Power, Swinging, & the Diddy Trial: A Trauma-Informed Breakdown with Dr. Emma Smith, PhD

What’s the difference between kink and coercion? How do trauma bonds form—and why do people stay in abusive relationships? In this powerful episode, sex and relationship coach Kiley George sits down with trauma-informed therapist Dr. Emma Smith, PhD, to unpack the ongoing Sean “Diddy” Combs trial and what it reveals about consent, power dynamics, and survival responses.

From celebrity influence to “freak-off” parties and nervous system shutdowns, we explore how trauma shapes relationships—especially in non-monogamy—and how to reclaim agency, safety, and self-awareness in the bedroom and beyond.

Topics include:

• The psychology behind trauma bonds
• What real consent looks like
• Public gaslighting, kink myths, and the Diddy trial
• Why your body might be saying “no” even when your mouth says “yes”

Whether you’re healing from toxic love or rethinking everything you thought you knew about desire and safety—this one’s for you.

🛑 Trigger Warning: Discussion of sexual abuse, trauma, and coercive control.

Dr. Emma Smith is a licensed professional counselor, AASECT-certified sex therapist, and trauma specialist based in Nashville. She works with individuals and couples across Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Maryland, and DC. A longtime advocate for sexual assault survivors, the LGBTQIA+ community, and military families, her work blends existential philosophy with integrative sex therapy to help people reclaim embodiment and desire after trauma.

Website: https://soliloquie.co

Insta: @emmasmithphd

Her Substack has a guide for people looking to find a good therapist and questions to ask: 

https://open.substack.com/pub/emmasmithphd/p/swipe-left-on-bad-therapy-a-no-bs?r=1u9ku3&utm_medium=ios

Disclaimer: Emma mentions RAINN but we feel this is important to mention https://www.huffpost.com/entry/sexual-assault-hotline-bans-resources-marginalized-trump-rainn_n_68263545