Today we’d like to introduce you to Renea Hunter.
Renea, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started with my curiosity of how people think and why they do what they do. I took a few psychology courses and decided that I wanted to be a therapist. Early in my therapist career, I noticed that many women were struggling with anxiety, body image, confidence and intimacy. They were strong women juggling families, careers and other responsibilities. But when it came to their own desires or self worth, they were silent or sometimes filled with shame.
Over the past 20 years as a therapist, I have helped individuals and couples unpack numerous experiences. As I worked with more women it became clear that they were never given permission to understand or express their sexual needs and desires. That realization is what shaped the direction of my work.
Today my focus is to help women reconnect with themselves emotionally, mentally and sensually without shame. That’s where my brand, Its’ Not Freaky It’s Freedom, comes from. The message is simple. Women deserve to understand their bodies, voice their needs and embrace, not hide, their desires without shame. Now that’s freedom.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road definitely had a few bumps and potholes along the way. One of the biggest challenges was, and still is, simply talking about topics that many people were uncomfortable discussing. I learned how to hold space for those conversations while also challenging some of the beliefs women had been taught about themselves. I knew I needed to do more than traditional therapy. So, I chose to step outside of that framework and focus more directly on sensuality and sexual wellness.
Conversations involving sexual desire and intimacy were often surrounded by silence and shame. Those two things thrive in the dark. I’m all about turning on the light so women can finally see themselves clearly.
My goal has always been to empower women and remind them that they are not alone in their experiences. When women realize that what their are feeling is valid and shared by others, it opens the door for confidence, healing and freedom.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Sex Therapist with over 20 years of experience working with individuals and couples. My focus is helping women address anxiety, body image self esteem and sexual desires. I have become known for creating spaces where women talk honestly about intimacy and sexuality without shame or judgement. I am passionate about helping women tap into their creative side and release the grip that has strangled their ability to freely and unapologetically vocalize their sexual desires.
When women reconnect with that part of themselves, they often discover a new level of confidence that shows up in other areas of their life. As I like to say from the bedroom to the boardroom.
I am most proud of my brand, “It’s Not Freaky It’s Freedom”. It is about helping women understand that exploring their desires, setting boundaries and embracing their sensuality, isn’t something to feel embarrassed about. It is a part of living authentically. Through therapy, workshops, speaking engagements and believe it or not, poetry, I create spaces where women can explore confidence, intimacy and self-expression.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Trust your voice and develop your own style. Being a cookie-cutter therapist is like being another tree in the forest, they all start to look the same. Show up authentically and build something that reflects your passion and purpose. That’s where the real freedom begins.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.breathebalancecounseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reneahunter_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1reneahunter
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneahunter
Image Credits
Xenaissance Photography
