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TweetChat with Dr. Lee Phillips

Author :- Dr. Lee Phillips March 22, 2021, 9:43 p.m.
TweetChat with Dr. Lee Phillips

Tickle.Life welcomes Dr. Lee Phillips as its TweetChat guest to talk about shame and sexuality. Being a kink and poly aware therapist and a Certified Sex Therapist where he treats chronic illness and sexual dysfunction, Dr. Lee Phillips has been in private practice for more than a decade, working with individuals and couples on sexuality after chronic illness.

He lectures on topics including sexuality, chronic pain, preventative services, anxiety and stress management, caregiving stress, depression in the elderly, mindfulness and cognitive strategies for chronic pain, reclaiming sexuality for couples with chronic illness, ethical decision-making, the assessment of mental disorders, and exploring sexual communication, pleasure, and freedom for gender minorities with chronic illness, pain, and other disabilities. He is currently writing his first book, Sex & Love When You Are Sick. Besides, Dr. Phillips is an adjunct professor in the Master of Social Work Program with the School of Social Work at Western New Mexico University.

Q1 Tell us a little about yourself, what do you do, and what are you passionate about? #LetsTickle @Lee59085544

A1 Hello my name is Dr. Lee Phillips. I am a licensed psychotherapist and a certified sex therapist. I am a writer and professor. I specialize in sexuality and chronic illness #LetsTickle

Q2 Let's talk about shame and how it relates to chronic illness and sexuality. Please share your insights. #LetsTickle @Lee59085544

A2 Shame shows up all the time. I call it the shame monster! When someone receives a diagnosis of a chronic illness. They often feel they are broken, and they will never have the life they once lived. We have to realize there is a new normal and there is hope. You can still be a sexual person. We all deserve pleasure! #LetsTickle #LetsTickle

Q3 How to overcome shame when while battling a chronic illness? @Lee59085544 #LetsTickle

A3 It is critical to talk about it and therapy can help! We have to realize that when so many changes in a person’s life due to illness and disability, sex can be a powerful source of intimacy. #LetsTickle

Q4 How critical is it to establish the emotional connection before we work on reclaiming sexuality? @Lee59085544 #LetsTickle

A4 Sex at its heart is about sexual communication. When one can feel safe, their vulnerability can lead to empowerment! They can then address their sexual likes and dislikes. #LetsTickle People then start to look at it as a sexual adventure in the new normal. They do not have to worry about performance-based sex. It’s all about pleasure #LetsTickle

Q5 We observe a continuum of degrees of intimacy in relationships, but what happens when an illness strikes? What is your advice to partners?

A5 It is recommended they take a gentle approach, and they can start to get curious about each other. Once they feel safe and heard, they can get curious about their partner and get creative with their sex. #LetsTickle It is critical to have regular check-ins. This is an intimacy builder! #LetsTickle

Originally went live @TickleLife on Twitter, on January, 10th '21.