Dwelling in Our Bodies: Mindfulness for Sex Workers
By: Dr. Denise Renye
Slowly but hopefully surely, marginalized groups are more frequently stepping into the spotlight. One disenfranchised group has been steadily stepping out of the shadows: sex workers. Because pleasure as business is still considered taboo, this invaluable group has been stigmatized, devalued, and ostracized. Sex workers are arguably the crux of most cultures, offering a service that is uniquely intimate. They are a part of every sociocultural makeup, yet are denied as even existing. Or if they’re acknowledged, they are denied as deserving of certain kinds of support.
Those working in the profession self-identify, but in general, sex workers are people who have sex for money, have private websites, work for another website, do peepshow work, escorts, work in porn stores, operate phone sex lines, do erotic bodywork and massage, are fetish workers, tantrikas, sex club workers, and those who work for porn companies on or off camera.
There’s so much stigma around sex work, and it’s often incorrectly lumped in with sex trafficking. For some, it’s true, they are forced into sex work, but for others, it’s their chosen profession. There is a big difference between voluntary sex work and sex trafficking. Politically, the powers that be want to merge these two categories together to demonize sex workers along with the sex trafficking world. However, they are very different. (You can read more about this in my article for GoodTherapy.org).
Because of the unique situation for sex workers, they don’t have many opportunities for support, especially as a group. As a certified sexologist, sex therapist, not to mention proponent of social justice in general, I care deeply about sex and sex work. I’ve worked with people in this profession for more than two decades. It’s been important, deeply transformative work ranging from outreach to counseling.
I ran mindfulness groups and smoking cessation groups for sex workers through the Masoni Center in Philadelphia where I taught basic mindfulness skills that could be used on the job and in rest of their lives. Mindfulness is a process of noticing, experiencing sensation, of paying attention on purpose both in and to the present moment without making judgments. It is a state of “being” rather than “doing.”
When I moved to San Francisco, I worked at St. James Infirmary, a clinic where sex workers obtain health services, as well as social services and food and clothing as needed. I provided counseling and coordinated services. I saw how essential such a place was to the well-being of many.
I still run a mindfulness group, but these days the group is online. During the six weeks of classes/group support, I introduce mindfulness, techniques for practice, and facilitate group discussion.
Mindfulness techniques can help sex workers navigate certain situations such as getting paid, raising their fees when needed, harassment (from co-workers and clients), safety, boundary setting, and having a romantic relationship.
By offering that safe space, sex workers have the opportunity to practice mindfulness regularly and deepen their spirituality. In the group, sometimes sex work is explicitly talked about, but sometimes it isn't. Just as with any person, sometimes they mention their job and sometimes they don’t.
Unlike using an app or taking a general mindfulness course online, the “Dwelling in Our Bodies” mindfulness group I run offers the community aspect where sex workers can share what’s present for them without fear of judgment. They are able to receive support from a trained professional who has worked with people in the industry for decades (me), and also their colleagues.
If you’re interested in joining the mindfulness group for sex workers, sign up here. However, if you’d rather work together one on one, I’d love to support you as I already have experience focusing on issues unique to sex workers. And if you’d like to hear more about sex work and other topics, stay connected by subscribing to my newsletter.
To set up an appointment with me (Marin County Sexologist), click here.