Session 41: Lets Talk About Sex ft. Dr. Donna Oriowo

This week on the Couch, Crissle sits down with renowned sex therapist, psychologist, and author Dr. Donna Oriowo to talk about self-esteem, sexuality, and the messages Black girls receive about themselves from an early age.

They unpack how young Black girls can begin to understand the value placed on their hair, skin color, bodies, and appearance before they’re even five years old and how those messages can stay with us into adulthood. They talk about what it means to truly love yourself when you’ve been taught to seek validation from others, why we learn to perform for our safety and the comfort of others, and how low self-esteem can shape the way we experience relationships, sex, and pleasure.

Crissle and Dr. Donna Oriowo also explore the role of religion and the church in shaping Black women’s relationships with their sexuality, why secure self-esteem can lead to a healthier sex life, and what it looks like to stop shrinking yourself and finally desire yourself first.

Want to talk to Crissle? Email advice@ and include “chat live” in the subject line.

Session Notes: 0:00 — Welcome Back to the Couch0:48 — Learning to Love Yourself12:18 — How Early Are Black Girls Taught to Feel Insecure About Their Bodies19:38 — Why Secure Self-Esteem Leads to Better Sex29:10 — Religion, Church & Black Women’s Sexuality37:30 — Building a Healthy Sex Life & Relationship With Your Sexuality Stay Connected:Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/crisslescouchInstagram: an issue for the Couch? Email: advice@ Follow Dr.

Donna Oriowo:Instagram: Crew:Executive Producers: Crissle · Alexandra Rago · Chris MorrowAudio & Video Editor: Shatek for Beats on FilmProduction Coordinators: Faith Lena & Bria Mosley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit