerade as the other What real trauma-informed healing requires—from clinicians, partners, and communities We also confront institutional betrayal through the lens of the Larry Nassar and USA Gymnastics case, using it as a sobering parallel: If world-class athletes weren’t believed, what does that say about the everyday survivor sitting silently at your dinner table? This episode is a call to rethink what sexual harm looks like—not just in headlines, but in homes. It’s about naming what happened, even when the world tells you it wasn’t “bad enough.” And it’s about rewriting what healing looks like, starting with truth. Mental Health Rewritten, created by the OWLS Education Company, in collaboration with The Ummah Collective Group, is hosted, written, and produced by Dominic Lawson. Executive Producers: Kenda Lawson and Dr. Whitney Howzell Cover Art: Alexandria Eddings of Art Life Connections Some music was provided by of The Mighty Sound Champz Crew Research and Statistics References Bureau of Justice Statistics – Criminal Victimization, 2021: This U.S. Justice Department report provides official data on crime reporting rates. It shows that only 21.5% of rape/sexual assaults were reported to police in 2021 highlighting the underreporting problem and reasons victims cite (fear of reprisal, etc.) . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): The CDC’s research on sexual violence prevalence. According to recent CDC findings, approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 13 boys in the U.S. experience sexual abuse in childhood. Academic Review on Revictimization: “The Prevalence of Sexual Revictimization: A Meta-Analytic Review” (Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 2017) – A study synthesizing data on how often survivors of sexual abuse experience new incidents later. It found nearly 50% of survivors faced revictimization on average. , though estimates vary. Institutional Betrayal Case Study – Larry Nassar and USA Gymnastics: News investigations and a 2019 U.S. Senate report document how USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University failed to stop Nassar. Example resource: The Guardian report “How was Larry Nassar able to abuse so many gymnasts for so long?” which describes how complaints were ignored in favor of protecting reputations. . Also see ESPN’s piece on victim-blaming in this case. . “Ideal Victim” Myth in Sexual Assault: For context on this concept, see Nils Christie’s work in victimology and modern commentary such as “The ‘Perfect Victim’ Myth” by Kim Machray (Empoword Journalism, 2023), which explains how societal stereotypes of a “blameless, ideal victim” can marginalize many survivors. . Complex PTSD – ICD-11 vs. DSM-5: World Health Organization’s ICD-11 includes Complex PTSD as a diagnosis distinct from PTSD. . In contrast, the DSM-5 (the American manual) does not formally recognize “C-PTSD” as separate. (See the U.S. National Center for PTSD explainer on “Complex PTSD: History and Definitions.) Support Organizations & Hotlines for Survivors RAINN – Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (U.S.): The largest U.S. anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE and online chat support . They offer help 24/7 for survivors, plus extensive educational materials and referrals. National Sexual Violence Resource Center (U.S.): NSVRC provides research, toolkits, and a directory of local services. . (While not a hotline, NSVRC is a hub for understanding sexual violence and finding support by state or territory). 1in6 (U.S. & Global): A nonprofit specializing in male survivor support. Provides anonymous online chat groups and resources for men who’ve experienced sexual abuse. Named after the statistic that at least 1 in 6 men have experienced abusive sexual experiences by age 18. . National Child Abuse Hotline (U.S.): For anyone affected by child sexual abuse (survivors, parents, concerned individuals). Operated by Childhelp at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453), 24/7 confidential crisis counseling and referrals nationwide. National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.): Many sexual assaults occur in the context of intimate partner violence. The NDVH (🌐 thehotline.org, or call 1-800-799-SAFE) offers support and can connect survivors of partner or marital sexual abuse to local services. DoD Safe Helpline (Worldwide, for U.S. Military Community): An anonymous 24/7 hotline for members of the U.S. military (active or veteran) affected by sexual assault. Accessible worldwide via phone or online chat (🌐 safehelpline.org). International Resources – “NO MORE” Global Directory: A comprehensive global directory of sexual assault and domestic violence helplines by country (🌐 nomoredirectory.org). If you’re outside the U.S., this resource (developed with the UN) helps locate local support services anywhere in the world. . Rape Crisis England & Wales (UK): National network of centers for sexual violence survivors in the UK. Offers a 24-hour phone helpline at 0808 802 9999 and online resources (🌐 rapecrisis.org.uk). (For