euphemistically

Since therapists are naturally patient-oriented, sex therapists are of course those with sexual behavior disorders. And because of the close relationship between sex and love, most people with sexual disorders will have emotional deficits, so if the treatment is successful, it is almost certain that a transference situation will arise. As such, Cheryl is a little unprofessional in being overwhelmed by Mark's empathy. As for the treatment content, I have reservations about whether or not sexual intercourse should be performed. From the first meeting Cheryl emphasized the difference between herself and ordinary prostitutes. But I think if the difference is only spiritual, it's a high-class prostitute at best. There should be a definite and clear dividing line, the best of which is whether or not to have sex with a client. Cheryl had sex with a client and visibly pleasured for the last time, which is basically the same as a prostitute.
Since the physically handicapped do need more guidance, this makes the counseling in this film more just. But through the phone call from a friend and Cheryl to confirm whether she can help the disabled, it can be seen that she mainly focuses on counseling able-bodied people. And to be honest, for a healthy person, 90% of the sexual behavior disorder is a psychological problem. Most of this kind of psychological problem is caused by lack of self-confidence. Therefore, as long as you succeed once, your confidence will be established, and if you succeed twice, you will have confidence. Strengthening, if you succeed many times, you will become fierce if you can't prepare. It's like the second time Mark thinks he can make the other person orgasm. So as long as a prostitute with better bed skills and a little patience can complete this task.
In addition, no matter how many spiritual things are in it, the essence of this matter is that one party pays the fee and the other party has sex with it. This, at least in our country, is clearly defined as prostitution and whoring. (It seems that every country defines it this way, but the punishment varies.)
Last but not least, Cheryl has a husband and a son, which is another reason why people can't accept her profession. Before her baptism, Cheryl did not dare to say her profession, which also reflected that she also knew that her behavior was not accepted by the public.

Trivia:
1.John Hawkes uses a cushion on one side of his body to make his spine look unnaturally curved and twisted.
2. John Hawkes avoided any exercise before and during filming in order to appear more disabled.
3. The filming is based on Mark O'Brien's May 1990 Sun Magazine article "On Seeing a Sex Surrogate"

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