Talking about one's intimate life and the shortcomings of one's own body? For many, just the thought of it is uncomfortable. Specialist in gynecology, obstetrics, and sexual therapy, Johanna Janku, aims to counter this shame and lack of knowledge through her founded company 'Oh yes baby yes.' In individual and couples therapy, the practice supports and guides people on their path to a fulfilling sexuality.
Why is a fulfilling sexuality so important?
During individual and couples therapy in our practice, there is no nudity or genital touching. In addition to talk therapy, we use mindfulness and meditation exercises and methods to promote body awareness. Here, I would like to mention the 'pelvic swing,' which is a movement exercise for mobilizing the pelvis. The flowing movement promotes blood circulation in the entire pelvic floor, including the sexual organs, leading to more sensuality and increased desire. We provide individually tailored exercises to practice at home, allowing individuals to apply theoretical knowledge in their familiar environment and further reinforce what they have learned. In some cases, parallel psychotherapy or trauma therapy may be advisable and can work synergistically. There is a misconception that these two forms of therapy might contradict each other.
Are there common myths or misconceptions about sexual therapy that you would like to clarify?
During individual and couples therapy in our practice, there is no nudity or genital touching. In addition to talk therapy, we use mindfulness and meditation exercises and methods to promote body awareness. Here, I would like to mention the 'pelvic swing,' which is a movement exercise for mobilizing the pelvis. The flowing movement promotes blood circulation in the entire pelvic floor, including the sexual organs, leading to more sensuality and increased desire. We provide individually tailored exercises to practice at home, allowing individuals to apply theoretical knowledge in their familiar environment and further reinforce what they have learned. In some cases, parallel psychotherapy or trauma therapy may be advisable and can work synergistically. There is a misconception that these two forms of therapy might contradict each other.
How can one imagine the process of sexual therapy?
Sexual therapy follows a structured approach: first, we conduct an initial, longer conversation with the goal of getting to know each other. Through systematic questioning, we initially assess the person's health. Any previous medical examinations or psychological conditions are evaluated. Depending on the reason for therapy, further medical examination may be advisable. Subsequently, in the initial conversation, we gather the individual's sexual history. The current symptoms, trigger situations, timing, and any interpersonal problems are the focus. We also evaluate the sexual biography, sexual preferences/desires, and past attempts at solutions and treatments. Together, we define a treatment goal. To realistically achieve this goal, we encourage individuals to celebrate small milestones as achievements on the path to their treatment goal. A treatment can take a few weeks but also several months.
What are the most common issues people come to you with?
The most common reasons among women are orgasm disorders (such as not experiencing an orgasm), reduced sexual desire, or lack of interest. Men can also experience these issues, but primarily, they come with concerns about erectile dysfunction (inability to achieve or maintain an erection) or premature ejaculation. Occasional sexual issues are not unusual, but the individually experienced distress is crucial, and it can also affect the partnership.
What do you aim to achieve with 'Oh yes baby yes'?
'Oh yes baby yes' aims to provide a safe space for discussing taboo topics. We want to encourage individuals to step out of their comfort zone, break free from social conditioning and limiting beliefs. Sexual desires, fantasies, traumatic experiences, and individually experienced distress can be expressed without shame. We want to provide knowledge with a focus on the individual's sexual situation, allowing them to view their body from a new perspective. Even if the body is not perceived as ideal in subjective terms, a fulfilling intimate life is still possible. We also want to assist young parents, who naturally face challenges in their new roles, in giving space to the topic of sexual intimacy. We want to be there when significant life stressors lead to a crisis of meaning or relationship (e.g., diagnosis of a new illness, accident, change in life circumstances). We want to help people find their own voice, to be able to say what they like, recognize their needs within the context of a partnership, and express them. Overall, our focus is on improving the quality of life."
'Oh yes baby yes.' Johanna Janku, why is your company named that?
I was greatly inspired by the sociologist and sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer (born in June 1928 in Germany). As a Holocaust survivor, she later immigrated to the United States and in the 1980s, she hosted a radio show where she provided advice on sexual issues over the phone. This was at a time when intimate love life was a much greater taboo than it is today. My favorite quote from her is, 'When it comes to sex, the most important 15 centimeters are the ones between the ears!' She always conveyed her messages with joy, benevolence, and a positive attitude under the motto 'Joie de Vivre.' With 'Oh yes baby yes,' we also want to promote a positive outlook on life, but in a modern and fresh way to be in tune with the 21st century. The name 'Oh yes baby yes' is not just an expression of pleasure but can also mean 'Oh yes, I have learned something new about myself' or 'Oh yes, I can do it this way too.'
Interview by Linda Carstensen - Tagesanzeiger
Below you will find the link to the digital version as well as the attached PDF so that you can take a look at the result at your leisure.
Here is the direct link to your online feature by Oh yes baby yes ❤️
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