On this episode of Good Sex @ NYU, April and Danielle are joined by Dr.Reji Mathew who is an artist, thinker, educator, and neuroscience-informed psychotherapist. Dr. Mathew is a senior clinical social worker at the Counseling and Wellness division of the NYU Student Health Center. She is trained in CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, EMDR, Narrative Therapy and the Voice Dialogue method. Dr. Mathew is an arts accessibility advocate and an Assistant Adjunct Professor at the NYU Silver School of Social Work.
The topic of conversation on the podcast today is making sex accessible for all. Dr. Mathew unpacks internalized ableism and how this impacts individuals and society. She defines the term “disability humility” and the importance of asking our sexual and romantic partners for what we need and stay open to a journey of possibility and co-discovery. Dr. Mathew recommends that we all examine the narrow depiction of pleasure in our society and seek to make sex accessible for everybody and every body type.
Many advocacy organizations like the Christopher Reeve Foundation offer spaces for conversations on sex, dating, and relationships with a disability. And that our journey with pleasure and intimacy is one that is accessible to all, critical to the holistic picture of health, well-being and happiness.
This episode may be activating for some. Be sure to listen to your body and take care of yourself!
If you or someone you know has experienced a sexual assault or relationship violence, we encourage you to reach out for support.
NYU Students: Contact the Wellness Exchange at 212-443-9999 or chat using their app and/or Sexual & Relationship Respect Services
For everyone: Contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233
For more show notes and resources, visit: https://www.nyu.edu/students/health-and-wellness/services/healthy-living/good-sex-at-nyu.html
