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Not Your Auntie’s Intimacy Book is not another fluffy guide to “spice things up.” It’s a real, unfiltered conversation for those of us who were taught to silence our desires, disconnect from our bodies, or perform intimacy instead of feeling it.
Written through the lens of a Black, queer, neurodivergent occupational therapist and intimacy specialist, this book is part story, part resource, part rebellion. It dives deep into the mental health of intimacy — how trauma, culture, grief, identity shifts, and nervous system dysregulation shape our experiences of sex, pleasure, and connection.
You won’t find shame, pressure, or overhyped “fixes” here. Instead, you’ll find:
Language that finally makes your experience make sense
Validation for the things you’ve felt but couldn’t name
Tools to explore your own wants, needs, and boundaries — without apology
And a gentle invitation to come home to your body on your own terms
This book is for anyone who’s ever whispered, “Is this normal?” or “Why doesn’t anyone talk about this?” — and needed a safe, affirming place to land.
Why traditional sex ed and “self-help” often leave women of color feeling unseen, and what we actually need instead
How mental health, trauma, and identity shifts impact intimacy (and what to do when desire feels off)
The hidden ways shame and cultural messaging show up in your sex life and how to break free from them
Tools to communicate your needs clearly and confidently, even if you’ve been silenced or dismissed before
The myth of “just relax and enjoy it” and why nervous system regulation matters way more than you’ve been told
Real stories, unfiltered truth, and powerful affirmations to help you reconnect with your body on your terms
Links to journal prompts and guided reflections designed to bring compassion and clarity to your healing journey
A no-BS lens on pleasure, consent, boundaries, and embodiment without the clinical coldness or wellness fluff
This book is for you if:
✨ You’ve ever felt like sex and intimacy were more confusing than liberating, and no one was talking about your experience.
✨ You’re unpacking trauma, cultural conditioning, religious shame, or medical gaslighting, and you’re tired of being told to “just communicate better” or “light some candles.”
✨ You want to reconnect with your body, your desires, and your voice, but without pressure, perfectionism, or performance.
✨ You’re in a season of change: motherhood, grief, partnership shifts, gender exploration, or just feeling off, and you’re craving a space that holds all of it with care.
✨ You’re a mental health provider, OT, or healer who wants a more honest, embodied way to support clients through sexual wellness and intimacy concerns.
✨ You’ve been searching for a guide that feels like a homegirl, not a textbook: honest, validating, funny, and deeply real.
Zesarae A. Bodie
OTD, MPH, OTR/L, CSOT
Zesarae Bodie is an occupational therapist, assistant professor, and the founder of Intimate Health Solutions. With over 15 years of experience and certifications in Sexual Health OT and Pelvic Health in OT, she has trained hundreds of OT professionals on integrating sexual wellness into care. Her work bridges clinical expertise with practical, compassionate support for those navigating trauma recovery, physical changes, or emotional disconnection, especially when it comes to intimacy and pleasure.