Photo from Embodied Sexual Wellness and Psychotherapy
Sexual health can bring back memories of awkward school lessons focused on pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, but a Simcoe therapist says the conversation should go much further.
September is Sexual Health Awareness Month, and Taylor McConnachie, a registered psychotherapist and certified sex therapist with Embodied Sexual Wellness and Psychotherapy, says sexual wellness deserves the same attention as other parts of a person’s health.
McConnachie says sexual wellness can be viewed as another part of overall well-being, alongside physical, mental and emotional health.
She says shame and misconceptions can make it difficult for people to understand their bodies or comfortably discuss their needs and relationships.
McConnachie opened the Simcoe practice because specialized sexual wellness services remain limited, particularly in smaller communities.
The practice supports people dealing with concerns ranging from communication and sexual trauma to body image, identity and shame. McConnachie also trains therapists, doctors and other professionals on what it means to be “sex positive.”
McConnachie says Sexual Health Awareness Month provides an opportunity to make those conversations less intimidating and remind people that local resources are available.
Written by Jeremy Hall
