Sexual Integration Therapy (SIT), which was created by Andrew Barnes, is a trauma-informed, participant-centred, solution-focused therapeutic approach that endeavours to weave various aspects of an individual's sexuality into an embodied, comprehensive, and harmonious whole. This includes uncovering the causes of and developing solutions for sexual dysfunctions, reconciling conflicting emotions about sex, and resolving sexual stress. SIT also addresses relational issues, enhances sexual self-esteem, and aids in exploring and comprehending one's sexual identity. It provides sex education, fosters a sense of sexual agency and autonomy, and harmonises one's sexuality with other life dimensions in a way that is healthy, satisfying, and functional.
The methodology of SIT draws from a spectrum of therapeutic approaches, including clinical sexology, western health science, relationship map coaching, psychodynamic therapy, body or pleasure appreciation practices, meditation, breath enhancement, kundalini yoga, somatic therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and practices from Tantra and esoteric traditions.
Since SIT sessions do not involve practitioner-to-participant touch (or vice versa), they can be conducted either online or in-person. These sessions can encompass a wide range of topics, including in-depth discussions about one's personal history, relationships, anxieties, sexual shame or guilt, intimacy, sexual problems, desire, and general life experiences, as well as practices related to Tantra and other aspects of sexuality.
SIT sessions are intuitively facilitated in a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment, free from any pre-set agendas or pressures. Each session's trauma-informed structure is tailored to meet the unique goals, needs, and capacities of the individual participant. Informed consent is an essential element of SIT, ensuring that communication, boundaries, limits, and agreements are not only clarified at the beginning of each session, but also maintained throughout. Having this session adaptability and clarity ensures practitioner-participant integrity, participant empowerment, and reduces the risk of participant overwhelm or retraumatisation.
While SIT sessions are trauma-informed, prioritising the safety of both the participant and the practitioner, it's crucial to understand that they do not fall within the purview of trauma therapy or trauma healing. This distinction means that while SIT sessions incorporate an understanding of the impact of trauma on individual sexuality and relationships, they are not designed or equipped to offer the specialised therapeutic interventions that trauma therapy or trauma healing typically involves.
In essence, SIT sessions aim to create a secure and understanding environment where the possible effects of trauma are acknowledged and considered in the approach. However, they do not specifically target trauma resolution or healing. For those seeking focused therapy for trauma, consultation with a mental health professional who specialises in trauma treatment is recommended. This is an important distinction to make for participants to fully understand the scope and limitations of Sexual Integration Therapy (SIT).
Please Note: While our Sexual Integration Therapy sessions for female or male sexual dysfunctions are trauma-informed and adheres to informed consent guidelines, it is essential to understand that the sessions are not designed to address or heal trauma directly. Individuals seeking support for trauma healing are encouraged to engage with a specialised trauma therapist who possesses the expertise and tools specific to that therapeutic journey.
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