In a world where desire is often whispered about in shadows, Lauren Muratore walks boldly into the light. 

A trailblazer in sexual wellness and therapy, she challenges the shame, stigma, and silence that keep so many from fully embracing their erotic selves. Her work goes beyond the clinical; it’s raw, human, and deeply sensual, rooted in the belief that pleasure is a birthright, not a privilege.

When we sat down with Lauren, we wanted to know where this fearless journey began. 

Lauren, what was the spark that drew you into the intimate and deeply personal world of sexual wellness and therapy—and how did that first step shape the way you explore desire today? 

Lauren:  I’ve always been interested in sexuality and have worked in this space throughout my life. I’ve been open, free, and unapologetically honest about my sexuality. I’ve never hidden it, even if it has confronted some people. To me, it’s important to stay true to myself because I enjoy living authentically. I also love helping people and want to make a difference in the world, which is why therapy feels like a good fit for me.

For many, desire is a distant hum rather than a steady beat. We asked Lauren how she guides people who feel disconnected from their bodies or unsure of their sexual identity.

For those who feel numb, disconnected, or unsure of their own sexual identity, what bold first steps can help them awaken and reclaim their erotic selves? 

Lauren: That’s a great question, and it’s somewhat challenging because there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. I believe giving yourself permission is a great first step because not everyone believes they deserve to feel pleasure.  Being curious and understanding, without putting pressure on yourself, is helpful. Reclaiming our erotic selves looks different for everyone; there’s no right or wrong way. We don’t need to go back to who we were or who we think we should be; instead, we just need to discover who we truly are.  That could look like tapping into fantasy or simply just jumping back into the body and noticing how the body responds to various sources of pleasure (sexual and non-sexual).

Over the years, Lauren has witnessed transformations that go far beyond the bedroom. Some stories linger—electric and unforgettable.

Without revealing identities, can you share an unforgettable moment from your work that captures just how life-altering true intimacy and erotic connection can be? 

Lauren:  Unforgettable moments in sessions are often when I see the ‘light bulb’ go off for clients who have been struggling with something their entire lives. Their expression changes, and I see that ‘aha’ moment when they realise their patterns or stories no longer serve them, leading to a significant shift.  I also cherish moments when clients start the process of therapy very sceptical, and after dedicated effort and persistence, they experience change; Relationships improve, and things they thought were impossible become possible. Witnessing these transformations is truly incredible, and I feel privileged to be part of them.

Of course, intimacy begins long before we touch another person—it starts with how we touch ourselves, in every sense of the word.

What powerful rituals or sensual self-care practices do you recommend for cultivating deep self-love and unapologetic body confidence? 

Lauren:  Yes, I believe it’s important to touch yourself. However, it’s also perfectly okay not to. Touching yourself can be about experiencing pleasure without necessarily being sexual. Sensual self-care can simply mean tuning into your body and what you’re feeling in the moment, instead of being stuck in your head, caught up in to-do lists, or worries.  Carving out time and not feeling bad about it is essential.

There are many rituals I can recommend. Depending on what someone needs. For example, if someone wants to build body confidence and overcome body shaming, I might suggest standing in the shower, and as they wash their body, thanking their body for what it did that day.  Notice all the things your body did, how it helped you get through the day, and simply start sending gratitude back to the body.

Even the most passionate relationships can fade if left untended. We wanted to know how Lauren keeps the spark alive.

In the heat and complexity of long-term relationships, how crucial are open conversation and continuous sexual learning to keeping passion alive?

Lauren:  Yes, passionate relationships can fade if they are not nurtured. Open communication is vital. In long-term relationships, when things are left unsaid, assumptions can form, and partners may start to resent each other or believe that problems are their own fault.  Maintaining ongoing dialogue about sex and various aspects of the relationship, not just the pragmatic day-to-day matters, is crucial to keep passion alive. Meaningful conversations about everything, and continuing to be a part of one another’s world, continue to foster emotional and sexual intimacy.

If you could whisper one unfiltered truth about sexuality and pleasure into everyone’s ear, what would it be? 

Lauren:  The one unfiltered truth I’d share is that there is no “normal” when it comes to sexuality. Everyone can be who they want to be, and that’s perfectly okay.

Lauren’s TEDx talk on sexual shame was nothing short of a cultural jolt. But how do we move from a world that blushes at the word “sex” to one that embraces it without apology? 

In your TEDx talk, you tackled the raw subject of sexual shame. What would it take for society to strip away its taboos and speak about sex, pleasure, and desire with unapologetic honesty? 

Lauren:  Society needs to start realistically depicting sex, not just through narrow, stereotypical lenses. It should challenge beauty standards, male privilege, and the patriarchy. Sex, pleasure, and desire should be shown as important for all bodies, ages, cultures, and sexual orientations, not just glamorised Hollywood portrayals.  Education is also key. Sex education should focus more on pleasure, understanding bodies, and healthy relationships rather than fear and shame. Early, comprehensive education can foster healthier attitudes and open-mindedness in future generations, thus relinquishing taboos and normalising sex.  Lastly, society could also talk about sex more matter-of-factly, with less titillating content and scandals, and just talk about all the nuances of sexuality in an interesting, easy-to-digest way.

Looking to the future, what provocative shifts do you dream of seeing in the way we discuss—and live—sex, wellness, and relationships? 

Lauren: I’d love to see shifts that aren’t necessarily provocative but fundamentally transformative. For instance, reducing censorship around sexuality and allowing open conversations on social media. We need platforms where experiences and advice come from knowledgeable experts, not just influencers without expertise.

Legal reforms and greater worldwide equality are also crucial; ending gender apartheid, advocating for all members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and removing gender binaries would have a profound impact. These aren’t just provocative ideas; they’re necessary steps toward helping people thrive.

Closing Thoughts

Lauren Muratore reminds us that sexuality is not something to fear, hide, or perform for others, it’s something to live, breathe, and own unapologetically. Her work dismantles shame and reclaims pleasure as a vital part of our human experience. In a world still learning to speak honestly about desire, voices like Lauren’s offer not just guidance but liberation. Because when we give ourselves permission to feel, explore, and connect, we don’t just awaken our erotic selves,we come home to who we truly are.