Posts by Kim Atwood, MA, LPC, CST
Body Image, Relationships & Self-Care after Weight Loss
Losing a significant amount of weight brings many changes — some exciting, some complicated, and some unexpectedly difficult. Alongside health benefits and lifestyle shifts, weight loss often reshapes how we see ourselves and how we connect with others. For many people, intimacy, sex, and dating feel different after their bodies change. Sometimes the experience is…
Read MoreIntimacy After GLP-1s
GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, are transforming the way many women approach weight loss. But the impact often extends far beyond the number on the scale. Weight loss can reshape not only the body but also how women experience sex, intimacy, and self-image. For some, this shift brings newfound confidence and desire; for…
Read MoreWomen, Dating, Sex & Weight Loss
In the United States, there were an estimated 252,000 weight loss surgeries performed in 2018, according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeries. Significant weight loss, either by surgical means or other methods, bring about a lot of change for people. This is especially true for women when it comes to sex, intimacy, body…
Read MoreFlu Shot Stopped My Period
Doctors say this year it is especially important to get the flu shot (influenza vaccine) because it would be devastating to get both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. So, I listened and went to get my flu shot in early September. I just happened to be getting my period on that same…
Read MoreEver Have a Dream About Your Ex?
Dream interpretation is a fascinating area of study and just plain fun. Some dreams can be powerful, healing and insightful. Some dreams may include messages to help you heal or move forward in life. They often help you focus inward and build introspection. Other dreams may just be dreams and either you don’t really even…
Read MoreOur Healthcare System is Broken (Especially for Women)
The United States healthcare system is broken and has failed me (and many others), especially when it comes to women’s health. I have repeatedly looked to Western Medicine to help with women’s health concerns and the doctors have either thrown pills at me, usually causing more problems than solutions, or dismissed me entirely. The current…
Read MoreAsking for Help Can Make Your Sex Life Better
For relationships to become true partnerships, we all need to learn how to let our partner(s) know what we’re thinking…they can’t read our minds. We need to be more open and curious. Ask more questions. Ask for help. This concept isn’t gendered. I work with many men, women, non-binary and transgender folks and they all…
Read MoreCOVID19 Helps Some With Sexual Creativity
Dan Savage started incorporating a new positive sex or quarantine (pronounced like Valentine) story at the top of each Savage Lovecast episode, and I love them all. This week (episode #721) he received a story from a woman meeting a man for a second date at the beach. They discussed the idea of going snorkeling at dusk…
Read MoreSexual Communication is a Skill We Must Learn to Heal the World
Sex continues to be a taboo subject for many Americans, as well as for many all over the world. We rarely talk to our family members about our sex lives. Even our closest friends aren’t usually privy to our sexual daily lives because it feels too intimate to share with others. The bigger problem though…
Read MoreEasy Way to Prevent Several Types of Cancer for You and Your Kids
This is somewhat of a public service announcement for anyone who has not yet had their child vaccinated against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) or those who haven’t heard that you may now be vaccinated up to age 45. What is HPV? HPV is the virus that causes genital warts and it is the most common…
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