Sexual consent as a therapeutic tool in the practice of Sexological Occupational Therapy

Abstract

This theoretical reflection is framed by the fact that Sexological Occupational Therapy is a concept I had to coin to explain my therapeutic, educational, research, and academic work. This is because sexology is a relatively new specialization in our country, and moreover, there are only a few colleagues, not more than a couple, who are practicing sexology and occupational therapy. My inclination towards the integration of disciplinary dualities has been a deliberate aspect of my professional practice, and through this text, I aim to invite you on a journey through a conceptual city that is gradually taking shape. Some may think it is written in a scattered manner, while others may find it circular, but for me, it follows the logic of constructing something that I had to develop within the realm of conceptual craftsmanship to explain interventions with noticeable outcomes, involving individuals and communities. We will start by considering the more commonly understood notion of consent, as a contract, and then delve into topics such as feminist critique of consent. Furthermore, we will explore why consent is crucial in sexual health as part of overall well-being. Finally, I will delve into why sexual consent goes beyond being a mere contract, how it relates to the soma, and why it is a potent therapeutic tool for this interdisciplinary integration and clinical intervention.