Scotland, see Rape Crisis Scotland; for Ireland, see Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, etc.) Ending Violence Canada – Sexual Assault Centre Directory: A Canadian resource listing provincial sexual assault centres and crisis lines. Survivors in Canada can find local support services via this directory . (For other regions: many countries have similar organizations or hotlines – e.g. 1800-RESPECT in Australia, the Women’s Helpline in India, etc. See the NO MORE Global Directory above for an extensive international list.) Educational Resources – Trauma, Dissociation, Sexual Health, and Healing Book – The Body Keeps the Score (2014) by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk: A best-selling book on how trauma impacts the body and mind, and paths to healing. Explores phenomena like dissociation, flashbacks, and the neuroscience of trauma in an accessible way. (Penguin Books) Book – It Didn’t Start with You (2016) by Mark Wolynn: An insightful look at intergenerational trauma. Explains how trauma can be passed down through family generations and offers strategies to break the cycle (. Good for understanding how family history of abuse or trauma might affect someone’s mental health in the present. Book – Trauma and Recovery (1992; updated 2015) by Dr. Judith Herman: A foundational text by a psychiatrist that coined the concept of Complex PTSD. It covers the impact of sexual and domestic violence, the importance of survivor empowerment, and stages of recovery. (BasicBooks). Documentary – Athlete A (2020): A Netflix documentary about the USA Gymnastics sexual abuse scandal. Follows investigative journalists and survivors (like Maggie Nichols, “Athlete A”) as they expose Larry Nassar’s crimes and the institutional cover-up. An impactful look at how a powerful institution silenced victims and how the truth finally came out. Documentary – Resilience: The Biology of Stress & the Science of Hope (2016): Explores the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress. Shows how childhood trauma (including abuse and neglect) can affect health across a lifetime, and highlights initiatives to build resilience and break intergenerational cycles of trauma. . (Director: James Redford). Toolkit – The Trauma Toolkit (Klinic Community Health, 2013): A comprehensive guide (available free online) for trauma-informed approaches. While aimed at service providers, it’s written in plain language about what trauma does to the brain, body, and how healing can occur. Includes sections on grounding techniques, understanding dissociation, and cultural/historical trauma. 🌐 trauma-informed.ca Sidran Institute (Trauma/Dissociation Resources): A nonprofit organization that focuses on helping people understand and recover from traumatic stress and dissociative disorders. Their website offers fact sheets on conditions like Dissociative Identity Disorder, grounding skills for flashbacks, and how to find a trauma-informed therapist (🌐 sidran.org). National Child Traumatic Stress Network – Resources on Childhood Trauma: NCTSN (🌐 nctsn.org) provides guides for both survivors and parents. For example, “Why Don’t They Tell? Teens and Sexual Assault Disclosure” (NCTSN, 2008) is a resource explaining barriers that youth face in disclosing abuse. NSVRC Guides to Healthy Sexuality Education: The National Sexual Violence Resource Center has materials to help parents and educators talk about consent and sexuality early. E.g., “6 Resources to Help Parents Talk to Kids About Consent” and “It’s Time... to Talk to Your Children about Healthy Sexuality”. These tools can empower families to replace silence with informed, age-appropriate dialogue – echoing the episode’s message that education is a form of protection (. Survivor Recovery Workbooks: The Courage to Heal Workbook by Laura Davis (a companion to the classic book The Courage to Heal) is a practical guide full of exercises for women and men healing from childhood sexual abuse. Another option for male survivors is Victims No Longer by Mike Lew, which addresses the unique challenges men face and includes first-hand stories and recovery strategies. Support for Complex Trauma: “Coping with Trauma-Related Dissociation” (2011) by Kathy Steele et al. – a workbook for survivors of severe trauma who experience dissociation. It provides grounding techniques and coping skills in an easy-to-understand format. For those interested in the clinical perspective, the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) offers free fact sheets on understanding dissociative disorders and complex PTSD. Memoirs and Personal Stories: Sometimes, hearing another survivor’s story is healing. A few noted memoirs: Know My Name by Chanel Miller (survivor of the Stanford University assault, reclaiming her story), Missoula by Jon Krakauer (investigative book with survivors’ experiences in a college town), and The Sum of My Parts by Olga Trujillo (one woman’s journey healing from dissociative identity disorder caused by childhood abuse). /episode/index/show/35ad4bf7-5053-460d-83af-01056c7c5fea/id/37031970

