Intimacy After Trauma - Elizabeth Smart’s Honest Advice

As Elizabeth Smart, one of the most recognized survivors of trauma and kidnapping, I’ve been asked many difficult questions over the years. But the one that continues to come up again and again is this:

“How can you be married after everything that happened to you?”

In this video, I’m sharing my personal thoughts and experiences on intimacy after trauma — a subject that’s incredibly close to my heart.

After being kidnapped and sexually abused for 9 months, I had to rebuild not just my life, but my understanding of love, trust, intimacy, and healing. I want every survivor to know:

You are not broken. You are not alone. And you can find peace again.

I talk about the power of choice, consent, trust, communication, and how I’ve learned to have a loving and intimate relationship with my husband after what happened to me.

Whether you're healing from trauma or supporting someone who is, I hope my story — and this video — gives you insight and hope.


Disclaimer: This video is based on my personal experiences as Elizabeth Smart. I am not a therapist or licensed mental health professional. If you are struggling with trauma or abuse, I encourage you to seek support from a qualified professional. You deserve healing, safety, and love. ❤️


0:00 Intro
2:20 The power of choice and consent
4:00 Mental blocks during intimacy
6:00 Feeling like “damaged goods” — what to do
8:30 Final thoughts

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