In this episode of "The Intimacy Lab," Michelle Renee and Jamie Marich explore the intersections of intimacy, therapy, and personal growth. They discuss their experiences with EMDR, the concept of "Misfit Alley," and the importance of authenticity in both personal and professional spaces. The conversation delves into the nuances of human connection, the role of dissociation in therapy, and the evolving landscape of platonic and sexual relationships. Both hosts share personal anecdotes, highlighting the significance of energy and vibe in relationships, and the balance between independence and intimacy.

Dr. Jamie Marich (she/they) is a TEDx speaker, clinical trauma specialist, expressive artist, and recovery advocate who helps people and systems heal from trauma and shame—especially where religion or spirituality has caused harm—so they can find personalized, stigma-free transformation. Based in Akron, Ohio, Jamie teaches internationally on trauma, EMDR therapy, expressive arts, and spiritual abuse, while running a private practice and online education programs; she’s also the founder of the Institute for Creative Mindfulness and creator of the Dancing Mindfulness approach. A queer woman in long-term recovery who lives with dissociative identities, Jamie is the author of numerous books on EMDR, trauma, and recovery, and her work has been featured by The New York Times and recognized with advocacy awards from NALGAP and EMDRIA. You can find her at https://jamiemarich.com/ or on IG at https://www.instagram.com/drjamiem/

Michelle Renee (she/her) is a therapeutic intimacy specialist, trained as both a Cuddle Therapist and Surrogate Partner, and a co-owner at https://Cuddlist.com. She practices a trauma-informed, consent-based approach that helps folks of all genders rebuild trust with touch, set clear boundaries, and access authentic pleasure ... at their own pace. She serves clients nationwide as a holistic intimacy coach and partners with therapists to integrate somatic, consent-based healing.

Michelle's websites are ⁠https://meetmichellerenee.com⁠⁠ and ⁠https://humanconnectionlab.com⁠ and she can be found on social media at ⁠https://instagram.com/meetmichellerenee⁠.

If you’d like to ask a question for Michelle to answer on an episode, or you’d like to join her for an Intimacy Lab Experience, visit https://intimacylabpodcast.com.

To grab your own set of We’re Not Really Strangers https://amzn.to/47XJjvm

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In this heartfelt episode, Michelle Renee shares her journey from a challenging marriage to finding independence and self-love. Explore the importance of addressing codependency and nurturing the inner child for personal growth and happiness.

Michelle Renee (she/her) is a therapeutic intimacy specialist, trained as both a Cuddle Therapist and Surrogate Partner, and a co-owner at https://Cuddlist.com. She practices a trauma-informed, consent-based approach that helps folks of all genders rebuild trust with touch, set clear boundaries, and access authentic pleasure ... at their own pace. She serves clients nationwide as a holistic intimacy coach and partners with therapists to integrate somatic, consent-based healing.

Michelle's websites are ⁠https://meetmichellerenee.com⁠⁠ and ⁠https://humanconnectionlab.com⁠ and she can be found on social media at ⁠https://instagram.com/meetmichellerenee⁠.

If you’d like to ask a question for Michelle to answer on an episode, or you’d like to join her for an Intimacy Lab Experience, visit https://intimacylabpodcast.com.

To grab your own set of We’re Not Really Strangers https://amzn.to/47XJjvm

Become a Cuddlist Certified Touch Practitioner and save 10%: https://cuddlist.podia.com/cuddlist-certification/6dnxo?coupon=REFERRAL

In this engaging conversation, Michelle Renee and Nathan Young explore the profound impact of storytelling and narrative leadership on personal and professional growth. They delve into the complexities of self-branding, the importance of vulnerability, and the emotional challenges faced in relationships and entrepreneurship. Through their shared experiences, they highlight the significance of support systems, effective communication, and creating safe spaces for deeper exploration and healing. The discussion also touches on generational patterns and the journey of reprogramming responses to relationships, ultimately emphasizing the power of connection and understanding in navigating life's challenges. In this conversation, Nathan and Michelle explore the complexities of self-compassion, emotional needs in relationships, and the evolution of love. They discuss the importance of consent in emotional exchanges, the challenges of maintaining attraction, and the dynamics of open relationships. The dialogue delves into the impact of past experiences on present relationships and the struggle for emotional vulnerability. They also reflect on the societal expectations surrounding sex and intimacy, emphasizing the need for deeper connections beyond physical encounters.

Nathan Young is the owner and founder of StoryCulture Consulting. For over twelve years, he’s been helping leaders, teams, and organizations harness the power of storytelling to connect, inspire, and lead the narrative.

Nathan can be found on instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/nathancodyyoung/ and his website is https://storycultureconsulting.com/

Michelle Renee (she/her) is a therapeutic intimacy specialist, trained as both a Cuddle Therapist and Surrogate Partner, and the co-owner & Director of Training at Cuddlist.com. She practices a trauma-informed, consent-based approach that helps folks of all genders rebuild trust with touch, set clear boundaries, and access authentic pleasure ... at their own pace. She serves clients nationwide and partners with therapists to integrate somatic, consent-based healing.

Michelle's websites are ⁠https://meetmichellerenee.com⁠⁠ and ⁠https://humanconnectioncoach.com⁠ and she can be found on social media at ⁠https://instagram.com/meetmichellerenee⁠.

If you'd like to have your own Intimacy Lab experience, book your one-on-one with Michelle and get the experience of the podcast, but privately. Go to https://intimacylabpodcast.com for more information.

To grab your own set of We’re Not Really Strangers https://amzn.to/47XJjvm

Become a Cuddlist Certified Touch Practitioner and save 10%: https://cuddlist.podia.com/cuddlist-certification/6dnxo?coupon=REFERRAL