Sexual Expression as ADL

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Sexual Expression as ADL
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Who are we as Sexual Beings?

• As a human being, one is sexual from birth to
  death (Neistadt Freda, 1987)
• Even in the face of disability and need for
  adaptation one does not cease to be a sexual
  being (Spica,1989)

• Practitioners have to realize that sexual
  expression takes many forms and there is need to
  avoid imposition of personal values or lifestyle
  preferences on clients and families
• Generally it is the professional who has a good
  interpersonal relationship with the patient who
  is cast in the role of counselor (Neistadt
  Freda, 1987)

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What Practitioners Need to Know to be Effective
Counseling to their Clients

• Knowledge
• Attitudes
• Skill
• Personal Characteristics and Motivation

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Knowledge

• Good foundation in injury pathology and how this
  affects sexuality
• Sound foundation in sexual function and human
  sexuality
• Self-knowledge of own limitations
• When and where to refer client/family

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Attitude

• Awareness and acceptance of personal sexuality
  for increased comfort level with client
• Demonstration of appreciation for diversity of
  values, beliefs, and lifestyles portrayed by
  clients/families

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Skill

• Good communication and interpersonal skills for
  building rapport
• Comfort level for addressing sensitive and maybe
  controversial content
• Remembering learned skills for some clients are
  not transferable (allow for practice/simulation)

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Personal Characteristics and Motivation

• Personal checklist (maturity, emotionally stable,
  patient, sense of humor)
• Interested in the sexual health of client
• Motivated to teach or convey sexuality to
  client/family

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Sex Specifics

• Varying positions (top/bottom/side/ sitting
  on lap)
• Stimulate the sensing parts of body for arousal
• Oral sex vs intercourse

• Talk with your partner about accommodations,
  fears, and successes
• Plan sexual activity in cases of fatigue but
  spontaneity is helpful for others