Mental Margins: Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder 06/14/2025

Mental Margins: A Brief History of Pornography 06/11/2025

Mental Margins: A Brief History of Pornography In this bonus episode of Mental Health Rewritten, host Dominic Lawson takes listeners on a captivating journey through the history of pornography, exploring how desire has been depicted, suppressed, and preserved across centuries. From ancient Egyptian satire to the digital age’s pornographic explosion we uncover the cultural, technological, and political forces that shaped the evolution of explicit imagery. Source List Diver, K. (2005, April 4). Archaeologist finds 'oldest porn statue'. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/apr/04/arts.germany – News report on the discovery of 7,200-year-old erotic figurines in Germany, considered the oldest known depictions of a sexual scene . Solly, M. (2022, April 28). Why Was Erotic Art So Popular in Ancient Pompeii? Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.smithsonianmag.com – Overview of erotic art in Pompeii and its 19th-century censorship, mentioning the secret museum in Naples and recent exhibition of those artifacts . Jones, J. (2016, Oct 13). Marcantonio Raimondi: the Renaissance printer who brought porn to Europe. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com – Art history column detailing the 1524 publication of I Modi, the imprisonment of Raimondi by Pope Clement VII, and the involvement of Aretino, confirming the dates and impact . Weiss, R. (2020, July 7). The Evolution of Pornography. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com – Article discussing the history of porn with technology, noting the invention of “published pornography” in 1524 (I Modi) and later developments through digital media . Encyclopædia Britannica. (n.d.). Fanny Hill. Retrieved 2025, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Fanny-Hill-novel – Encyclopedia entry on Cleland’s Fanny Hill, confirming its 1748–49 publication, immediate suppression as pornography, and its clandestine circulation until the 1960s . Wikipedia. (2023). Linda Lovelace. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_Lovelace – Summary of Linda Lovelace’s biography, including her role in Deep Throat (1972) and later allegations of coercion and her anti-pornography activism . (While a tertiary source, it encapsulates well-documented facts from her memoir and interviews.) Zattoni, F., et al. (2020). Pornography use in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 49(8), 2733–2735. doi:10.1007/s10508-020-01836-0 – Academic letter/article noting Pornhub’s traffic statistics – over 42 billion visits in 2019, ~115 million daily – illustrating the contemporary scale of internet pornography consumption. PBS – American Experience. (n.d.). Anthony Comstock’s “Chastity” Laws. Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/pill-anthony-comstocks-chastity-laws/ – Background on the 19th-century anti-obscenity crusader Anthony Comstock and the Comstock Act of 1873, which banned sending obscene material (and contraceptives) through U.S. mail . Provides context for Victorian anti-porn legislation. British Library – Untold Lives Blog. (2017, Feb 14). The Merryland books in the Private Case. Retrieved from https://blogs.bl.uk/untoldlives/ – Blog post about the British Library’s “Private Case” erotica collection, mentioning 18th-century erotic literature (like the Merryland series) that was kept under lock and key . Helps illustrate how libraries archived banned books. Encyclopædia Britannica. (n.d.). Hugh Hefner. Retrieved 2025, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hugh-Hefner – Encyclopedia biography of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, noting the founding of Playboy in 1953 and its influence on the sexual revolution of the 1960s . Supports the discussion of pornography’s mainstreaming in the mid-20th century. Mumbai Mirror – Doniger Interview. (2015, Aug 30). “Small Talk: Vatsyayana’s status update”. Retrieved from https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com – Interview with scholar Wendy Doniger on the Kama Sutra, clarifying that this ancient text is “absolutely not pornographic” in the modern sense but rather a serious treatise on sexuality . Provides cultural context to distinguish erotica vs. pornography. Encyclopædia Britannica. (n.d.). Obscene Publications Act. Retrieved 2025, from https://www.britannica.com/event/Obscene-Publications-Act – Brief entry explaining the first Obscene Publications Act (1857) in Great Britain, which for the first time made sexual materials illegal on purely moral grounds. Supports the segment on Victorian censorship. (Britannica summary referenced in analysis) /episode/index/show/35ad4bf7-5053-460d-83af-01056c7c5fea/id/36946885

