Reflecting on the presentation last week about sexuality as it connects to disability/chronic illnesses, there are a bunch of things that stood out to me. I loved the part of the presentation that focused on cardiovascular disease, because there were a bunch of little things that I had never known before. It was interesting that many people avoid sex if they have this disease for fear of having a heart attack. But, as the group discussed, there is actually no truth to this. It is kind of shocking to think about the things that people may be afraid to discuss with their doctors that have so deeply influenced their sex lives and lives in general.

I also loved that the group addressed disabilities in detail. It makes me sad that so many people think that people with disabilities are asexual and would not be able to have a fulfilling sex life. This group did two treatment videos, and I could definitely understand why. I am so glad they chose to show the class sessions with the two very different clients and situations. The clients were so accurately portrayed and it was really interesting to see some interventions that could be used if we ever treat clients with similar presenting problems.

The Wiki page for this group was very informative, with a lot of links and websites to check out. I especially liked the picture of various sex positions someone in a wheelchair could use. I try to picture myself being in that situation and how helpless I would feel at first; not knowing if I could ever have good sex again. It is comforting to know that clinicians do have access to this information if they need it, just to give clients with this problem and fear a peace of mind if they choose to seek help in therapy.

The group presentation for arousal and desire disorders was very detailed and I learned a lot! I loved the discussion in particular about the etiology chart for SIAD in females. It is so important for clinicians to think critically for these cases and truly consider the various factors that this disorder can be attributed to. This can certainly be the case for most sexual dysfunctions, however we are competing in a society that largely stresses medicalization and what is "normal". This is why I am so happy that we have learned the importance of bio-psycho-social interviewing; it allows a space for clients to explore their sexual experiences throughout their lives. Other interviewing techniques may not bring forth such important information.

I learned a lot from our readings as well as the presentation about treatment options and the number of holistic approaches that can help both the individual and their partner. We've discussed how important differentiation is in terms of sexuality and I found it very helpful to learn about interventions that target both intrapersonal and interpersonal explorations of sexuality. It is comforting to know that these interventions can be effective for couples and individuals who want to seek options outside of trying a pill or medical intervention. Of course, it is imperative to assess for medical issues or physical ailments, but that is where the bio-psycho-social interview can help us pinpoint the problem area.

Loved the use of the cartoons and the Russel Brand video was spot on! So many of us take the popular opinion and base our lives on it. What sex should look like, what we should look like, and so on. This is why normalizing and psychoeducation come into play when people come to us in sexual distress. What they truly need is to know that they aren't weird or abnormal! It saddens me that this is the underlying fear for so many people. But, that is where we can help :)