Many, if not most, of the questions people have about healthy sexuality can be answered by applying the 6 principles of healthy sexuality. It really is that simple!

So lets review the 6 principles and how to apply them...

• Consent: This involves explicit agreement to engage in the activity. Consent must be given freely and without coercion. Consent is also ongoing, as activities change consent is needed and may be withdrawn at any point in time. All individuals engaging in the activity must also have the legal ability to consent. Meaning they are of legal age to consent and there is not a clear power dynamic in place that makes consenting questionable (such as therapist and client/ doctor and patient/ Boss and employee / etc.).

• Non-exploitative: The sexual activity must take care to not exploit anyone, using an imbalance of power. This can relate to those in power using their status to coerce individuals to engage in sexual activity (For example a boss expecting sex in exchange for an employee to keep their job or get a premotion). This involves taking advantage of someone's situation and heavily related back to consent.

• Protection: Is everyone involved on the same page regarding ensuring protection from STI's HIV's and pregnancy? Has everyone been tested and shared their status? What birth control methods are being used? Is PrEP or HIV medication necessary or being taken appropriately?

• Honesty: Involves open and honest communication with all involved. Everyone should be transparent about their sexual health history or anything that may affect those engaging in the activity. This also involves expressing needs and wants during the encounter and respecting those of your partner(s). Keeping any agreements is also essential to honesty (Ex: Did you agree to use condoms with all other partners?)

• Shared Values: This one can be tricky, but it basically means everyone engaging in the activity are on the same page about what it means to them. For example, is one partner expecting this to be a fling or one night stand while the other is expecting a longer-term relationship? Shared values involves discussing personal ethics surrounding sex and clarifying when needed.

• Pleasure: So often this aspect of sexual health is ignored in modern discussions of health and safety, but pleasure is just as essential as the rest of the principles! Pleasure is the main reason that we engage in sexual activities in the first place! Pleasure in this case does not mean absence of pain, but rather the mutual satisfaction of the activity for all parties involved. Human sexuality is an ongoing journey of finding all of the beautiful ways to connect with your body, connect with others, and experience pleasure.

As you can probably tell, there is a lot of overlap between these principles and a variety of ways to apply them. Don't worry, this takes practice! But if you're feeling extra stuck of like you need some more guidance, feel free to reach out or book a session!

Thanks for reading!

- Caitlyn