Sex and Disability

I was moved by the topic of sex and disability, both the readings and the presentation. One of the ideas that stood out the most to me was that a therapist has to believe in the client as a sexual being. Though the concept could apply to any client involved in sex therapy, is was really effectively illustrated in the case of the gay man who had lost his legs and genitalia in the textbook. The therapist had to believe he could be in a loving, sexual relationship, just as a therapist would have to believe in the ability of any other person that does not fit the socially constructed concept of who is "sexy." I haven't encountered this internal challenge, but will remain aware because of the reading. One of our textbook editors, Dr. Kathryn Hall, gave a talk at the SSTAR conference about the concept of disgust as it applies to couples, but also echoed the notion of the therapist having to overcome barriers of disgust as well in order to be able to genuinely convey hope.
I also found it fascinating that person's with paralysis and/or non-sensitivity in typical erogenous zones can find new ones and adapt to receive pleasure. Once again, this speaks to the multi-dimensionality of sex, with no one form of expression.
So last thing folks, here is a link to the movie trailer for Sessions, the film I mentioned in class based on the true story of a paralyzed man who seeks a sexual surrogate:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy2y7UIpgP4
I truly love this film for the dignity with which it presents a beautiful man challenged by disability who wants to experience sexual fulfillment. I highly recommend it.