Sexology
Sex Positivity
According to Queen and Comella (2008), it is “cultural philosophy that understands sexuality as a potentially positive force in one’s life [which] allows for and in fact celebrates sexual diversity, differing desires and relationship structures and individual choices based on consent”
According to the World Health Organization (2006), sex positivity and respect for people’s right to have “pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free from coercion, discrimination, and violence” are fundamental preconditions for sexual health.
Sexuality is a complex aspect of our human existence. In my practice, I honor and advocate for sexual diversity, variation, and difference.
Harm Reduction
Like many other activities, sexual activities involve risks—physical (e.g., sexually transmitted infections or injuries), emotional (e.g., breakup or infidelity), or psychological (e.g., grief or trauma). The amount and type of sexual risk a person chooses to take is purely subjective.
According to the Harm Reduction approach, sexological interventions should focus not on restricting practices, but on reducing their negative consequences (Ditmore, 2006; MacCoun, 1998).
In other words, my role is not to tell clients what they should do, nor to force them to stop behaviors they themselves enjoy. Every person has the right to self-determination and autonomy. My role is to ensure that clients have control and awareness of risks, communicate and negotiate effectively, and adhere to clear principles of consent.
Pleasure
In October 2019, the World Association of Sexual Health recognized and adopted the Declaration of Sexual Pleasure (World Association of Sexual Health, 2019). The Declaration shifts evaluative questions such as “Why do people continue to have unprotected sex?” into curiosity-driven questions such as “What makes unprotected sex pleasurable?”
Our sexuality has the potential to be a source of both personal and relational pleasure. My work starts with providing relief from sexual difficulties, but always focuses on sexual vitality and aliveness.