EPISODE 077 | Under the Red Umbrella: Sex Workers are Human Too
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For the next hour with this episode, you’ll be immersed into the unique and loving perspective of intimacy expert and sex therapist, Dr. Miro Gudelsky. You may experience internal conflict. You may blush. Or, you may be completely unfazed by the topics that come up.
Either way you’ll gain eye opening insight into the real, human issues of sex workers. From nude models at art studios to the legal dominatrix down the street, sex workers are most likely someone you love and you don’t even know it.
Whether you’re a patron or staunchly against a career in the sex industry, Dr. Miro is worth listening to to break down stereotypes, learn from an expert about an area that’s highly taboo in our society, and experience the humanization of people who are regularly dehumanized.
The thing is, regardless of what your job is, you still need access to mental health care without being judged. And that’s the gap Dr. Miro fills.
We start out with her explaining what sex therapy involves, the methodologies she employs in her own practice, and a deep dive into who she primarily treats - she focuses on sex workers and their patrons, but sees other types of people too in a variety of genders and identities who all experience human issues.
One of the most important topics we discuss is why sex work is so taboo in our society but also why there’s such a demand for it. Then, we explore the age old debate between the sex industry and radical feminists, answering the question of empowerment versus demoralization.
Ultimately, this episode is worth a listen - when the kids aren’t around of course.
Dr. Miro is incredibly passionate about her career - I mean she loves her job - and gets really animated while she’s talking, which you’ll hear in our audio, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. You’re in for a treat.
Episode Highlights
Getting to know Dr. Miro, intimacy expert, couples counselor, and sex therapist focusing on sex workers and their patrons.
An overview of what sex therapy entails - “It’s just regular talk therapy.”
How Dr. Miro uses the PLISSIT model in her practice.
Why Dr. Miro decided to become a sex therapist.
What a day in the life looks like.
How to define a “sex worker.”
Why Dr. Miro chose to focus on sex workers as her primary clientele.
Doctors are humans too who bring their own life experiences, bias, issues, and more to therapy.
How the same human issues apply to most occupations.
What makes sex work taboo yet necessary in our society.
The safety of a sexual transaction.
The sex industry is one of the only employment areas in which women make more than men.
What choice looks like for a sex worker.
The age-old debate between the sex industry and radical feminists.
There are ways to check to see if the pornography you’re watching is ethical.
Sex-positive femininity.
What sexual issues people typically bring to therapy based in comparison culture.
The impact of hiding a career in the sex industry.
Dealing with being in relationships while working in the sex industry.
The impacts of COVID-19 on sex workers (legal and illegal).
Community forming in crisis.
Someone you know is a sex worker, even if you don’t know it.
How Dr. Miro’s professional life impacts her personal life.
About Dr. Miro
Dr. Miro has been helping people with their sexuality issues for over 25 years.
A practicing Sex Therapist, Presenter, Consultant and Coach in Los Angeles and New York City, she also sees people from all over the world via online video sessions.
Having earned her Doctorate in Human Sexuality from The Institute For the Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in June 2006, she holds an Associate in Sex Education, is a certified Clinical Sexologist by the American College of Sexologists and is a certified Erotology Appraiser.
Dr. Miro maintains membership in both The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and the Society for Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS). She is approved by The Adult Performer Advocacy Committee (APAC) and a founding member of Los Angeles Sexologist Association (LASA), a member of the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF) and listed on the Kink Aware Professionals (KAP).
