Fascinating & thought-provoking! Among the more fascinating aspects was how confidently and warmly this woman coached her clients which contrasted with her rather fractured personal side caused by being brought up in a dysfunctional family.
Interspersed with video clips of the therapy sessions, are looks at her neighbors, her family, friends and family of the clients and her own therapy sessions which gives a three-dimensional look at these people.
It's a tad slow, and definitely a bit dated, but all in all, very well done.
The last frame gives information about a professional society that these surrogates belong to for anyone looking for this type of therapy. I think it would be helpful for anyone considering this type of therapy to watch this first, to give some idea of how it all works.
I streamed it from Netflix; no need to hunt it down at the video store.
Private Practices: The Story of a Sex Surrogate
1985
Action / Documentary
Private Practices: The Story of a Sex Surrogate
1985
Action / Documentary
78% - Audience
6.4Plot summary
In this cult doc from 1985, director Kirby Dick (This Film Is Not Yet Rated) weaves a fascinating study of the curious role of a sex surrogate in the then-new discipline of sexual therapy. Maureen Sullivan and two of her clients agreed to have the entire progression of their therapy taped, and what emerges is a disarming and compassionate look at the struggles people face in connecting with one another. Twenty-five-year-old Kipper is a virginal grad student who gets nervous just talking to a girl, let alone touching her, and John, at 45, is newly divorced and suffering from fears of sexual inadequacy. As Maureen attempts to build up their confidence, she also exposes her own doubts in this touching film that dismisses a clinical approach to sex.
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