Just a heads up: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, abuse through exploitation of kink and BDSM, and relationships after abuse. Some may find it upsetting. We encourage you to take care of yourself.
What does it really mean to date after surviving abuse? How do you navigate intimacy, desire, and vulnerability when your past trauma still echoes in the present?
In this candid episode, Lisa welcomes a certified sex and dating coach, Myisha Battle, who specializes in helping survivors reclaim their sexuality and confidence. Together, they dive deep into the complexities of dating after trauma—exploring how kinks, triggers, and red flags can show up in new relationships.
The conversation unpacks the unique challenges survivors face: learning to communicate boundaries, recognizing and managing triggers, and distinguishing between healthy exploration and harmful dynamics. Myisha shares practical tools for building trust, handling difficult conversations about consent and pleasure, and spotting red flags before they become patterns.
Lisa and Myisha emphasize that survivors deserve safe, fulfilling relationships and that healing is possible. They discuss the importance of self-compassion, community support, and seeking guidance from trauma-informed professionals.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating dating after abuse or supporting a loved one through their healing journey. It’s about empowering survivors to reclaim their sexuality on their own terms—and reminding everyone that pleasure and safety can coexist.
“From now on… I will listen to myself and my innate feelings about people.”
*Please note that the “S” in FRIES is for “specific,” not “safe/sane” as it was stated in the episode.
About Myisha Battle:
Myisha Battle is a certified sex and dating coach, educator and author. She is the host of KCRW’s How’s Your Sex Life? podcast and writes the Real Love column for TIME. Her book, This Is Supposed To Be Fun: How To Find Joy in Hooking Up, Settling Down, and Everything In Between is available now wherever you like to buy books.
Follow Myisha @MyishaBattle on Instagram and X. To learn more about her services, go to myishabattle.com.
If you are interested in joining an online survivor group, check out the SASS website.
From Now On is produced by LA PHILLIPS MEDIA. Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
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If today’s conversation resonated with you and you are seeking more support in your own healing journey, here are some resources below:
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)
If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Text 233733 (befree).
PAVE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit creating a world free from sexual violence and building communities to support survivors.
Speak Out, Act, Reclaim (SOAR) is dedicated to providing a safe and empowering space for survivors of sex trafficking to reclaim their stories and stand up for themselves and each other.