The Impact of Eating Disorders on Sexual Health with Bethany Ashley Smith

In this week's episode, Han is joined by Bethany Ashley Smith. Bethany is a psychotherapist who is on a to help people feel more confident and independent in their healing journey. Bethany has spent 20 years combining her own lived experiences, working as a mental health nurse and her professional expertise in trauma, addiction, ADHD, and relationships. As a neurodiverse, mixed-race woman who’s walked her own recovery path, Bethany brings empathy and understanding to her work.

This week, we discuss:

  • The similarities and differences between eating disorders and addiction.
  • The impact of eating disorders on sexuality.
  • How eating disorders impact relationships and intimacy,
  • The role of education in sexual health and healthy intimacy.
  • Changes in sexual desire post-recovery in a new body.
  • Managing sexual desire in a healthy, choice-based way.
  • Therapist-client dynamics in exploring sexual health.
  • The importance of normalising conversations around sex.

To learn more about Bethany, you can visit her website at https://bethanyashleysmith.co.uk/ or follow her on Instagram @bethany_ashley_smith.

Please note that this podcast explores topics some individuals may find difficult to hear and should not be used as a replacement for professional advice. If you need further support after this podcast, please consider talking to someone you trust. You may also wish to reach out to your GP or mental health professional.

We've included a list of additional support options in case you need them:

Samaritans are here for whatever you are going through. You can call free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.

FirstSteps Eating Disorders is an eating disorders charity for children and their families, young people, and adults affected by eating difficulties and disorders. You can call them on or email info@firststepsed.co.uk.

Beat Eating Disorders is an eating disorder charity offering support for those with or supporting someone with an eating disorder. You can call their helpline for free on 0808 801 0677 (England), 0808 801 0432 (Scotland), 0808 801 0433 (Wales), 0808 801 0434 (Northern Ireland).

Recent Posts

The Normalisation of Amenorrhea and RED-S in Female Athletes
By Hannah Hickinbotham July 20, 2025
Learn what RED-S and amenorrhea are, why they are common but often dismissed in sport, and how coaches and athletes can provide better support.
Exploring the Relationship Between ADHD and Disordered Eating with Kate Moryoussef
By Hannah Hickinbotham July 14, 2025
Discover how ADHD can contribute to disordered eating and explore neuroaffirming tips to support the development of a healthy relationship with food and exercise.
By Hannah Hickinbotham July 8, 2025
Lesley and Neal Davison share their daughter Megan’s tragic death from type 1 diabetes with disordered eating, the warning signs of T1DE, and why integrated care must be the future.
The Comfort Blanket of Control: Neurodivergence & Eating Disorders
By Hannah Hickinbotham July 8, 2025
Discover how undiagnosed autism and ADHD often intersect with eating disorders, and why better diagnostic understanding is crucial.
Dietetics Beyond the Meal Plan:  A Trauma-Informed Nutritional Approach to Eating Disorder Recovery
By Hannah Hickinbotham June 16, 2025
Exploring an eating disorder dietitians role beyond a meal plan.
From Silent Struggles with Bulimia to Supporting Others
By Hannah Hickinbotham June 16, 2025
Discover Daniel Magson's powerful journey through bulimia, stigma, and secrecy, and how he turned lived experience into a mission to support others.
Show More