AROUSAL TEMPLATE - DEFINING YOUR SEXUAL SELF
Nov 25, 2022
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When you think of the phrase 'arousal template', what do you think of?
Well, when you do a google search, the literature on arousal templates seem to be linked to sex addiction and recovery. Dr. Patrick Carnes originally defined a person's arousal template as a compilation of thoughts, images, behaviors, sounds, smells, sights, fantasies, and objects that sexually arouse us. In an effort to model sex positivity in larger American culture, I want to challenge the tether between arousal templates and the limiting singular intention of treating sexual addiction. The evolution of your arousal template can act to embrace sexual enlightenment and can come from loving all that is you... which can be a healthy, beautiful thing. SEX POSITIVE!Let's make a choice to veer away from automatic pathology of sex. In my clinical belief, every human being has an inherent arousal template (we are developed with evolutionary drives to procreate and belong to a larger social group). The arousal template itself is a neutral entity.
Could portions of it encapsulate unhealthy frameworks of sexuality (like addiction or abuse) or be built on negative life experiences, such as sexual trauma or gender-shaming? Absolutely. |
This is part of why identifying your own unique template is so important. So that we can be mindful of our own needs, wants and limitations within and outside of the bedroom. And so that our partner(s) have access to the information needed to show respect to our needs, wants or limitations.
WHAT'S AN AROUSAL TEMPLATE MADE OF?
- philosophies of sexuality?
- intriguing topics related to arousal?
- known entities related to desire, arousal or orgasm?
- preferred gender pronoun?
- where do you lay on the sexual orientation spectrum?
- in what ways do you link sexuality with positivity (uplifting, pleasant emotional response) and in what
ways do you link sexuality with negativity (heavy, unpleasant emotional response)?
- your sexual history (memories that include sexuality, body form, “firsts”, etc)
- religious or spiritual beliefs associated to sexuality?
- presence of shame or guilt related to body form or sexual acts?
- what encourages you to tether sexual energy to one person / entity more than another?
- what turns you on or off?
- how much / in what way to you embody both masculine and feminine energy? what forms of energy
do you seek in a sexual partner?
- what was modeled for you for affection in your family of origin?
- what role does sex play in your life? (i.e. how do you prioritize it with other life values? how much
time do you choose to devote to it?)
- beliefs on the use of sex toys, pornography, masturbatory aids?
- what is your preferred relationship structure? why?
REFLECT
It's impossible to communicate what we want / don't want to those that we connect with if we are unsure ourselves. This activity helps make your template concrete enough to be verbalized in a clear way that can be understood by a partner. If you are celebrating life without a committed partner, this activity helps confirm the many aspects of your arousal template so that you can better love yourself in all of your unique glory.
Enjoy yourselves and each other. ;)
Enjoy yourselves and each other. ;)
DR STEPHANIE P. BATHURST, PH.D, LCMFT
Board Certified Clinical Sexologist
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
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