Bringing
IT
UP
We all know what IT is... Here are some tips for you to bring up the spicy topic. Yes, you may be blushing, but let's remember, the individuals we serve are not blushing. They most likely are feeling embarrassed, lost, and scared. Click on a tab to learn quick important tips when Bringing IT up! Remember, we are here to help promote a safe and healthy environment to bring up the JUICY topic. Click on the first picture to begin. Each picture will provide supplemental content that will open up in a new window.
Congratulations, you made it to the first tip of addressing sexuality and intimacy with your SCI clients. This one may seem like a no brainer. But the first step is to have have an open mind. It is important to have a positive mindset about sexuality. As a clinician, providing a more supportive, understanding, and positivist approach to the diversity and uniqueness of individuals’ lives when pertaining to intimacy will help when addressing this topic with the individuals you work with.
When bringing up the intimacy topic, be sure to create a space that is safe. A place where your client can open up about this vulnerable topic. Click on the link for a general tip when creating a safe space.
Your patient may identify themselves different from what you think and know. They may even have a different sexual orientation than you think. Click the link below for a video on sexual orientation and gender identity.
As an occupational therapist, it is important to learn and understand your client's culture and religion if they have one they practice. By understanding your client's culture you can deliver more client-centered interventions when pertaining to sexuality and intimacy. This information, you can better understand how they view intimacy. Click the link below for a tool I like to use for a one stop shop on different religions in the world to give you some basics.
Intimacy looks different to everyone! Everyone has a preference. They might have a kink that you haven't heard of. Below is a link from a certified sex and relationship coach and certified clinical sexologist. therapist who identifies and explains 5 different types of intimacy. 1. Physical. 2. Intellectual 3. Emotional 4. Spiritual. 5. Experiential
Here is a link from an OT that created a resource on sharing sexuality education resources for occupational therapists. This is a direct link for a glossary of terms when pertaining to sex.
The combination of the Sexual Assessment Framework (SAF) and the occupational therapy domain makes up the Occupational Therapy Sexual Assessment Framework (OTSAF). The OTSAF is a guide for treatment and intervention when pertaining to sexual health. In a later section you will be shown more information about the OTSAF in "The Giver" section.
Williams, D. J., Prior, E. E., & Vincent, J. (2022). Positive sexuality as a guide for leisure research and practice addressing sexual interests and behaviors. In Innovation and Impact of Sex as Leisure in Research and Practice (pp. 21-34). Routledge.
