Bliss (1997): Sexual Trauma and the Path to Intimacy

Episode Summary

In this episode of Sex, Bodies and Cinema, we explore Lance Young’s 1997 film, Bliss, starring Craig Sheffer, Sheryl Lee, and Terence Stamp. The story follows a married couple seeking therapy to address intimacy challenges, ultimately diving into themes of trauma, healing, and embodiment. With Terence Stamp’s enigmatic Balthazar as their guide, the couple confronts hidden parts of themselves and their relationship.

Trigger Warning: This film contains themes of sexual trauma. Please take care when listening to this episode and consider whether these topics may be difficult for you.

Hosts

• Jason Goode is Somatic Sex Educator and Somatic Performance Coach. Learn more about his work and offerings at somarelating.ca.

• Ashley Rose is a Sexological Bodyworker & intimacy coach who specializes in internal pelvic care. Visit her website at ashleyelisabethrose.ca for resources, workshops, and private coaching.

Explore Your Relationship Patterns

Take Jason’s Hidden Relationship Patterns Quiz. Uncover subconscious patterns that influence how you show up in your relationships. Get started with the quiz at https://kiki-g8bvhlnj.scoreapp.com. You'll receive a personalized e-book with insights and practical tips to improve your relationships.

Transform Your Relationships

Jason also offers The Authentic Intimacy Course as a follow up to the quiz, designed to help you bring clarity, confidence, and authenticity to your relationships. It’s only $59 and you can use promo code CINEMA25 to get 25% off. Go to:" http://www.somarelating.ca

Find the Podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZV2L3Qv4TQzXnYSfpFutU

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-bodies-and-cinema/id1782598061

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sexbodiesandcinema

Youtube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGjmizQHfiZhIe5WgPnPMQ3XV7iXGOMVY

Key Topics Discussed

1. [0:00] Opening Thoughts: Reflecting on the film’s 90s marketing and its actual depth, tackling themes of love, vulnerability, and healing.

2. [15:30] The Role of Somatic Healing: How somatic approaches, like those portrayed in the film, can address sexual trauma and enhance relationships.

3. [28:45] Therapeutic Boundaries: Discussing ethical dilemmas in sexual healing, privacy, and client-therapist dynamics.

4. [35:10] Cultural Stigma Around Sexuality: Exploring the differences between society’s tolerance for violence versus sexuality in media, and the challenges this creates for films like Bliss.

5. [42:00] The Journey of Ecstasy and Embodiment: Unpacking quotes like, “Ecstasy heals the unconscious” and the portrayal of orgasm as a gateway to healing.

6. [51:00] Gender Dynamics and Power: Analyzing the film’s pivotal scene where Maria reclaims her power, and the complexities of consent and agency in relationships.

7. [1:02:00] Trauma in Relationships: How suppressed memories can surface during intimate connections, and the courage it takes to address these dynamics within partnerships.

8. [1:10:00] Narrative Power of Cinema: Discussing the unique ability of narrative films like Bliss to portray complex healing journeys, contrasting with educational content or documentaries.

Additional Resources

• Learn more about Somatic Sex Educators: somaticsexeducators.com

• Discover the work of Sexological Bodyworkers: sexologicalbodyworkers.org

• Understanding Movie Ratings: Motion Picture Association Film Rating System

• What is a Sex Surrogate? Learn More

Support Resources for Sexual Trauma Survivors

Canada

• Ending Violence Canada: A comprehensive directory of sexual assault centers, crisis lines, and support services.
  Visit Ending Violence Canada

• Kids Help Phone: 24/7 confidential support for youth and adults. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
  Visit Kids Help Phone

• The Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness: https://www.abusehurts.ca. This Canadian organization offers programs and services to prevent and heal abuse.

• Ending Violence Association of British Columbia (EVA BC): https://endingviolence.org. EVA BC provides resources and support for survivors of sexual assault in British Columbia.

• VictimLink BC: 1-800-563-0808. This is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual telephone service available across British Columbia and the Yukon 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It provides information and referral services to all victims of crime and immediate crisis support to victims of family and sexual violence.

United States

• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): Offers a 24/7 National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) and a live chat feature.
  Visit RAINN

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: Provides support for abuse survivors. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
  Visit the Hotline

United Kingdom

• SurvivorsUK: Support for male survivors of sexual abuse. Chat online or call 020 3598 3898.
  Visit SurvivorsUK

• NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children): Support for children and families. Call 0808 800 5000.
  Visit NSPCC

Australia

• 1800RESPECT: 24/7 counseling for people impacted by sexual assault and domestic violence. Call 1800 737 732.
  Visit 1800RESPECT

International

• 1in6: Support for men and their loved ones who have experienced sexual abuse.
  Visit 1in6

• Child Helpline International: A global network of child helplines.
  Visit Child Helpline International

Additional Resources

• Therapist Directories:

• Psychology Today Therapist Finder (Worldwide)

• Books and Educational Materials:

• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

• Healing Sex: A Mind-Body Approach to Healing Sexual Trauma by Staci Haines

• Online Communities and Support Groups:

• Pandora’s Project: Online resources and forums for survivors of sexual violence.
  Visit Pandora's Project

• After Silence: A forum for survivors to share their experiences in a supportive environment.
  Visit After Silence

About the Podcast

Sex, Bodies, and Cinema explores films that tackle taboo subjects of sex, embodiment, and intimacy. Co-hosts Jason Goode and Ashley Rose bring their expertise in somatic sex education and filmmaking to spark thought-provoking conversations.

Produced by Jason Goode

Editing and Mixing by Taqi

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/infraction/ultraviolet

License code: UJYTD91BKNNODTSA

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