AOTA President is a Fierce Advocate for Sex Occupational Therapy: And what to do when leaders aren't

Never underestimate the power of an incredible and responsive AOTA President and a cold email! I emailed Alyson after AOTA's Post Dobbs Report came out with recommendations for how to execute the recommendations in the report.  Alyson was immediately responsive and enthusiastic about learning more.  When she came to visit, she spent the day curiously learning about all things sex & intimacy OT with a highlight being the sex toys and The Institute's Educational Illustrations Library Project.

As sex and intimacy Champions, we know we’re often deprioritized in OT conversations. Let me tell you, not with Alyson! Alyson is a fierce advocate for sex and intimacy conversations, integrating this topic throughout curriculum, and fulfilling our holistic promise to our clients by addressing their sexual health goals. Alyson has taken action to ensure sex and intimacy is more of a priority within AOTA conversations and we are celebrating these wins for Sex & Intimacy OT Champions!!!

So I got to thinking, as sex and intimacy OTs we often don't get this kind of warm, full hug welcome.  Many of our leaders and decision makers are apprehensive about what sex and intimacy OT intervention even looks like. It feels so darn good when we are seen and appreciated by leaders in our profession, but what can we do when we aren't?  

Below are some suggestions:

1. Often times leadership and decision makers need time to work through their own *ish* about sex, you can be the ones to support them through this.  By just saying, "I know this is awkward," it can validate their feelings of discomfort and open the door for them to share.

2. Show decision makers the research

3. Make sure you communicate the "why" behind why sex and intimacy assessment and intervention is important. We know why it's important, but they might not have connected the dot yet.  You can say things like, this will reduce divorce, sexual assault, transmission of STIs, depression, anxiety, disruptive behaviors and enhance self-advocacy skills, assertiveness, mood, concentration, and connection. 

3. Last but not least, y'all know this is my favorite...  Ask for forgiveness instead of permission