Sex & The OT

Grace Alice | Sex & Intimacy Specialist

As a sex and intimacy specialist, I combine the knowledge, experience, and skills I have acquired through my training as an occupational therapist, sex educator and intimacy coach. Sex & the OT is an ongoing project within which I explore sex, sexuality and sexual health within occupational therapy, concepts which I feel are often neglected in practice due to a lack of the necessary knowledge, skills, resources, comfort  and confidence. I want to help OTs feel empowered and equipped to advocate for the sexual health and happiness of their clients, patients and service-users.

Grace Alice

Sex and the OT - Exploring Sex, Sexuality and Sexual Health Within Occupational Therapy

Here are some resources and sources of info relating to sexuality and Occupational Therapy that you may find useful.

Sex Toys, Aids, Assistive Devices and Products

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Sex ‘toys’ are not just for ‘spicing up’ one’s sex life – although of course they can be used for that! Sex toys, aids, assistive devices and products can greatly enhance pleasure, intimacy, comfort, and orgasm for users, while relieving pain, stress, discomfort and frustration. Thanks to popular media, sex ‘toys’ (it even says it in the name!) have earned the reputation of being ‘kinky’ and sometimes taboo objects. However, this should not be the case, and the use of anything which makes sex safer and more enjoyable for any individual should be both normalised and celebrated.

A few more reasons why these inventions are so incredible…

They allow people to explore their sexuality and take ownership over their own pleasure. 

They allow people to experience amazing sensation which cannot be achieved through ‘toy-less’ or ‘unassisted’ sex – our bodies are great as they are, but they can’t vibrate at several different speeds! 

They often teach people what kind of sensations they like – many people (particularly women and anyone assigned female at birth) have achieved their first orgasm with the help of a little battery-operated friend! 

They allow people to have fun with new roles and sensations, and to explore parts of their body that may unlock potential for pleasure.

 They allow people to connect with their long-distance sexual and/or romantic partners in an intimate way. 

They allow people to explore their gender roles and gender expression, and can act as gender-confirming aids.

They allow people to overcome challenges associated with sexual fulfilment and pleasure resulting from disability, illness, injury and dysfunction. 

…and more!

GRACE ALICE SEX & OT

One thing to be aware of when it comes to sex aids retailers and brands is that they are not created equal! There are some products out there that can be dangerous and/or misleading, so we recommend opting for reputable retailers who know their stuff and prioritise inclusivity, gender neutrality, safety, health and pleasure.

For instance, toys should always be made of bodysafe materials, and the best lubricants are generally organic and do not contain lots of harsh ingredients such as parabens and glycerin. A great example of a knowledgable retailer that only stocks bodysafe products is Sex Siopa.

Helpful Articles, Reputable Brands and Retailers

Sex Furniture and Cushions (Spokz)

8 accessible sex toys and aids for anyone with a disability (Disability Horizons)

15 Accessible Toys and Devices That Can Spice Up Your Sex Life (The Mighty)

Sex Toys For Disabled People – The Pleasure Garden

"I tested loads of sex toys for disabled people and these are the 6 best" – Cosmopolitan

Disabled Sex Equipment – John Preston

Sex Toys and Disability – Jo Divine

Best Sex Toys and Sexual Positioning Devices for People with Disabilities - Sportsheets

7 Sex Pillows, Benches, and Cushions You Never Knew You Wanted - Healthline

Lovense Lush 2 Bluetooth Remote Control Vibrator

Tenga

Handi – Pleasure Within Reach

Sex Siopa – Ireland’s Favourite Sex Toy Shop

Lytta Boutique Aphrodisiaque – Ethical, Inclusive, Feminist

Feminist, Women- Queer Oriented and Eco-friendly Sex Shop

Self & More: Sex Toy Boutique | Unapologetic Pleasure

Top 10 Disabled-Friendly Sex Toys - Lovehoney

Our Bodies, Our Sex Toys: 6 Accessible Sex Toys – Autostraddle

YES – The Organic Intimacy Company

Sliquid – Natural Intimate Lubricants

LELO: The leading designer brand for intimate lifestyle products

Ruby Glow - An Orgasmic, Non-penetrative, Hands-free, Ride-on Experience

Recorded Course: Assistive Devices for Sexual Activity by Institute for Sex, Intimacy and Occupational Therapy

Reading

Sexuality and the Role of Occupational Therapy

Exploring the Activity of Daily Living of Sexual Activity: A Survey in Occupational Therapy Education

Sexuality and Occupational Therapy: Exploring the Link

An Interdisciplinary Sexual Health Rehabilitation Program for Veterans with Spinal Cord Injury: Case Reports

Sex and Occupational Therapy: Contradictions or Contraindications?

