Sex and Intimacy
Blog – Sensory Modulation Interventions to Support Sexual Intimacy
Sexual intimacy, which includes sex, sexual activities and other intimate activities, for many is an important and meaningful occupational role. Participation in sexual intimacy can be influenced and impacted by a range of factors. This blog suggests that using a sensory lens to explore some of these factors in more detail can be beneficial. Furthermore, sensory solutions can go a long way to help support a person’s feelings of safety, enjoyment and engagement in sexual intimacy.
To better understand sexual intimacy with regard to factors that impact sexual response and arousal, it is helpful to understand the Dual-control model of sexual response. This model was developed by Bancroft and Janssen (2007) and proposes –
Desire is not a state that is either ‘present’ or ‘absent’
Sexual response results from excitation (the accelerator) and inhibition (the brake) acting together
The intensity of a person’s sexual response is dependent on how strongly these systems are activated at any given time
While the excitation system seems to receive much of the attention with regard to sexual response and arousal, it is just as important to understand and address the inhibition system. The inhibition system plays a protective role and as such responds to factors that can result in reducing or blocking sexual arousal. This can include stress, fatigue, pain, feelings of fear, disgust or shame, past trauma, or performance worries.
If inhibition levels are high, it can be helpful to consider addressing the inhibitory factors (reducing pressure on the brake) as a means to enhance sexual response, rather than purely focusing on increasing excitatory factors/stimulation (pumping the accelerator).
Sensory modulation interventions are an effective approach to help address both excitatory and inhibitory factors. This may include –
Decreasing, limiting or eliminating certain unwanted or problematic sensory input
Increasing certain sensory input
Introducing new sensory input
Sensory Modulation Brisbane has just released on demand training ‘Sex, Intimacy and Sensory Modulation’.
There are 2 tailored on demand training packages to choose from –
1. A training package designed for anyone who would like to gain a better understanding of and tailored strategies to support their engagement in sexual intimacy.
2. A training package designed for clinicians, support workers and those supporting individuals who would gain benefit from a better understanding of and tailored strategies to support their engagement in sexual intimacy.
While beneficial for everyone, the training content may be especially helpful for those with sensory sensitivities, sensory differences and distinct preferences, neurodivergence, experience of trauma and physical issues including fatigue and pain. It will increase confidence in supporting the application of a range of tailored sensory informed strategies which go beyond traditional calming and alerting models.
The on demand training highlights the valuable role of sensory modulation in supporting a person’s participation in sexual intimacy and incorporates the following content -
Explanation of sensory modulation as an intervention
Dual control model of sexual response, outlining the role of excitation and inhibition mechanisms and factors that impact on these.
Application of practical sensory modulation strategies to support a person’s sexual intimacy, through:
* Building sensory awareness with regard to sexual intimacy
* Using the DIN model - decreasing, increasing and adding (new) sensory input
* Communication strategies to promote safety, self advocacy and comfort
Slides and handouts are provided to assist with learning and application of content.
For more information on the on demand training:
Sensory Modulation for Sex and Intimacy - clinician version
Sensory Modulation for Sex and Intimacy - self directed version