Sexually Speaking: Brain Injury, Development and Behavior
Sexuality is an integral part of being human. Sexual development is one of the most significant stages in an individual’s life. Love, affection, and sexual intimacy contribute to healthy relationships, feeling connected and individual well-being. However, the physical, cognitive and emotional challenges stemming from brain injury can greatly affect an individual’s ability for healthy sexual development and the formation/maintenance of positive social and sexual relationships.
Join us for a three-part series on sexuality across the lifespan: development and disruption, forming and maintaining relationships and the complex presentation and treatment of individuals with hyposexuality and problematic sexual behavior.
Part 3: Rebuilding Intimacy and Relationships
Kyla Browning, OTR/L
Sexual function and intimacy between individuals with brain injury and caregivers is important to emotional well-being; these important connections will be discussed. Capacity to relate to others and a focus on addressing sexual function with adults with disabilities across the continuum of care, both inpatient and outpatient will be presented.
Objectives:
· Address issues that arise after brain injury in developing and maintaining social and sexual relationships
· Discuss strategies on educating caregivers/partners/spouses in supporting positive relationships
· Provide information and examples of successful therapeutic approaches to teach individuals and caregivers about how to manage issues
Kyla Browning, MS, OTR/L, graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2008 with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. She spent two years working in acute care at Johns Hopkins Hospital and has spent the past 10.5 years at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore working on the inpatient neurological rehab unit. Her specialty is focused on addressing sexual function with adults with disabilities across the continuum of care at Sinai Rehabilitation Center including acute care, inpatient, and outpatient. When Kyla is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, riding her Peloton, boating during the summer, traveling, and reading.