A myriad of factors influence Monique’s wellbeing, some of which fall under biological, psychological, and social aspects. Williams et al. (2013) expound on the positive sex approach, sexual minorities, and empowerment related to sex education. The authors assert that a positive sex approach recognizes sexual diversity and considers personal preferences. The authors also emphasize the marginalization of sexual minorities and the discrimination of those with erotic sexual preferences. Being a cisgender lesbian, Monique is exposed to discrimination and stigmatization from the community and society in general. Given the controversy surrounding her sexuality, she might not have approached her sexuality from a self-care point of view. According to Esther Perel (n.d), self-care does not only entail taking care of one’s face but also other sexual elements. One should be able to understand things that turn them on or off. Monique has not put enough effort into considering her sexuality and sex life from an erotic point of view on a micro-level.
Besides the social and personal aspects that affect her sexual desires, there are social work themes that are clinically relevant to her case, all of which influence her emotionally, psychologically, and physically. Medical stressors that are affecting her include birth control medication and those used to manage Sciatica and Poly-Cystic Ovary Syndrome. This has been exacerbated by her body weight, which has been influenced by the changes happening in her life. She is also stressed about family, personal responsibilities and is socially isolated. She has to take care of her brother, study, and work at the same time. The lack of life balance leaves her exhausted and unable to accomplish all her duties on time. It is also worth noting that she has been diagnosed with a generalized anxiety disorder. She is depressed because of her inability to accomplish work-related goals and have a functional relationship. These are the factors that have intricately interacted to affect Monique’s sexual attraction to her partner negatively. It is also worth considering the type of their relationship if passionate or compassionate love ( Sheets, (2014). Mainly, if they have passionate love for each other, they may be going through a storming stage.
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The biopsychosocial model would ensure Monique’s treatment is holistic and dynamic. Therefore, in this case, the biopsychosocial therapy approach would be the best in ensuring treatment is effectively delivered and adhered to by the patient. In response to Monique’s case, the series of events would be biopsychosocial assessment, conceptualizing the case, and putting in place a treatment plan. In the assessment process, it will be possible to identify the primary problem. Here, several issues need urgent intervention. They are anxiety, depression, and her inability to connect with her partner intimately. From the client’s physical appearance, it would be possible to assess the level of their anxiety and mental status. After considering personal impressions and diagnosing the client, it would be necessary to develop goals and recommendations to ensure an evidence-based approach to the issue.
According to Kathleen Hema (2020), some of the aspects that encompass cycles of sexuality include sexual identity, gender stereotypes, gender expression, and norms. Sexual health and the reproductive cycle are also part of this. In the therapy process, these issues could fall under social and biological problems. They must be comprehensively touched on, and the patient made to understand reproductive health, especially because she is a cisgender woman and falls under a category where reproductive health discussions are not common. Sexual education should also be incorporated into the therapy process. This element of therapy will entail in-depth communication and an understanding between the patient and therapist. While sex education has mainly been confined to school and to youths and teens, incorporating an indirect sex-positive sexual education will make it possible for the therapist and Monique to freely discuss sexual practices, myths, and moral panic is necessary (Williams et al. 2013). The approach could also be combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy because of the urgent need to deal with the patient’s Generalized Anxiety Disorder and depression.
The social work interventions that would help Monique are medical care, therapy, and social support in helping her join LGBT and advocacy support groups. Mental health interventions would also come in handy to help her deal with her anxiety and depression. According to Williams et al. (2013), many mental health clinics have a discriminative approach towards individuals with erotic sexual preferences. There is a need for social workers who intervene in her case to ensure she has access to care and that her orientation is understood and not judged. Additionally, the authors espouse that human sexuality is highly dynamic, hence the need for discussion in an open, respectful and non-judgmental manner. The best place for such a conversation to take place is in an LGBT support group. Therapy is essential in helping her regain her mental wellbeing and intimacy with her partner. Most importantly, medical care would be necessary to ensure better management of Sciatica and Poly-Cystic Ovary Syndrome.
My countertransference and personal process while reading Monique’s story is having mixed reactions. While she comes across as feeling less understood and marginalized, I viewed her situation as the new norm in some communities. The LGBT community is, for example, becoming acceptable in most societies around the world. I sympathized with her inability to strike a balance in her undertakings and immediately considered different ways to make her environment comfortable. I felt benevolent when she came across as being affected by societal norms and cultures that defer from hers. It was, however, difficult to project feelings related to understanding her gender.
From a social work practice perspective, Monique’s story could end well when she gets the necessary medication, therapy and join a support group. Mental health services would come in handy to help her cope with the changes she is experiencing in her life. Where possible, financial aid to the brother could help relieve her of taking care of her siblings while educating herself and taking care of her personal needs.
References
Kathleen, M. [ #SexEd #theSexTalk ].(2020, August 25). Explaining - What is Sexuality - to Your Child Using the 5 Circles of Sexuality | SEX ED for PARENTS[Video].YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM9WllDP00o
Perel, E. The Erotic Self Why Eroticism Should Be Part of your Self-Care Plan. Retrieved 15 May 2021, from https://estherperel.com/blog/eroticism-self-care-plan?utm_campaign=Valentine%27s%20Day%20Promo%20%231%20-%20Eroticism%20-%20GA%20%28TpArxB%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=April%20Workshop&_ke=eyJrbF9jb21wYW55X2lkIjogIk41dWJEUyIsICJrbF9lbWFpbCI6ICJnYnV0bGVyQGFkZWxwaGkuZWR1In0%3D
Sheets, V. L. (2014). Passion for life: Self-expansion and passionate love across the life span. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships , 31 (7), 958-974.
Williams, D. J., Prior, E., & Wegner, J. (2013). Resolving social problems associated with sexuality: Can a “sex-positive” approach help?. Social work , 58 (3), 273-276.