Mental Margins: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) 06/04/2025

Mental Margins: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) In this introspective and educational Mental Margin segment, we explore how trauma isn't always loud. Sometimes it whispers through our adult decisions, shaped quietly and powerfully by Adverse Childhood Experiences—ACEs. With the expertise of Dr. Justin Dodson, we trace how witnessing violence, enduring emotional wounds, and growing up without safety all carve paths into who we become. 🧠 Key Themes The Foundation Matters: Dr. Dodson reminds us that healing starts with understanding our beginnings. Our behaviors today—whether defensive, compulsive, or withdrawn—are reactions to things that happened long before. “If I am the way I am today, something happened before today…” Trauma Isn’t Just What’s Done To You—It’s What You Witness: A key point made by Dr. Dodson: witnessing domestic violence can be as developmentally damaging as direct sexual abuse. It’s about observing power and control, internalizing helplessness, and learning distorted attachments. ACEs Explained: Host Dominic Lawson breaks down ACEs: traumatic experiences before age 18, including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Each ACE adds to the risk of mental health issues, substance abuse, and behavioral struggles later in life. Marcus’s Story – A Mirror for Many: In a fictional but familiar example, Marcus—a 30-year-old struggling with depression and anxiety—reveals five ACEs: abandonment, parental addiction, witnessed abuse, neglect, and emotional maltreatment. His struggles become clearer in context, not confusion. 📚 Educational Moment This episode underscores a key point: ACEs shape much of what clinicians see in real life. That makes understanding them even more essential. 🧾 Take the ACEs Quiz Curious about your own ACE score? 👉 Visit (developed by the Center for Youth Wellness) for a confidential self-assessment and access to resources. 💡 Final Takeaway “Understanding our past helps us rewrite our future.” When we start at the beginning, we don’t just find pain—we find patterns. And once we see them, we can choose how our story unfolds. 📌 For more narrative tools and healing resources, visit: /episode/index/show/35ad4bf7-5053-460d-83af-01056c7c5fea/id/36843515

