Public Blog
Guided Vaginal Self Exam: A Theory-Based Body Literacy and Embodiment Intervention for Women Experiencing Genital Disconnection
Many women carry fear, shame, or uncertainty about their bodies after difficult medical or sexual experiences. The Guided Vaginal Self Exam offers a private, nonsexual way to reconnect with the body through gentle, self-directed exploration. This approach adapts select elements of the Bodysex method while honoring modesty and personal values. It combines accurate education, structured self-touch, and trauma-informed pacing to help clients view and understand their anatomy with confidence. This article explains the theory behind the intervention, outlines the safeguards that make it ethical, and shows how it may support healing for women who feel disconnected from their bodies.
The Fourfold Intimacy Model: Bridging Classical Anthropology and Contemporary Marriage Research
The Fourfold Intimacy model, developed by the Walther Institute for Marital Intimacy (WIMI), defines intimacy as an interpersonal state of secure vulnerability and identifies four essential dimensions: spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical. Drawing from classical anthropology and modern psychology, the model offers a holistic framework for understanding how marriages flourish when all domains are nurtured together. This article introduces the model, traces its historical roots, and highlights practical ways couples can strengthen their connection across every dimension.