The Exciting Life of an SCU Student; The History of Sexology
Welcome to the bi-weekly diary series, “The Exciting Life of an SCU Student!” Throughout this series, I will be sharing exactly what it’s like to work toward becoming a Certified Sex Coach through Sex Coach U. My struggles, my triumphs and everything in between — so you get a peek into what it’s really like to be a sex coach in training. I’m so excited to be on this sex coach training journey; thanks for coming with me!
Dear Diary,
Since my last update, I’ve learned about the history and evolution of sexology, key figures who helped to shape the field, and just how important self-care is for an aspiring sex coach!
This week, I dove into Lesson 102 of the Core Curriculum–the history of sexology. It was eye-opening to learn about the different theories and concepts that have shaped the field over time. As I listened, I couldn’t help but think about how much has changed in how we talk about and understand sexuality.
The instructor, Dr. Celina Criss, emphasized the importance of staying curious and open-minded as we learn about sex coaching, and that resonated with me. It’s easy to get stuck in our own beliefs and assumptions, but being willing to learn and evolve is essential if we want to be effective coaches and advocates for our clients.
I appreciated the reminder that language and ideas are constantly evolving and that we must stay adaptable to new concepts and terminology. It’s interesting to think that the words and ideas we use today might be outdated in just a few years, but it’s a testament to the ever-changing nature of human experience and our capacity for growth.
I am grateful to be part of this field at such an exciting time of progress and evolution. I know there’s still so much work to be done, but I’m inspired by the potential for positive change and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
History of Sexology
Learning about the history of sexology and how it has evolved over time was fascinating. Even though humans have been having sex since the beginning of time–sexology itself is relatively new! I also loved learning that archeologists and historians have uncovered sexual devices, erotic art, and literature from nearly every period of recorded history.
Celina took us through the important historical moments and discussed key figures who have contributed to our understanding of human sexuality and how we view it. I found it amazing how many of these historical figures advocated for human and sexual rights. Celina also debunked myths about sexuality and pleasure and asked critical questions like “what is sex?” and “why do we do it?”
However, we also discussed how some early sexologists had problematic perspectives and ideas. It’s a good reminder that in the history of sexology, people can be both inclusive and unaware at the same time. This is important to keep in mind, especially in this day and age.
What I found most exciting was that we, as Sex Coach U-trained sex coaches, are already operating with a new methodology under this larger umbrella of sexology. We’re doing this alongside our allies in sex education, therapy, counseling, and medicine. It’s amazing to be part of this field, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Masters & Johnson
I enjoyed learning about the influential researchers who have shaped sexology as we know it. Masters and Johnson, who are considered the “mom and dad” of sexology, stood out to me. William Masters was a gynecologist who specialized in fertility, and in 1954, he set up a lab at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis to research human sexual response.
He hired Virginia Johnson to join his research team, and together they observed and recorded over 10,000 orgasms in both women and men in a controlled setting. They used devices to measure physiological changes in the body during sexual activity, and in 1966, they published the first model for the Human Sexual Response Cycle, consisting of four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.
What I found particularly interesting was their development of the “sensate focus” technique. This technique encourages partners to explore sensuality and connection without the pressure of sexual intercourse or performance. It’s a great opportunity to tune in to your body and learn how to communicate with your partner. Although the technique was initially developed for heterosexual and married couples, the principles can be applied to any partnership.
It’s fascinating to see how Masters and Johnson’s work has contributed to our understanding of human sexuality, and it’s a reminder of how far we have come in the field of sexology.
Self-care
As I’ve progressed through my sex coach training program, I’ve become increasingly aware of the emotional challenges that come with this line of work. While I’m passionate about helping others explore their sexuality in a healthy and fulfilling way, it’s important that I also prioritize my own well-being.
My work-life balance worries haven’t totally disappeared–and I’m feeling the negative effects of sitting at my computer for too long. I turned 41 on Wednesday, and it made me stop and think about how I’ve been neglecting my well-being recently.
So, this week, I made a point to drink plenty of water and visited the optician and the chiropractor. Non-glamorous and totally essential self-care! Plus, I’ve started to incorporate more movement into my daily routine.
To help with this, I’ve started using the Pomodoro technique, which involves breaking up my workday into 25-minute intervals, separated by short breaks. During each break, I jump up and down on my rebounder or do a few stretching exercises to get my blood flowing and my body moving.
This technique has helped me stay focused and productive during work hours and also helps me avoid feeling stagnant or burnt out by the end of the day.
In addition to these physical self-care practices, I’ve also been making time for activities that bring me joy and help me relax. Because after all, an aspiring sex coach should make room for pleasure. For me, that includes taking long baths, walks on the beach, and spending time with my kids–the humans and the furry ones.
I know that this is an important habit to put in place. By prioritizing my own well-being, I’ll be better equipped to support my clients and show up fully in this work.
Until next time,
Lisa