Rewriting the Conversation Around Pornography 05/30/2025

Rewriting the Conversation Around Pornography **POST CREDIT CONTENT ALERT** Welcome to Episode 2 of Mental Health Rewritten — “Pornography: Rewiring Reality” In this powerful follow-up to our season premiere, we confront one of the most polarizing issues in modern mental health: pornography. Through the dual narratives of Gio and Maddie, we navigate secrecy, shame, and compulsion — we dive into the psychological impact of porn consumption on young minds, relationships, and emotional development. We illustrate how digital intimacy can morph into emotional avoidance. Featuring reflections inspired by Susan Sontag’s The Pornographic Imagination, data trends around economic stress and porn usage, and voices from clinical research, we explore: How pornography functions as both escape and expression Why compulsive consumption often begins in adolescence The blurred boundaries between fantasy, shame, and mental distress Economic stressors and their link to increased digital escapism The humanity behind the industry — including the performers and producers Societal silence around youth exposure and emotional education From the Reagan-era Meese Commission to modern neuroscience, we examine the narratives, research, and myths shaping how we see pornography today — not to shame or glorify, but to understand it. We share an unflinching yet compassionate exploration that reframes addiction, adolescence, and the hidden effects of unspoken behaviors. This is not just about screens — it's about the stories behind them. Listen now and subscribe for upcoming episodes on suicide, race, and intergenerational trauma. Reminder: Mental health struggles are real — and often silent. If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to a mental health professional. Mental Health Rewritten, created by the OWLS Education Company, in collaboration with The Ummah Collective Group, is hosted, written, and produced by Dominic Lawson. Executive Producers: Kenda Lawson and Dr. Whitney Howzell Cover Art: Alexandria Eddings of Art Life Connections Some music was provided by of The Mighty Sound Champz Crew This week's disclaimer provided by Al Pete, Founder of Supporting Sources: Sontag, Susan (1967). “The Pornographic Imagination.” – Analysis of pornography as reflective of cultural fears and desires . Dworkin, Andrea (1981). Pornography: Men Possessing Women. – Argues pornography is a form of violence/oppression against women . Meese Commission Report on Pornography (1986) – Conclusions of harm; later criticism by academics for lack of rigorous evidence . Politico Magazine – Tim Alberta (2018), on Meese Commission’s flawed use of research and findings being unsupported . CDC-Kaiser ACE Study – Findings on how ≥4 childhood adversities correlates with higher risk of substance use, mental illness, and sexual risk behaviors in adulthood . CDC – Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report (2023) on ACEs: associations with early sexual initiation, teen pregnancy, etc. . VA National Center for PTSD – DSM-5 PTSD Criterion A definition of trauma (death, serious injury, sexual violence exposure). ICD-11 – WHO’s diagnostic criteria: trauma defined as extremely threatening or horrific events . Pornhub Traffic Data (2020) – Documented 11–24% global increase in usage during COVID-19 lockdowns . Financial Stress & Porn Study (2020) – Found porn site visits decreased when economic stress rose, suggesting not all downturns boost porn use . Reuters – “Pornhub owner MindGeek sold to Canada’s ECP” (Mar 16, 2023) – Announcement of Ethical Capital Partners (Solomon Friedman) acquiring MindGeek . New York Times – “The Children of Pornhub” (N. Kristof, Dec 2020) – Investigative piece exposing underage/non-consensual content monetized on Pornhub . Rolling Stone – “Racism in Porn Industry Under Scrutiny” (June 2020) – Report that Black performers are paid and hired less, citing Ana Foxxx, Lotus Lain, etc. . International Business Times – “Black Performers Reveal They’re Paid and Hired Less in Porn” (June 12, 2020) . Blavity News – “Adult Film Has Been No Exception (to Racism)” (June 24, 2020) – Overview of racist tropes and pay disparities in porn, with input from Black actresses . Dazed Digital – “Porn actresses are dying – why?” (Feb 2018) – Discusses rash of young female performer deaths, highlighting lack of support, stigma, and financial insecurity in the industry . Referenced Articles & Resources The Tragic Story of Olivia Nova The Guardian reported on the untimely death of adult film star Olivia Nova, shedding light on the mental health struggles, financial instability, and lack of healthcare access within the industry. . The Children of Pornhub – New York Times This 2020 exposé uncovered the presence of underage and non-consensual content on Pornhub, revealing systemic exploitation and regulatory failures in the adult industry. . Racial Pay Disparities in Porn – Rolling Stone Feature Black performers like Ana Foxxx and Lotus Lain have shared their experiences fighting for equal pay and dignity in an industry riddled with racial inequities. . Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) To learn more about trauma recovery techniques like EMDR, visit the . Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Quiz Curious about how your early life may have shaped your mental health? Take a confidential ACE quiz through the Center for Youth Wellness at . Your Brain on Porn Explore the neuroscience behind compulsive porn consumption and its impact on mental well-being at . /episode/index/show/35ad4bf7-5053-460d-83af-01056c7c5fea/id/36781735

Mental Margins: Betrayal Trauma & Infidelity 05/21/2025

Mental Margins: Betrayal Trauma & Infidelity About Mental Margins Mental Margins is a short-form segment from full Mental Health Rewritten episodes—designed to be a more accessible entry point into the show’s deeply emotional, cinematic approach to mental health. These snippets, usually under 15 minutes, distill powerful moments from the full-length episodes to create quick, impactful, and meaningful listening experiences. So if you're new to the podcast, Mental Margins gives you something valuable to reflect on without the emotional overwhelm of a full length episode. This Week's Focus: Why Betrayal Trauma Cuts So Deep In this episode, we step into the emotional wreckage caused by betrayal trauma—a psychological rupture that often accompanies the discovery of sex addiction or compulsive sexual behavior in intimate relationships. Dr. Alexandra Katehakis, a pioneer in the treatment of sex health and betrayal trauma, explains how the revelation of a partner’s secret double life—sometimes spanning decades—can feel like an emotional earthquake. The trauma isn't just about infidelity; it's about the annihilation of a shared reality. “It’s like a massive internal earthquake where what they thought was solid ground is no longer solid.” – Dr. Alexandra Katehakis This betrayal often causes symptoms similar to PTSD, but with the additional complexity of continued contact with the person responsible for the trauma—something that makes healing both urgent and elusive. Defining Betrayal: Not All Infidelity Looks the Same Dr. Justin Dodson breaks down how betrayal isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. In some relationships, pornography or flirtation may cross emotional boundaries just as much as physical affairs. Each partner carries their own blueprint of what constitutes “cheating,” often rooted in personal trauma, fear, or unmet emotional needs. “People want to be wanted. And anything that threatens that sense of security can feel like betrayal.” – Dr. Justin Dodson This episode challenges us to re-examine our relationship expectations, boundary-setting, and the subtle emotional ruptures that can spiral into long-term disconnection. /episode/index/show/35ad4bf7-5053-460d-83af-01056c7c5fea/id/36651685

