Podcasts · Therapy Works

Agony Aunties: Navigating Romantic Relationships After Childhood Sexual Abuse

8 Aug 2025 · 15 min

In this episode, the Agony Aunties address a listener's courageous question about pursuing romantic relationships after surviving childhood sexual abuse (CSA). The listener shares their struggle with complex PTSD (C-PTSD) and interest in dating, emotions they find challenging to navigate. The Agony Aunties emphasise the importance of going slowly, staying in therapy, and reclaiming one's sexuality and agency.

They suggest resources such as 'Healing Sex' by Staci Haines and Bessel Van der Kolk's 'The Body Keeps the Score,' among others. They also discuss the significance of communication and consent in new relationships and encourage the listener to be patient and compassionate with themselves during their healing journey.

If you’re going through something similar, I’d really recommend listening to Kate Silverton and Charles Spencer's episodes —they both offer comfort, insight, and a sense that you’re not alone. You can find the links below:

Kate Silverton: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/kate-silverton-on-the-hidden-struggles-behind-her/id1646616622?i=1000662497155

Charles Spencer: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/charles-spencer-on-speaking-out-about-his-experience/id1646616622?i=1000648985885

Follow Julia on Instagram for more tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges: @juliasamuelmbe

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Links in the notes 5

• https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/kate-silverton-on-the-hidden-struggles-behind-her/id1646616622?i=1000662497155
• https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/charles-spencer-on-speaking-out-about-his-experience/id1646616622?i=1000648985885
• https://www.instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe
• https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• https://acast.com/privacy

The episode on the publisher’s site ↗ (opens in a new tab)