I've always been fascinated by sexuality, sexual expression and connection... in my teenage years I began reading books about sacred sexuality and Tantra, and was always the girl in my friendship circle who people came to talk to about sex. I've always felt deeply connected to my sexual energy and felt comfortable talking about the taboo topics that surround sex. So looking back, it seems I was born to be a sexologist and my journey into this career felt very natural and easy!

I define sex as so much more than intercourse. Sexual energy is a mysterious and powerful force that resides within us all, and it gives us the opportunity to connect deeply - first to ourselves, and then to other humans. Sex is everything and anything that activates our sexual energy - energetic sex, kissing, touching, breathing together, oral sex, anal sex... all of it is sex and all of it is beautiful and natural.

I know how it feels to truly tap into my sexual energy and connect deeply with myself and others in this way. I have experienced absolutely magical connections, and I want others to also experience this in life! Sex is an integral part of health - it fuels us up and gives us an opportunity to connect with something greater than ourselves. Sex. Love and Freedom - if we can all experience this more often we will be a happier and healthier world!

Well firstly it's an absolute honour to be given that title! I believe there's a few contributing factors that have supported me to get to where I am in my career. First, I love business - I love to learn about how to run an effective and impactful business that gives me freedom and abundance, and also supports my dream lifestyle. So I've always had a business coach, and I surround myself with like-minded entrepreneurs who inspire me. Secondly, I don't teach about anything I haven't experienced myself in life, and my goal is to be super authentic and real. I believe this approach as a teacher has contributed greatly to my success. And thirdly, I'm very picky about my brand and making things look and feel amazing. So visually, I believe I have a brand that is beautiful (and that helps in the age of social media!).

Well sex is still so taboo, so just talking about it or reading about it can bring up a lot of fear in people - fear of being judged, of being shamed and guilted, of being rejected. Unfortunately many religions don't include the importance of sexuality and sexual exploration in their teachings, which leads to thousands of years of shame and guilt. The other reason people can feel fear is because they fear the power that they would feel if they truly tapped into their sexual energy and listened to it... this is an unconscious fear that many people experience (more about this in my Authentic Sex podcast and Pleasure School!).

Well firstly, we have to begin exploring self-pleasure more as individuals! Self-pleasure is a beautiful way to connect with our true sexual essence. It gives us insight into what we enjoy, what turns us on and how we enjoy being touched. When we learn to self-pleasure we understand ourselves better and in turn can experience powerful sex with others. I believe we just need to start talking about it more with friends and family, even if it feels weird or taboo. We also need to talk about it to our younger generation, and explain it's a normal and natural way of exploring and expressing a big part of who we are.

Seek support - find a coach or therapist who works in the area of sexuality and work with them to explore what's holding you back. Read books, seek out courses and online workshops - find someone who you resonate with in this area and learn from them. We can't do it alone. I can't do it alone. We're all in this together and seeking support to explore this part of ourselves is vital.

Juliet Allen, sexologist ~ @juliet_allen

https://www.juliet-allen.com/

WORDS BY ALEX CARROLL