Selfcare & Sexual Wellness

Trauma Became America’s Favorite Diagnosis

In recent years, the understanding of trauma and its effects on the body and mind has undergone a significant shift. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk’s groundbreaking work, as outlined in his influential book “The Body Keeps the Score,” has become a cornerstone in therapy circles. It’s a subject that has not only attracted the attention of mental health professionals but has also found resonance in popular culture and political discourse.

Bessel van der Kolk at his home in Massachusetts

A major theme in van der Kolk’s work is how trauma, whether from abuse, neglect, or other adverse experiences, is stored in the body. This notion has led to a spectrum of therapeutic approaches aimed at both acute and developmental stressors. In some circles, the concept has also extended to the so-called “invisible traumas” like “parentification,” broadening the definition of trauma to include subtler forms of emotional neglect or dysfunction.

Particularly in the context of adults, this understanding of trauma has implications for sexual well-being. Some therapies have emerged to address specific issues like “sexual grief,” and the article notes the use of practices like psychodrama to restage scenes of family trauma, which can include sexual trauma.

Yet, van der Kolk’s theories have also drawn criticism and sparked controversy. The literal interpretation of trauma and its widespread application can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and misuse. Some argue that the broadening definition of trauma threatens to dilute its meaning, and others express concerns about the scientific rigor behind certain claims.

Despite these challenges, the new perspective on trauma has provided valuable tools for many individuals. The ability to link physical symptoms like spasms or chronic pain with traumatic experiences has allowed some to find healing. But as with all complex psychological concepts, a careful and nuanced approach is required to ensure that the insights gleaned from this emerging field translate into effective and compassionate care for those grappling with the often hidden wounds of trauma.

Source: New York Magazine

Selfcare & Sexual Wellness

Le Shaw and The Cupcake Girls partner to address systemic issues in the sex work industry

Le Shaw, the International Sexual Health and Wellness Research Institute, is excited to announce their new partnership with The Cupcake Girls, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sex workers and survivors of sex trafficking.

The Cupcake Girls offer essential resources and support services to assist individuals in need in navigating and overcoming challenges following traumatic experiences, or simply wishing to find safe resources as they continue with their careers in sex work. By partnering with The Cupcake Girls, le Shaw will contribute its expertise in scientific research and their focus on Activism and Community Engagement, to further the organization’s mission and help promote a more inclusive and respectful understanding of sex work.

“The Cupcake Girls are making substantial contributions towards empowering sex workers and survivors of sex trafficking,” Bobbi Bidochka, Director of le Shaw, explained. “Our shared values and goals make this partnership a powerful step forward in addressing the systemic issues in the industry and promoting a sex-positive culture.”

For more information about le Shaw and its partnership with The Cupcake Girls, please contact bobbi.bidochka@byborgenterprises.com.

Selfcare & Sexual Wellness

Breaking Barriers: Le Shaw Partners with New Moon Network to Promote Sex-Positive Advocacy

Le Shaw, the International Sexual Health and Wellness Research Institute, is proud to announce their strategic partnership with New Moon Network, an intermediary fund dedicated to resourcing sex worker and survivor-led organizations in the United States.

New Moon Network’s mission is to provide comprehensive support and advocacy to grassroots organizations focused on sex work, enabling them to pursue their missions effectively. Le Shaw will leverage its in-depth scientific research and industry resources to support New Moon Network’s initiatives and help build a sex-positive framework to address the systemic issues that stigmatize sex work.

Through their collaboration, both groups aim to build and promote a more informed and supportive environment for sex workers, and ultimately for the world.

Bobbi Bidochka, Director of le Shaw, emphasized the importance of this partnership: “We believe that New Moon Network is the ideal partner in our mission to support the sex work community. Their dedication to advancing advocacy for sex workers aligns perfectly with our goals, and together, we can make a significant impact in promoting human rights and enhancing sexual health.”

For more information about le Shaw and its partnership with New Moon Network, please contact bobbi.bidochka@byborgenterprises.com.

Selfcare & Sexual Wellness

Wells Fargo Faces Lawsuit for Sexist Practices

Wells Fargo was accused of sex discrimination in a lawsuit by a bond saleswoman who said that the fourth-largest U.S. bank denied pay and promotions available to men and also tolerated “unapologetically sexist” in the workplace.

The complaint was filed in federal court on Friday in Chicago by Michal Leavitt of the long accusing large U.S. banks of bias against women. Leavitt said that Wells Fargo’s practice of is noted for steering larger accounts virtually exclusively toward men in its financial institutions organizations group cost her up to a third of her potential pay.

Moreover, it forced her to wait nine years to receive a promotion from vice president to director. She added that every time she would show a frustration that the largest accounts were given to men, she would be noted: “The team here thinks of you as Brad’s second income” referring to her husband . Lastly, Leavitt also accused Wells Fargo of the poor treatment of women in relation to men.

She said that male managers would have inappropriate sexual relation with female deputy workers, and often make derogatory statements about women. According to Leavitt, “financial institutions group is a self-acknowledged ‘boys club’ where ‘locker room talk’ on the sales floor is de rigueur.” Wells Fargo had no immediate comment. Leavitt joined the San Francisco-based bank in the year of 2013 after she came from Bear Stearns.

During her time at Wells Fargo, the Illinois resident said that her treatment deteriorated, so she filed a lawsuit. She is seeking damages and changes in the bank’s account assignment . In the year of 2020, Citigroup was sued by managing director Ardith Lindsey, who said the bank tolerated a “notoriously hostile” culture, where a former top equities banker subjected her to sexual harassment and death threats.

One year before that case, Goldman Sachs agreed to pay $215 million to settle a class action that alleges a widespread bias against the women in pay and promotion . Wells Fargo spent several years detaching from a series of scandals that came from mistreating the customers. These scandals resulted in billions in fines, replacing two chief executives, and a Federal Reserve cap on assets that limits its growth to this day. The case is Leavitt v Wells Fargo Securities LLC, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, No. 24-03140.