Completing the sexual intake, I noticed the shame that I have around certain sexual topics. I feel more comfortable answering the questions alone in a piece of paper than answering them to another person. If I were to answer these questions to another person, the validity of my answers would be questionable. I would refrain from mentioning or talking into depth about certain topics. This paper will reflect in my experience filling the sexual self-intake, my sexual identity exploration as I completed the intake, the cultural considerations that aroused during the intake, and the clinical considerations to improve as a therapist. This paper would help me reflect on how learning about my sexuality impacts my work with clients.
Experience Filling …show more content…
Recently, I had a polyamorous female partner. My partner was not open about her sexuality, at first. When she expressed her sexual identity with me, I was not accepting of her identity. I had a difficult time with the idea that my partner is openly sexual. After reflecting on polyamory, I realized that my sexual identity and expression is better defined by polyamory than monogamy. While I was filling the intake, I was able to explore better my sexual and relationship history to better understand my sexual identity. The struggle that I face be clear about my identity is due to my cultural values. I am culturally bound to monogamy, but I have not been able to maintain a healthy monogamous relationship, most of the times. The monogamous relationship that was fulfilling to me involved infidelity. Monogamy and adultery occur frequently in various cultures (Schnarch, 2009, p. 135). I was not able to maintain a monogamous relationship without seeking other female partners. Culturally, I am expected to find fulfillment when having a monogamous relationship. Schnarch (2009) stated that adultery has emotional and social consequences in a monogamous culture (p. 134). I have found a better fulfillment when engaging in polyamorous behaviors and
Experience Filling …show more content…
Recently, I had a polyamorous female partner. My partner was not open about her sexuality, at first. When she expressed her sexual identity with me, I was not accepting of her identity. I had a difficult time with the idea that my partner is openly sexual. After reflecting on polyamory, I realized that my sexual identity and expression is better defined by polyamory than monogamy. While I was filling the intake, I was able to explore better my sexual and relationship history to better understand my sexual identity. The struggle that I face be clear about my identity is due to my cultural values. I am culturally bound to monogamy, but I have not been able to maintain a healthy monogamous relationship, most of the times. The monogamous relationship that was fulfilling to me involved infidelity. Monogamy and adultery occur frequently in various cultures (Schnarch, 2009, p. 135). I was not able to maintain a monogamous relationship without seeking other female partners. Culturally, I am expected to find fulfillment when having a monogamous relationship. Schnarch (2009) stated that adultery has emotional and social consequences in a monogamous culture (p. 134). I have found a better fulfillment when engaging in polyamorous behaviors and