Jul 09 2023 64 mins 3
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EPISODE TITLE: Sex & Intimacy with Sujata Martin, MS, OTR/L
EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Brain Injury Recovery Simplified, Deb talks with Sujata Martin about sex & intimacy. We covered:
- Sex, Sexuality, and Intimacy
- The impact of a neurological diagnosis on the pelvic floor, function and one’s identity
- Where sex and sexuality are addressed in the OT Practice Framework, 4th edition
- How fine motor deficits impact bowel & bladder management, including catheter management
- Sexual expression, psychological & physical aspects of intimacy
- Finding the right practitioner-why properly trained OT practitioners may be able to help & finding a good provider/client fit
- The role of occupational therapy practitioners in addressing sexual needs of clients, including clinician responsibility in receiving client responses; the importance of withholding judgment to avoid damage to the client
- Additional training required to treat pelvic dysfunction & to provide sex counseling
- The importance of client questioning and, sometimes, persistence, when advocating to getting one’s needs met
- Being open to considering other possibilities such as adaptations to enhance connection and intimacy
- Being mindful not to adapt to the caregiver & sick role only - remembering who you are to maintain relationship
- Sexuality as a means of strengthening relationships with one’s partner(s) and oneself
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Noggins And Neurons. As always, we want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]
Show References
Mellor, R.M. et. al, (2013). Healthcare professionals’ views on discussing sexual wellbeing with patients who have had a stroke: A qualitative study. PLOS | ONE, 8(10).
Naphtali, K., MacHattie, E., Elliott, S.L. & Krassioukov, A. (2009). Pleasure ABLE: Sexual device manual for persons with disabilities. Disabilities Health Research Network.
O’Shea, A., Frawley, P., Leahy, J. W., & Nguyen, H.D. (2020). A critical appraisal of sexuality and relationships programs for people with acquired brain injury. Sexuality and Disability, 38:57-83. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-020-09616-5
Prior, S., Reeves, N., Peterson, G., Jaffray, L., & Campbell, S. (2019). Addressing the gaps in post-stroke sexual activity Rehabilitation: Patient Perspectives. Healthcare 7, 25; doi:10.3390/healthcare7010025
Occupational Performance Inventory of Sexuality & Intimacy
- University of Indianapolis-https://uindy.edu/health-sciences/ot/opisi
- Development of the Occupational Performance Inventory of Sexuality and Intimacy (OPISI): Phase One-https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol8/iss2/7/
Find a pelvic therapist: Pelvicrehab.com
Sujata’s website: pelvicsoul.com
THERAPY PRACTICE RESOURCES:
DEB’S RESOURCES
- Beyond the Basics: Motor Recovery Bootcamp (Modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Guide)
- The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy
- Tri-Fold Mirror (US addresses only)
- Occupational Therapy Intervention: Scavenger Hunt Visual Scanning for Adults
- Occupational Therapy Intervention 2 Pack: Scavenger Hunt & Visual Trails for Adults
- Noggins And Neurons Podcast Creative Learning & Discussion Guide (Free for podcast members)
PETE’S blog and book, “Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery” 3rd edition:
- Blog: blogspot.com
- Book: Stronger After Stroke, 3rd edition
DORO’S OT PRACTICE – The Neuro Hub
REQUEST TO BE A GUEST ON NOGGINS & NEURONS. If you’re passionate about stroke recovery and have information or a story you believe will help others, we’d love help you share it on the show. Complete the guest request form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit!
- Guest Request Form
- MUSIC: “Soft Inspiration” by Scott Holmes/Scott Holmes Music/scottholmesmusic.com
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