Dr Natasha Alexander is a clinical psychologist. She is also founder of Consentability, a vibrant new service providing provides education and advice on sexuality and relationships for adults with intellectual disabilities. Here Natasha shares about a recent turning point in her own life; the importance of boundaries (this month's theme for the Women Howling at the Moon community); and the role of a women's empowerment community such as Women Howling at the Moon in her life. "I had been following Chris and Women Howling at the Moon for a few months before I decided to be brave and turn up. I'm so glad I did. It is such a great feeling to be with a group of women of all ages and backgrounds, knowing that they have your back. The session on courage was a real turning point for me, helping me to step out of my comfort zone and commit to my soul purpose. Thoughts on boundaries As a clinical psychologist I do a lot of thinking about boundaries in my work. Even more so now that I am going to be specialising in sexuality and disability. There is more than just therapeutic boundaries to think about though. Our own personal boundaries, boundaries imposed on us by other people's values and beliefs, or those of the organisation we work for. 😀 | Dr Natasha Alexander, Clinical Psychologist and founder of Consentability: Advice on Sexuality and Relationships for Adults with Disabilities. I have had times where I have felt the burden of all that is wrong in the world, and felt hopeless and helpless. By creating a niche, a kind of boundary I guess, I am carving a space where I can focus and make change. Some boundaries need to stay in place to protect us, while others can be gently (or firmly) pushed and reshaped. Having the support of the awesome Chris and such an inspiring group of women has been so important in helping me to work it all out!" |
Find Natasha at Consentability's website and Facebook page.
Workshop: In late October, Dr Alexander and Pam Corcoran (Narrative Therapist and Clinical Social Worker) are co-leading a two-day program in Brisbane in late October on "Rethinking Sexuality and Intellectual Disability: Essential Skills in working with Consent, Safeguarding and Self-Determination". Details available here".
Next Women Howling at the Moon event: Setting Bold Boundaries
#settingboldboundaries *natashaalexander #consentability #rethinkingsexualityandintellectualdisability