I can finally say I overcame vaginismus!
This reality once felt impossibly far away. When I started searching for help, I didn’t understand why I felt pain even when I consciously desired pleasure. If any part of my story resonates with you, big or small, know you’re not alone!
Before beginning my work with Katrin, I had been trying to overcome vaginismus for years. I was also navigating multiple chronic illnesses, a transplant assessment, and severe medical trauma. My nervous system was in constant overdrive, from a lifetime of feeling unable to fully trust my body. I wondered how I would ever relax into a body that had ‘wronged’ me so many times. After a scary hospitalization, my vaginismus worsened, and I knew I needed more support.
I couldn’t have imagined this journey would lead me to where I ended up… Where I learned to connect with my body in ways I didn’t think were possible for me.
I also experienced sexual violence in my teens, which put my nervous system in a prolonged freeze state. For years, I felt disoriented. I went through life, some days, entirely in my head, without feeling my body. I was diagnosed with PTSD, and spent years trying traditional therapeutic approaches that offered no lasting relief. At times, these efforts only worsened my already overstimulated nervous system.
I first tried pelvic floor physiotherapy, but it didn’t bring the relief I hoped for. Instead, it deepened the cycle of pain, causing me to dissociate further from my body. After feeling defeated and talking it through with my partner, I realized I needed a holistic approach. One that supported the emotional aspect of the journey, not just the physical.
Thankfully, I found Katrin’s Vaginismus Sisters community on Facebook when I was looking for more support. Katrin’s promise of helping women move beyond a tolerance for penetration toward deeper liberation resonated with me.
I took a chance and booked that first call. Sure enough, it was life-changing. I had never felt so seen in my journey. Katrin is a wonderful listener; the calmest, most reassuring energy you’ll meet.
My nervous system relaxed with a spark of hope. Maybe I really could do this? I knew this was the right path for me, so I quit physio and dove completely into the journey.
There were so many exciting milestones along the way. Small wins leading to bigger transformations. One day, I turned to see an entirely different inner landscape than I’d remembered. I began to breathe deeper into my body. I made more compassionate decisions for myself. I took time from university to really embrace all the change. Every call moved me forward, always unfolding the way it was meant to. I gained incredible insights that only deepened in the weeks that followed.
When we began with the emotional processing journey, I worried that addressing my past might be dysregulating, but this couldn’t have been further from the truth. Katrin offered practices that allowed my nervous system to fully reset.
Reconnecting with my body changed everything, as I created a sense of safety within myself. Change is so possible! I used to jump when my partner would touch me unexpectedly, and now I can sink into the moment. It’s remarkable to see the brain completely rewire.
This led to the next pillar of the journey, embracing your authentic sexual self. I carried shame around my sexual desires, partly due to my trauma. Through this work, I gained clarity on my truest, most authentic desires. Learning about my erotic language helped me sink into my body and connect with my partner, becoming honest in ways we subtly avoided in the past. I gained stronger communication skills and the ability to be clear in my ‘yes’ and ‘no’. This gave me a feeling of liberation before ever moving to PIV.
Dilating was an entirely different experience than it had been in physio. My muscles began to release naturally, with no sense of dread or force. I learned to listen closely to my body and prioritize my own internal sense of consent.
I only dilated when I felt physically and emotionally ready, even if that meant taking it extra slow or having days off. When life got stressful, I was no longer experiencing setbacks as I did with physio. My progress would stick!
Dilating became a time of surrender and exploration; it became self-care.
Being on the other side of this journey, every bit of dedication was worth it. I feel freer in both my life and body. I’m so proud of myself, seeing that I can reconnect in this beautiful way. It still amazes me how past experiences can be integrated, given the right resources.
When I was almost ready to transition from dilating to PIV, Katrin helped me create a plan of action and address any lingering fears. This was the clarity I needed to move forward with confidence. She reassured me that I really could do this. To see penetration transform from impossible to extremely pleasurable will never cease to amaze me.
The first time my partner and I had PIV sex, I experienced no pain. As we explored from here, the pleasure only deepened, reaching depths of sensation I couldn’t have imagined! It’s truly remarkable to feel sexually liberated with myself and my partner.
I wish everyone who experiences vaginismus (or really, just everyone!) could work with Katrin! Having a steady presence who believes in you is invaluable, especially when life constantly fights for your time. Gentle accountability is everything. You won’t regret taking the leap!
Looking back, there’s no area of my life that wasn’t positively affected. It was deeply transformative, worth every minute and every penny.
If you’re experiencing vaginismus, here’s your gentle reminder not to rush. Take the time to feel everything this journey brings up. There is so much to be gained from moving slowly. You can do this!
– N. (23 years old, Canada)