Rewriting the Conversation Around Sex Addiction 05/14/2025

Rewriting the Conversation Around Sex Addiction Welcome to Episode 1 of Mental Health Rewritten! In our season-opening episode, we confront one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized topics in mental health: sex addiction. Through the story of Daniel — a man whose professional success masks a deep internal struggle — we explore how compulsive sexual behavior impacts relationships, careers, and personal identity. Along the way, we challenge misconceptions about sex addiction, examine its clinical roots, and highlight the hidden pain it causes across gender lines and around the world. Featuring clinical insights from Havi Kang, Dr. Justin Dodson, and Dr. Alexandra Katehakis, alongside research from Mayo Clinic and YouGov, we uncover: What defines sex addiction and compulsive sexual behavior Why shame and secrecy make healing harder How societal stigma silences both men and women The global scope of this often-taboo disorder Rooted in research from the DSM-5 and ICD-11, and grounded in real-world stories, Mental Health Rewritten opens conversations where silence once reigned. Tune in to hear how Daniel’s journey toward healing begins — and how, together, we can start to rewrite the narrative about addiction, identity, and hope. Listen now and subscribe for upcoming episodes exploring suicide, racial trauma, and more. Reminder: Mental health challenges are as real — and as serious — as physical ones. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to a mental health professional. Mental Health Rewritten, created by the OWLS Education Company, in collaboration with The Ummah Collective Group, is hosted, written, and produced by Dominic Lawson. Executive Producers: Kenda Lawson and Dr. Whitney Howzell Cover Art: Alexandria Eddings of Art Life Connections Some music was provided by of The Mighty Sound Champz Crew Referenced & Supporting Sources Does Society Have a Sex Addiction Problem? Mayo Clinic Health System Is Sex Addiction a Real Disorder? Majority of Americans Believe It Is Newsweek / YouGov Poll (2018) Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder in ICD-11 World Health Organization / ICD-11 Browser Why Sex Addiction Was Not Included in DSM-5 APA DSM-5 Task Force Discussion via Cleveland Clinic AASECT Position on Sex Addiction American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (2016) Brain Activity in Sex Addiction Mirrors That of Drug Addiction Cambridge University Study (PLOS ONE, 2014) Is Sexual Addiction the Real Deal? UCLA Brain Study – EEG Research on Hypersexuality (2013) Sex Addiction and Childhood Trauma in Men University of Georgia, College of Education (2024) Infidelity Statistics (U.S. Marriages) Cooper Trachtenberg Law Group – Updated 2024 Compulsive Sexual Behavior and Culture – A Clinical View APA PsycNet – Middle Eastern & Global Treatment Challenges Assessment and Treatment of CSBD: A Sexual Medicine Perspective Springer / Current Sexual Health Reports Sex Addiction in the UK: Rebecca Barker’s Story BBC News – Personal Narrative Understanding Denial in Sexual Offending and Addictive Behavior Washington State Sex Offender Policy Board CDC Historical Divorce Statistics – U.S. Marriage Trends Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Referenced Articles & Research Majority of Americans Believe Sex Addiction is Real – Newsweek Does Society Have a Sex Addiction Problem? – Mayo Clinic Health System UK Woman Shares Experience with Sex Addiction – BBC News National Center for Health Statistics on Suicide Trends – CDC Study Links Childhood Trauma to Sex Addiction in Men – University of Georgia College of Education Infidelity and Relationship Statistics (2024) – M. Cooper Law Sex Offender Policy & Research: Compulsive Sexual Behavior – Washington State SOPB Conference /episode/index/show/35ad4bf7-5053-460d-83af-01056c7c5fea/id/36332110

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