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Photo credited to Disabled and Here.

Kathryn collaborated with Dr. Jess Gagui again for this week's blog as a follow up to their last blog focused on the historical context of hypersexualization and fetishization of BIPOC women and femmes.  Be sure to give that a read if you haven't already.  This week focuses on intervention strategies you can use when working with folks who voice experiences of hypersexualization, fetishization, asexualization, and body criticism for not fitting the standard of beauty: for example, white, thin, able bodied.  While last week's blog centered BIPOC women and femmes, we think you’ll find these intervention strategies helpful for many other populations you work with. 

Clients’ experiences related to identity and culture aren’t off limits to clinicians:

Clinicians can, rightfully so, feel cautions to challenge what clients admit as cultural messages.  For example, "I grew up in a Catholic home and...

Photo credited to Disabled and Here.

Bottom Line Upfront: Halloween season is upon us.  We’re doing a deep dive into exactly why people should not dress up as a “sexy version” of another culture’s attire, for example a sexy Native American or a Geisha. If you need a nudge on this or are curious to learn more...read on!

The history of how society has molded perceptions of women is a multifaceted narrative that has endured for centuries, influenced by cultural, regional, and media representations. Women have often found themselves defined by preconceived notions imposed upon them by others, commonly men. Within this context, different groups of women have experienced a spectrum of stereotypes, ranging from asexualization to sexualization, hypersexualization, and fetishization. In this week's newsletter, we are privileged to have Jess Gagui, OTD, OTR/L, a biracial Asian/Latina woman, collaborating with me to shed light on common experiences...

When it comes to discussing sexuality with our clients, occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) and other healthcare providers can come up with all sorts of justifications not to. But here's the thing: most of these justifications have more to do with our own biases than with the clients themselves. It's time to challenge those biases and ask ourselves, "Why am I avoiding this conversation?"

Here are some common biases that hold us back from addressing sex:

"They have so many other things to worry about right now. Sex is probably the last thing on their mind." 

Look, we can't read minds. We have no idea what our clients are thinking unless we ask them. Just because they don't bring it up doesn't mean they don't have concerns. By initiating the conversation early on, we create a safe space for them to discuss their sexual well-being whenever they're ready.

"I don't want to offend them based on their background or beliefs." 

I've heard it all: "They're conservative,"...

Welcome to the second part of our three-part series on addressing sexuality and intimacy after spinal cord injury (SCI). Today, we’ll delve deeper into the crucial role that Occupational Therapists (OTs) play in supporting individuals with SCI in this aspect of their lives. With their expertise and unique perspective, OTs can provide invaluable guidance and interventions to empower SCI patients and promote a positive and fulfilling sexual experience. The OT can be the shining light of comfort and advocacy! OTs are perfectly situated to lead these efforts in a clinical setting both for their patients and for the interdisciplinary team. Let's continue our exploration of the strategies and approaches that OTs employ in this domain.

Education and Understanding:

One of the primary responsibilities of OTs is to educate SCI patients about the impact of their injury on sexual health. By providing comprehensive education, OTs help individuals understand the changes in their...

As Sexuality and Intimacy Trailblazers, we know that sexuality and intimacy are important parts of our lives, bringing us joy and enhancing our overall well-being. However, when someone experiences a spinal cord injury (SCI), these aspects can be profoundly affected. Today, we'll discuss when to address these topics, the impacts of SCI on sexual health, specific complications that can arise, and the role of occupational therapy in supporting individuals on this journey.

When to Address Sex and Intimacy:

So, the big question is: when should we start talking about sex and intimacy with SCI patients? 

The answer? at every point in their occupational therapy (OT) engagement! 

It's not about when exactly, but more about what to focus on depending on where the individual is in their injury timeline. In the inpatient setting, when people have recently experienced acute trauma, they may benefit from SCI sexuality education. On the other hand, those receiving outpatient care have...

Occupational therapy professionals will work with clients who may hire sex workers or who would benefit from working with a sex worker.   

Here are 5 things OTs need to know to be prepared to address sex work with clients and to advocate for destigmatizing sex work:

1. Sex work is work. Sex work is a consensual transaction between adults, where the act of selling or buying sexual services is not a violation of human rights. Sex work is an umbrella term that can include escort services, street-level sex workers, pornography, exotic dancing, massage, internet work, phone sex operators and third-party support (drivers, managers, bartenders etc.). Sex work is NOT sexual exploitation or trafficking. If the exchange is non consensual, it is violence, and is not considered sex work under the definitions of the World Health Organization.
   Like any career, sex work is deserving of respect, non-judgement, and professionalism. 
2. Sex workers...

Before you read on, here's a self-assessment to stoke self reflection.  

Take a look at Victoria's Secret's website and Rihanna’s SavagexFenty website.  Ask yourself: “if my sex and intimacy occupational therapy practice was either Victoria’s Secret or SavagexFenty, which one would it be?”

Here are some questions: 

1. If you have patient handouts, who is visually represented in them?
2. What clients do you address sex and intimacy with and which ones do you hesitate to address it with?
3. Do you ask your clients what kind of sex they have or what it typically looks like?  
4. Are you comfortable celebrating the expansive forms of sexuality and ways sexual activity can be engaged in?  Does this acceptance translate when you’re working with your clients?

Last week, I wanted to buy a few new pieces of lingerie. Like an old habit, I typed Victoria’s Secret into my google search bar and went to the...