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A client is having challenges paying for college. They decide to trade sex for goods in order to pay tuition bills.

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While the client's actions may technically be consensual, the context raises concerns about coercion and autonomy. The client's decision is driven by financial hardship, which may limit their ability to make fully autonomous and pressure-free choices.

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I preferred the definition of sexual health that centers pleasure, i.e. "the ability to have satisfying sexual encounters." In my opinion, this allows the client to determine their own definition of "satisfying."

Once the encounter has ended:

How do you want to feel?

What would you like to have accomplished?

What is standing in the way of that currently?

What might prevent that satisfaction?

How can we collaborate to achieve these goals for you?

Answering these questions involves a level of exploration— which is a core tenet of person-centered therapeutic approach—and psychoeducation, which is a core tenet of me being a nerd.

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According to our definitions and key principles of sexual health, such as freedom from coercion and the right to make informed decisions, this case may not fully meet the criteria for sexually healthy expression.

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Sexual health, is a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It goes beyond the absence of disease or dysfunction and encompasses a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships. This includes the ability to have pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination, and violence.

Sexual health also involves the capacity to understand, express, and integrate sexuality into one’s life in a way that is consistent with personal values and beliefs.

in addition, sexual health, as stated by the World Health Organization, is fundamental to the overall health and well-being of individuals!

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This case highlights how external pressures (such as financial need) can blur the line between choice and survival, and how sexual health must be understood within a broader social and economic context.

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An important addition to our understanding of sexual health in this case is the role of structural and systemic factors, such as economic instability, lack of access to affordable education, or absence of support networks, that may influence someone’s sexual decisions.

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FOLX HEALTH

https://www.folxhealth.com/topic/sexual-health

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION WEBSITE!

https://www.who.int/health-topics/sexual-health#tab=tab_1

DR. STROZIERS SLIDES!

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This scenario shows that sexual health cannot be viewed separately from a person's overall well-being and life circumstances.

It also points to a need for additional resources such as financial aid, accessible health care, and counseling services to support individuals in making decisions that are not based on survival needs.

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Another useful lens to view sexual health through might be harm reduction, supporting individuals in making the safest, most informed choices possible in the context they are in, even if the ideal conditions of sexual health are not fully met.

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To effectively counsel this client, it is essential to create a safe and non-judgmental space. As counselors, we must establish that our primary goal is to process through this situation, ensure our client's safety, and provide resources for them. Trading sex for services or money is a deeply personal matter, and it is a very touchy subject. Even the most subtle nonintentional body language can make our client feel judged, which damages the therapeutic alliance.

After we established that we are allies, it is important to explore the client's agency in their decisions and ensure they are safe and not a victim of coercion or trafficking. Educating the member about safe sexual practice is also hugely important.

After ensuring the client is safe, we would provide resources if the client is interested. It is important to help as much as the client is willing to receive the help, and we do not want to force resources upon our client. If the client is willing, we can explore and discuss ways the client can make their ends meet without trading sex for services/money.

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In addition to what was defined as sexual health in class, I think the essence of sexual health is that it is personally defined. Whatever each person deems to be healthy is healthy for that person. Of course, there are aspects of sexual health that are relatively prevalent amongst most people, but we are the agents of our bodies and should be able to define our sexual health to what best suits us personally.

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Sexual health is about feeling safe, respected, and empowered in your sexual choices, whatever those choices may look like for you. It's not only about your physical health or preventing STIs, but also your emotional and mental well-being.

Being sexually healthy means having the freedom to explore or not explore your sexuality in ways that feel right for you, whether that's with a partner, by yourself, with people of the same or different genders, or not at all. What matters most is that everything is consensual, informed, and free from pressure or harm.

It also means having access to accurate information, supportive resources, and the space to make choices without judgement. Sexual health should be inclusive and affirming of all identities, orientations, body types, and experiences. Everyone should have the right to pleasure, agency, and autonomy.