sjfbarnett

Back when I first started thinking about becoming a sex therapist, there weren’t a lot of resources readily available outside academic libraries (when I went back for a Specialist degree in Sexual Diversity Studies, I was that student that gobbled every single resource on the reading lists. People, I was tired). Thankfully, the field is changing, gaining more respect and – more importantly – more funding in sexual health research. So I continue to add to my own reading lists. I’m that person...

As I sit amidst all the work that goes into hosting my first retreat, I need to keep reminding myself why I’m doing this for my peers and colleagues: because we need it. Every single day there is a landslide of bad news, radiating out from the local to the global. And every day I wonder how do we all get past the feelings of hopelessness? And then I’m reminded by many others of the ways we can stay connected. I’m part of a few listservs that are focused on the values that matter to me,...

On connecting to professional communities with intention. Listening. photo by JoAnn I love traveling, and I do it well. By “well” I mean that I love doing it with may partner, or a friend, or on my own – I can get into a groove no matter with whom. I do it both professionally and for pleasure. I do enjoy my own company, and often prefer to be alone, either for a whole trip or for parts. It took me many years to realize I can give myself permission to take a breather from being...