Sexual Functioning as a Topic in Occupational Therapy Training: A Survey of Programs

Survey of occupational therapy students’ attitudes towards sexual issues in clinical practice

Sexuality and occupational therapy in Ireland – a case of ambivalence?

Exploring the Role of Occupational Therapy With Women Leaving the Sex Industry

Occupational Therapist Perspective on Sexual Health

Sexuality and Occupational Therapy: Strategies for Persons With Disabilities, Bernadette Hattjar

The Ultimate Guide to Sex and Disability: For All of Us Who Live with Disabilities, Chronic Pain, and Illness, Cory Silverberg, Fran Odette, and Miriam Kaufman

A Quick & Easy Guide to Sex & Disability, A. Andrews

Sex and Disability by Robert McRuer (Editor) and Anna Mollow (Editor)

Privilege Checklist - Boise State Writing Center

National Sexual Health Strategy 2015-2020

Organisations, Platforms and People

Institute for Sex, Intimacy and Occupational Therapy

AdaptLife Occupational Therapy

Institute for Sexuality Education & Enlightenment (ISEE)

Swell (a digital platform that explores the ins and outs of sexual wellness and human intimacy)

WHO (World Health Organisation)
on sexual health

Dr. Sakshi Tickoo of ‘Sex, Love and OT’

Dr. Breanne Grasso of ‘Sexuality And Occupational Therapy’

Professor Sharon Pavlovich, Loma Linda University, Co- creator of the Pavlovich Sexuality Questionnaire (PSQ)

Sarah Sproule, who trained as an OT and now supports parents in becoming more comfortable talking to their children about bodies, puberty and sex

Andrew Gurza, Disability Awareness Consultant and Cripple Content Creator, of Disability After Dark (podcasts, blogs, presentations, activism)

Dr. Mitchell Pepper, Sexuality Educator and Counselor, who is living with spinal cord injury


Bronwyn Gill, Western Sydney University, completing a PhD on the topic "Occupational therapy pedagogy and practice in relation to client sexual expression."

Dr. Walker developed the Occupational Therapy Sexual Assessment Framework (OTSAF) and the Occupational Performance Inventory of Sexuality and Intimacy (OPISI).

Podcasts and Episodes

OT After Dark

OT 4 Lyfe Podcast - Sex, Love, and Occupational Therapy with Sakshi Tickoo

OT & Chill - Let’s Talk About Sex With Dr Sakshi Tickoo

Seniors Flourish Podcast | Occupational Therapy - Let's Talk About Sex (Baby!) and Identity in the Older Adult

Lifestyle by Design - Sex and Intimacy in Occupational Therapy with Kathryn Ellis

Mind Your OT Business - Brand New Business Highlight: Anita Martin, owner of Sex Assist

OT Podcast Club - Occupied, Dev (they, them) and Brock (he, him) deep dive into gender, identity and stigma

Arthritis Life - How to Value Self-Love and Sexual Pleasure when Living with a Disability: an Occupational Therapist’s Approach

Grace Alice Sex And Relationships Educator

Thank you, I'll be in touch soon...

Disclaimer

This service is fully limited to Sexuality Education. All advice is given in an honest manner and as guidance only. By using this service, you agree that you make your own decisions, relying solely on your discretion; any use you make of such answers, advice or services is at your own risk and ‘Grace Alice Sexuality Educator’ cannot be held responsible or be liable for any damages or losses resulting from your reliance on such answers or advice.

What is a peer-to-peer support session?

Firstly, let us start with what the session is not! I am not a practicing sex therapist, sexologist, medical professional, psychotherapist, psychologist, counsellor, or mental health professional. Therefore, I do not provide medical advice (although I may recommend that you seek guidance from a medical professional if appropriate) or a therapy service.

