In this electrifying conversation, a systemic family therapist and certified sex therapist shares how a feminist lens changes everything - how you see yourself, your relationships, your pleasure, and the cultural stories shaping it all.

We go beyond diagnoses and quick fixes and get right into context: power dynamics, gender roles, and the systems you live inside (couple, family, community, culture). She debunks the biggest myths about sex therapy (spoiler: it’s not “tips and tricks”), reframes desire at midlife (yes, perimenopause and menopause can be an awakening), and offers grounded guidance for the foggy seasons - postpartum, little-kid years, and over-scheduled life - starting with a simple return to mind–body connection.

If you’re ready to trade “what’s wrong with me?” for “what’s happening around me - and what do I need?”, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways

• Context over blame: Your feelings and patterns aren’t personal failures—they’re shaped by identity, power dynamics, and culture. Naming the system unlocks new choices.
• Sex is more than mechanics: Good sex begins in the mind and nervous system. Decenter the male orgasm, get curious about pleasure, and work with emotions first.
• Seasons need structure: In busy or tender phases (postpartum, little kids, career crunch), rebuild mind–body connection in 60 seconds and schedule protected check-ins with your partner for real conversation - not just problem-solving.

Lauren Rzepka, LMFT is a licensed systemic family therapist, sex and couples therapist, and the owner of Rising Oak Therapy. She can be found online at https://risingoaktherapy.com and on social media @risingoaktherapy.

Rising Oak Therapy is located at 1900 E Golf Rd #950 Schaumburg, IL 60173.