Audrey Morabito has always loved helping others. Her passion to make a difference led her to her career as a sexologist. She wanted to help people in their quest for well-being and balance. Today, she shares her journey with us in the hopes that it may help you, too.

You may think those who turn to the help of a sexologist do so only for issues related to sex and sexuality. “Indeed it is for this reason, among other things, but the definition of human sexuality is very broad,” Morabito says. “People often have a narrow definition of sexuality that comes down to the sexual act, but it's more than that. As a sexologist, we offer our support in everything related to human relations. We are here to help and equip those who feel more fragile or vulnerable in all kinds of contexts. In everyday life, each of us has a toolbox but we often forget how to use it. I'm here to support my clients and help them gain more confidence and remind them of how each of these tools work.”

When we come to the conclusion that it is time to ask for the help needed to achieve a better state of well-being, what are the motivations that drive us? “It always starts with a difficulty or discomfort experienced in everyday life. Motivations are infinitely varied. It can be a parent who has questions about the development of his child or who wants to find the right words to talk about sex with him,” Morabito explains. “There are also people who come to get help dealing with crises of all kinds. We can also talk about jealousy, break-ups or separation, sexuality, and more. There is always some form of suffering that we want to alleviate.”

To consult a sexologist means wanting to deconstruct bad relationship models and move towards healthier relationships. Morabito receives a wide variety of issues in her office, some from new parents. “There are so many questions and issues about couples becoming a family. How to preserve love within the couple? How do we juggle being new parents without losing ourselves as individuals and as a couple? In perinatality, we can explore the pre and postnatal periods. The whole emotional and psychological part of becoming a parent is just as transformative as having a child.” Morabito explains.

Being able to recognize there is a problem and pointing it out is a big step towards healing. One of Morabito’s main priorities is to help women in difficulty and victims of domestic violence. “Since the beginning of my studies, I have done a lot of volunteer work with women in difficult situations. My desire was help them to enable themselves to learn to love each other, to respect each other and especially to help themselves develop strategies to become empowered,” Morabito says. “In my practice, it has become a priority. When we go through such a difficult situation we often find ourselves without a safety net or tools and ways to regain power over our lives. Often, these women have a limited social support, limited resources and emotional distress. Counselling is an integral part of the journey towards wellness. Together we explore the difficulties experienced and we put strategies in place to help find a balance and to be on the road to empowerment.”

Despite the complexity of the different issues that Morabito addresses in each of her consultations, she remains optimistic. It's the small wins that are the most important. “When I realize that the tools and strategies put in place deliver tangible results, that my clients manage to make small changes that make their lives more enjoyable, it fills me with happiness. I can say mission accomplished. To see them regain power over their lives is a great satisfaction. We are all capable of making changes but sometimes it takes a little help and that's what I offer to those who trust me.”

Sometimes, it's easier to progress in a group setting and Morabito understands that. She offers workshops of all kinds to guide parents in the sexual education of their children, for women in difficulty or even for those with HIV. “The power of the group is undeniable. Knowing that we are not alone in experiencing this kind of questioning reassures and comforts us. There are beautiful exchanges when we discuss in groups. Walls fall and leave place for something more authentic and true,” Morabito says. Morabito also offers training sessions for workers that are adapted to the work environment such as; sexual harassment, gender equality, etc.