Sex & Relationships Education is a separate field to these professions, and I employ my own unique approach based on my qualifications, training, and experience. I hold an undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy and a Masters degree in Health Promotion. I have over six years experience working as a Sex & Relationships Educator and have undergone continuous professional development and training. I also studied empathy education as a UNESCO scholar, which informs my approach. Details of my qualifications and training are available on my LinkedIn page – please see the ‘About’ page also!

Within a session, I offer a confidential and safe space for discussion of various issues relating to relationships and sexuality. I strive for a relaxed, informal vibe, where you can chat about something that you have been struggling with. I can offer a friendly and non-judgemental listening ear, suggestions on how you can approach your own personal situation, general information on the related topic(s) and details of relevant professionals, support services and organisations (usually in a follow-up email). I can accommodate sessions relating to many topics relating to relationships and sexuality – including but not limited to body image, sexual communication, consent and boundaries, protection, anatomy, vaginismus, porn, STIs and STI stigma, healthy and unhealthy relationships, gender and sexuality, pleasure, arousal, desire, infidelity, break-ups, dating, and more.  I want my clients to feel relaxed, comfortable, and free to talk without fear or shame, like they would with a very close friend!

How does a Booking work?

In a nutshell, you can contact me via the booking page on this site and request a booking. If I decide that a session with me would be a good fit for you, I will contact you and arrange a time and date!

Here is the pricing for sessions;

ServiceDurationCost
Standard Session1 hour€50
Student* Standard Session1 hour€40
   
*A valid student I.D. must be presented.  

Please note that the session must be paid for in full at least 24 hours prior to the session, using the payment method and details I will provide to you in an email. If you do not have PayPal, we can arrange another form of payment (Revolut or bank transfer – please factor in the extra time it will take you to set up an account if needed or the possible delay in bank transfers, this may slightly affect the scheduling of your session).

Due to the nature of this service, I cannot offer any refunds for any reason during or after a session.

However, if you have paid and can no longer attend the scheduled session, I can offer you a full refund if you notify me of the cancellation at least 48 hours beforehand. If you wish to reschedule, please notify me at least 48 hours before the time of the scheduled session, and we can work something out!

Am I guaranteed to have a session?

Imay choose not to do a session with you if I feel that I am unable to offer support or education relating to your situation. I will contact you to let you know if I have decided that my service is not a good fit for you, and I will offer some suggestions regarding more suitable professionals/organisations/services to contact.

Although we may chat about lots of different things during a session, if someone has clearly not been truthful in the booking form about the topic area that want to discuss and appear to have an ulterior motive in booking the session, I may choose to end the session. The same rule applies to a situation where someone is clearly not who they have stated they are in the booking form. 

I cannot offer sessions to anyone under the age of 18 years. I may choose to ask you to present a copy of a valid form of I.D. if I feel that confirmation of age is needed. Requesting to book a session indicates that you are aged 18 years or over, and that you are being truthful in disclosing your age.

If I feel that someone is being disrespectful, offensive, or inappropriate, and I feel uncomfortable, I may choose to end the session. I may also end the session if I believe that it is being recorded.

Is it all confidential?

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es! Confidentiality is essential to a service like this and I will do everything in my power on my end to protect it.

Here is what I will do on my end; I will abide by GDPR guidelines and make every effort to keep all personal information relating to sessions safe. Booking requests and emails with a form attached/included will be retained for no more than 1 year. The form may be printed, and I may take notes before, during and after the session either by hand or typed. Forms, notes, and USB key will all be stored in a locked file safe in my home office. All forms and notes (hard and soft copies) will be deleted and/or destroyed after one year.  I will send you a Zoom Meeting ID and password before the session using the email address you have given me. I will use headphones and will be alone in a private space during all sessions. All  records of calls and video calls will be deleted after one year.

Please be mindful of what you choose to share within the session. I have an obligation to break confidentiality and report to Tusla and/or the Gardaí any disclosures of child abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse and other crimes.

Here is what you must do on your end! You must not screenshot, record and/or distribute any part of your session. It is also your responsibility to protect your privacy as much as you like on your end. This may include keeping your phone password-protected, using a non-identifiable email address that does not include your name, deleting correspondence, making sure you have a private space for your session where you will not be interrupted or overheard, etc.

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