As we continue to engage in conversations about consent, it’s crucial to remember that it begins within us. It is about understanding our bodies, respecting our feelings, and making choices that align with our true desires. I am grateful for the insights gained from this workshop, as they not only enhance my clinical practice but also contribute to a more compassionate and just society.

I encourage my fellow clinicians and practitioners to explore the concepts presented by Dr. Betty Martin and Dr. Roger Kuhn. By doing so, we can collectively work towards a future where consent is not just an agreement but a fundamental right—a practice woven into the very fabric of our interactions, both personal and societal.

Aromantics can also experience love even if they don’t fall in love. In my work as a Bay Area sex therapist, I remind folx that love comes in all forms – there’s love for family, friends, pets, nature, the self. . .Romantic love is not the end-all-be-all form of love that our society makes it out to be. Aromanticism challenges societal norms that prioritize romantic relationships and offers a valid and fulfilling way of connecting with others on different levels.

As I learned during Susan E. Shwartz’s lecture, the journey of the puella is one of unfolding. It’s about moving from a place of dependency and fear into a state of self-awareness, confidence, and emotional maturity. The absence of a father may have left a deep mark on the psyche, but through depth therapy, individuals can heal the father wound, reclaim their inner authority, and step into a more empowered version of themselves.

However, while dissociating through fantasy may protect someone from confronting their trauma head-on, it can also delay healing. Over time, reliance on fantasy can inhibit healthier coping strategies and prevent individuals from fully processing their traumatic experiences. In relationships and daily life, excessive use of fantasy may cause difficulty in staying grounded in the present, hindering authentic connections with others.

In a sex-positive framework, which I practice as a Bay Area sex therapist and psychologist, consensual adult sexual expressions are valid and worthy of respect. This means I view foot fetishes not as a disorder or abnormality but as a natural variation of human sexuality. The sex-positive approach is grounded in the belief that sexual diversity is a normal and healthy part of life. It challenges the notion that only certain types of sexual expressions are acceptable and encourages people to explore and express their sexuality in ways that feel authentic and fulfilling to them.

We live in a society where trans folx are under attack just for being themselves which means there are unique challenges to exploring their sexuality such as body dysphoria, societal stigma, and limited access to affirming sexual health resources. As a Marin County sexologist, I’m an advocate for everyone having a healthy, satisfying sex life, and that includes trans folx. What follows are eight tips for how to do that.

Pride and “Kinky Boots” demonstrate how everyone’s liberation is bound up with everyone else’s because the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights is intertwined with broader struggles for social justice and economic democracy. Celebrating Pride means honoring alliances and the progress achieved. It also means acknowledging the ongoing challenges and continuing to advocate for equality and acceptance for all people.

Consent is the crucial element in this discussion. None of these women and girls (because deepfake pornography is also being created about young girls) said “yes” to having their faces splashed across the internet engaging in sexual acts. In an era where privacy is increasingly compromised, the ability to obtain someone's image or voice without their knowledge and then manipulate it for malicious purposes poses a serious threat. These women, because it’s almost exclusively women, are victimized by the unauthorized use of their likeness, leading to emotional distress and strain on their relationships.

I am more than happy to consult, of course, but this gap in training on human sexuality can have far-reaching consequences for individuals and couples. They may not receive the specialized support they need to navigate sexual and relational challenges and enhance their sexual health. Addressing sexual concerns requires a nuanced understanding of cultural, psychological, and physiological factors, which a general therapist may not be equipped to handle from the training they received. Consequently, this omission in training is a disservice to patients and hinders their access to the holistic care necessary for a fulfilling and healthy life.

Marriage and family therapy and psychology are both invaluable fields in the mental health arena, each offering a unique set of skills and approaches. The choice between these professions depends on the specific needs of the individual or family seeking help.

Miscarriage is a profound and often silent form of grief that extends beyond the parent who physically miscarried. The grief experienced by partners, extended family, and friends is equally real and deserves recognition and support. By acknowledging and addressing disenfranchised grief, society can help those affected by miscarriage navigate their loss and find healing and solace in the company of empathetic and understanding communities.

The identified patient is a complex phenomenon that can have profound effects on a family's dynamics. By understanding the roles, dynamics, and underlying issues associated with the IP, families can embark on a journey of healing and growth. By acknowledging the shared responsibility and committing to open communication and professional support, families can move towards healthier, more harmonious relationships. Remember, true healing occurs when all family members actively participate and work together towards a more fulfilling future.