Sex positivity on the silver screen

English: Actress Helen Hunt at Grand Rapids in 2011. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The upcoming movie, The Sessions features the relationship between Mark O’Brian and sex surrogate Cheryl Cohen-Greene. The movie is based on the life of O’Brian, who was left without the ability to move after contracting polio at age six.

The movie, which will be released in select theaters in mid to late October, shows how Cohen-Greene (Helen Hunt) helps O’Brian (John Hawkes) achieve full penetration through their work together, which will help him in his goal to attempt to maintain romantic and sexual relationships with other people.

A sexual surrogate is someone who is paid to practice intimate interactions with clients through kissing, cuddling, affection and sexual touching. Clients often have a specific physical, sexual or emotional goal they want to reach. Surrogates often work with other therapists. Sex surrogates can help men deal with erectile dysfunction and many other health and behavior challenges that might impede one’s sexual ability. Sex surrogates also see women and couples.

According to the International Professional Surrogate Association, “The legal status of surrogate partners is undefined in most of the United States and most countries around the world. This means that there are generally no laws regulating the profession.”

The script, written by Ben Lewin, was based on an article O’Brian wrote about his experiences with a sex surrogate.

A report on Patch.com said Hunt met with Cohen-Greene to prepare for the role.

“She [Hunt] discovered a ‘sex positive’ attitude that she wanted to recreate in her character. Hunt, who goes full-frontal nude in the movie without hesitation, said she was inspired by that “sex positive” attitude and wanted to incorporate in her own life.”

English: John Hawkes in 2009. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Read O’Brian’s article here. It is heartwarming and illuminating to hear his experience working with a surrogate.

For more info on sex surrogacy check out The International Professional Surrogates Association

See the story from Patch.com here.

Helen Hunt Contributes To Sex Therapist’s New Book (contactmusic.com)
Watch: John Hawkes Meets His Sex Surrogate In A New Clip From ‘The Sessions’ (pinkisthenewblog.com)

2 thoughts on “Sex positivity on the silver screen”

Surrogate Partners do not get paid to have sex. Please go to my website and check out the IPSA link for a description about what Surrogate Partners are all about.
Best,
Cheryl

Cheryl,
Thank you for the clarification. I should have been more specific. I changed it to say,
“A sexual surrogate is someone who is paid to practice intimate interactions with clients through kissing, cuddling, affection and sexual touching.”

Thanks again for your comment.
Best,

Hunter