Sex Work and Erotic Labor can incorporate a many forms of work (both legal and illegal). The list includes (but is not limited to) sugar babying, escorting, pro fetish or BDSM, webcam modeling, erotic dancing, and sexual surrogacy.
This type of work can often come with stigma (prejudice, violence, discrimination) and general misunderstanding about the field from others—even when the workers themselves feel positive, proud, or neutral about the work itself. Cultural norms about sex, sexuality, legality, gender, etc. impact how we feel and experience value, respect, and acceptance in our families, relationships, in the world, and certainly in the therapeutic space.
It is my understanding, based on research and personal/professional experience, that therapists are often not knowledgeable about this work and its influence on the life of a sex/erotic professional. Clients may be concerned that their therapist’s lack of knowledge or personal biases may cloud their ability to discuss what the client wishes to discuss—even if their issues are not concerned with the work.
Sometimes a client wishes to address positive experiences they have at work, sometimes negative ones. This is typical of pretty much any profession. I am committed to treating sex work/erotic labor as work and approach the discussion in all the forms it may take.
My practice is sex positive and sex work affirmative. Therefore, I am proud to provide both individual and couples/relationship therapy to those currently or formerly in the sex industry.