A NEW EPISODE EVERY TWO WEEKS ON THURSDAY
Welcome to the
SELF-LED IN BED Podcast
Self-Led in Bed: An IFS and Sexuality Podcast offers curious people a space to learn more about their fascinating internal sexual landscapes and to discover ways to liberate their authentic sexual Self, a resource we all have within which can lead and harmonize our sexual lives. We will do this through the lens of the Self-Led Sexuality model, an integrative approach I have developed which is rooted in Internal Family Systems (IFS). You will be educated, entertained, and invited to get to know the diverse parts of yourself who have roles in the unfolding of your unique sexual story. Whether you're seeking sexual healing, pleasure and empowerment, or simply wanting to live with more ease and connection, this podcast offers practical insights and heartfelt stories that inspire growth and transformation.
LISTEN ON
ABOUT THE SHOW
In this podcast, we go beyond discussion of sexual tips and techniques and instead dive deep into who we are and what we feel as sexual beings...what are the deeper longings and fears that govern our sexual lives? How present are we? How connected do we feel with our bodies and how much pleasure can we allow? How do we use sexuality to meet our emotional and practical needs? What gets in the way of sexual authenticity? How do larger systems of privilege and oppression impact our freedom of sexual embodiment and expression, inside and out? How can we evolve our sexuality so we can access qualities I refer to as The Six S's of Sexual Self Energy™...feeling Safe, Sensual, Spacious, Sensitive, Steamy and Satisfied?
These are just a sampling of the questions we address on the podcast through the lens of Self-Led Sexuality, an approach rooted in Internal Family Systems (IFS), a transformational model of personality created by Dr. Richard Schwartz, as well as embodiment practices, sex education, and a larger systems' lens.
I’ll be bringing on experts, therapists, and everyday people to discuss their experiences and offer practical tools that help listeners to become Self-Led in Bed... and beyond!
You can expect:
✔️ Real conversations: We tackle sensitive subjects with care, exploring the challenges and joys of living in alignment with our desires, values, bodies, roles, and identities.
✔️ Expert insights: From therapists to sexual health professionals, we bring in guests who have a wealth of knowledge to share about IFS, sexuality, spirituality and personal empowerment.
✔️ Practical tips: Every episode is designed to offer you tools and insights that you can apply to your own journey—whether it’s about improving your relationship, understanding your body, or embracing your desires.
LATEST EPISODES
EPISODE 13 - NAVIGATING NEUROQUEERNESS WITH IFS, WITH ALESSIO RIZZO
In this episode of the *Self-led in Bed* podcast, Patty welcomes Alessio Rizzo, an IFS Institute Trainer & Approved Clinical Consultant, Content Creator and Podcaster to explore the intersections of gender, sexuality, and neurodiversity through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS). Meeting for the first time, Patty and Alessio share a dynamic conversation about how IFS can foster curiosity, self-acceptance, and liberation when navigating complex and marginalized identities. Alessio shares his personal journey as a gender-fluid, gay, neurodivergent person of Italian origin, currently living in the UK, highlighting the burdens of gender non-conformity and societal expectations from childhood.
EPISODE 12 - SEXUAL HEALING AFTER LEAVING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, WITH ACHARA TARFA
This episode delves into Achara’s experience in an abusive relationship marked by physical, psychological, and sexual violation, and how these experiences were later understood through an IFS lens. It addresses the societal and religious pressures that reinforced shame and self-blame and loyalty, how a female pastor’s words finally validated her right to leave, and the slow and gradual process of getting out. The conversation highlights the role of IFS in helping Achara befriend her body, move from performative sex to body-led pleasure, and release shame around experiencing joy. Achara offers practical advice for survivors and underscores the transformative power of Self Energy in relationships, where speaking for parts fosters deeper emotional and physical connection.
ABOUT THE HOST
PATRICIA RICH
Patty is a Certified IFS Therapist and Consultant, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Supervisor, Speaker, Trainer, Author and Guide. She has developed a unique integrative model for Self-Led Sexuality to help people find more ease, joy, and confidence in the bedroom and beyond. She has originated IFS-informed concepts such as Internal Consent and The Six S’s of Sexual Self-Energy, taught a module for the IFS Institute Online Continuity program, led workshops internationally, and authored a chapter in Altogether Us: Integrating the IFS Model with Key Modalities, Communities and Trends. She offers training and consultation to professionals and loves helping people to BeHold and Lead their Internal Sexual Systems (BLISS)™. You can get her free guide to The Six S’s of Sexual Self Energy and learn more about her offerings here on her website or follow her on her social media accounts.
Disclaimer: All opinions and views expressed by Patricia Rich through the Self-Led in Bed Podcast and YouTube Channel are her own, as are the opinions and views expressed by guests. Patricia may or may not agree with the opinions and views expressed by guests and information provided on the podcast is not guaranteed to be factually accurate. The content provided is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this content should be construed or assumed to constitute personal or professional consultation, supervision, advice, clinical instruction, clinical assessment, guidance, treatment, therapy, training, diagnosis, or to replace medical or mental health treatment. Nothing in this content creates a therapist-client relationship. Always seek the advice of a medical or mental health provider regarding any questions or concerns you have about your medical and/or mental health needs. If you need immediate help, contact your provider and/or call 911. Patricia Rich is always learning and her opinions are formed with the information she has at the time, and may change as she learns more. Topics discussed pertain to psychological states and to sexuality and may provoke uncomfortable feelings for some listeners. Please use your own discretion when listening to this podcast or sharing it with others.
© 2023 Copyrights by Patricia Rich Consulting LLC. All Rights Reseved.