After recently finishing the Certified Sexuality Occupational Therapy (CSOT) course from the Institute for Sex and Occupational Therapy, I can honestly say that the experience has been eye-opening and transformative. This journey has not only enriched my practice but has also expanded my understanding of a profoundly intimate and often overlooked aspect of human life—sexuality. I met inspiring individuals, engaged in thought-provoking discussions, and most importantly, gained new insights into a core aspect of identity and wellness.

Throughout my years as an OT, I’ve been struck by how often sexuality remains a taboo subject. When working with people with disabilities, I frequently encounter the misconception that these individuals are somehow removed from their own sexuality, that they are not sexual beings in the same way others are. This assumption couldn’t be further from the truth. A person’s capacity for connection, intimacy, and self-expression through sexuality remains intact despite injury or illness, yet so often, it’s ignored or minimized in therapeutic settings.

In fact, in my experience, discussions about sexuality and intimacy typically only arise when they’re perceived as a problem—usually to someone else. This gap in support is exactly why I felt compelled to deepen my knowledge and explore sexuality as an area of occupational therapy. Sexuality is central to who we are; for many, it’s an integral part of their self-identity and personal relationships. Yet, our practices often hesitate to approach it openly, and it’s left in the shadows of rehabilitation and care.

The CSOT course gave me the tools and the confidence to shift from simply addressing sexuality as a “problem” to seeing it as an essential component of well-being. Through the course, I gained valuable skills in listening without judgment, offering help without hesitation, and navigating these intimate issues respectfully. People deserve support in every area of their lives, including the intimate ones, and as occupational therapists, we’re uniquely positioned to provide it.

I’m excited to apply this knowledge to my practice. The world of OT is ever-evolving, and I am grateful for the opportunity to add my voice to the conversation around sexuality and disability. The journey has just begun, and I look forward to helping create a world where every aspect of a person’s life, including their sexuality, is respected and supported.