Courtney Johnson-Benson

11/08/2025

Hello folks --
I am working to wrap up data collection for my dissertation. If you work in the mental health space or know licensed professionals in the field, please consider participating or sharing the opportunity below.

I am currently a doctoral candidate in the Human Sexuality Department at the California Institute of Integral Studies.
I am recruiting participants for my PhD study. This research explores Black women and femmes’ experiences of *adultification, *hypers*xualization, and pleasure, with the goal of centering marginalized voices, advancing Black scholarship, contributing to collective knowledge, and advancing more inclusive, culturally responsive trauma-informed practices.

Who Can Participate?
Mental Health Practitioners
• Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Psychologists (PhD/PsyD), or Psychiatrists (MD/DO)
• Currently working with (or have worked with) Black women and femmes
• Live in the U.S.
• Willing to share professional insights on s*xual pleasure, adultification, hypers*xualization, and treatment practices
Format: Online survey, 15-20 minutes

Black Women & Femmes
• Identify as a Black or African American woman or femme
• Age 18 or older
• Live in the U.S.
• Willing to share experiences around s*xual pleasure, adultification, and hypers*xualization
Format: 1-on-1 interview, 60-90 minutes

How to Participate
Scan the QR code in the flyer, or please use the following secure link to get started: https://ciis.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7QJHRDrxh2leW0K

Please consider sharing your story or expertise, or passing this along to someone who may qualify.

Research Contact
Courtney Johnson-Benson, MAEd., CDP, CSC, NCPM
PhD Candidate, Human Sexuality, CIIS
cjohnson-benson@mymail.ciis.edu

This study is approved by the CIIS Institutional Review Board (IRB), the Human Research Review Committee (HRRC).

(*Note: Hypers*xualization means reducing Blackwomen & femmes to s*xual objects. Adultification means treating them as older/more mature than they are, denying their innocence, shapes s*xual pleasure, mental health, & mental health care.)

09/04/2025

If you are in the area, this is a don't miss event! Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Resource Center

08/16/2025

Issue #2

You Can’t Control the World, but You Can Control How You React to the World: Seek Small Pleasures in Everything You Do.

This quarter, I’m talking about finding freedom in how we respond, reclaiming joy as resistance, and honoring the small pleasures that sustain us.

Inside, you’ll find:
Updates on upcoming events and research
Stories of impact from counseling and community work
Resources to support your wellness journey

Because your pleasure isn’t optional, it’s revolutionary.

Read now and stay seasoned with truth, joy, and unapologetic power.

Issue #2 You Can’t Control the World, but You Can Control How You React to the World: Seek Small Pleasures in Everything You Do. This quarter, I’m talking about finding freedom in how we respond, reclaiming joy as resistance, and honoring the small pleasures that sustain us. Inside, you’ll fin

07/27/2025

I'm thrilled to share that my PhD research study is now open for participation! My dissertation work explores how experiences of *hypers*xualization and *adultification shape s*xual pleasure, mental health, and mental health care for Black women and Black femmes.

Who Can Participate?
Black Women & Femmes: If you're 18+, live in the U.S., identify as a Black woman or Black femme, and are willing to share your experiences and perspectives about s*xual pleasure and hypers*xualization.
Format: Confidential Interview

Mental Health Practitioners: Licensed counselors, social workers, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists who currently work (or have worked) with Black women and Black femme clients.
Format: Short online survey

Do you know anyone who might be a potential participant? Please share the flyers or forward this message.

Why?
Your contributions will help build collective understanding and shape culturally affirming, pleasure-centered therapeutic practices.
Participate Here: https://ciis.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7QJHRDrxh2leW0K

Questions?
Email me directly: cjohnson-benson@mymail.ciis.edu
This study is approved by the CIIS Institutional Review Board (IRB) through the Human Research Review Committee (HRRC).

Your support means so much, whether through participating, sharing with your networks, or simply spreading the word.

(**Note: “Hypers*xualization” refers to reducing Black women and femmes to s*xual objects. “Adultification” refers to treating them as older/more mature than they are, denying their innocence. Both shape experiences of s*xual pleasure, mental health, and access to care.)

06/28/2025

Y’all dis theydee been hella busy 😮‍💨 It’s been a bit quiet since returning from Aasect conference in Vegas, but for good reason! Submitted a manuscript with a fabulous co-author, wrapped up last edits on my PhD proposal portfolio, prepping for data collection and interviews, putting finishing touches on my next podcast episode, prepping for the next newsletter, and of course taking time recharge and see live music! Stick around lovelies I’ll be back soon with new ish y’all💋 With pleasure,
Mx. Courtney

06/07/2025

Me day Luxor Hotel and Casino and days 1, 2, and 3 at Aasect conference in research poster presentation, Health Alliance mixer, Plenary with . Candice Nicole dropped hella knowledge, grabbed a pic with my talented and esteemed dissertation committee member . Shemeka, reppin Human Sexuality Department, c!its in the wild , pool break 🧜🏾‍♀️ *xualityresearcher *xuality ☝🏾

04/21/2025

✨ IT’S HERE ✨

The very first issue of Seasoned Sexuality—a monthly love note to those of us reclaiming pleasure, healing in real-time, and unlearning shame—is live!

This issue includes:

🧠 Real talk on why this work matters
🎙️ An upcoming podcast episode you need to hear
📅 Upcoming events + offerings
💬 Stories from the work that moved me

Whether you’re a s*xuality educator, a curious learner, or just someone craving space just to be, this is for you.

📥 Read + Subscribe: https://bit.ly/3GxY2on

*xuality *xualityeducator

04/11/2025

🚨 Big News! The Podcast Has a New Name: Seasoned Sexuality — Same Vibe, New Spice 🚨

Still diving into The Things We’re Not Supposed to Talk About—but now with even more flavor.

This rebrand is about growth, depth, and truth. Seasoned Sexuality is where consent, kink, s*x, relationships, gender, race, media, politics, and pop culture collide. Nothing is off-limits. Everything is on the table.

I’ll explore how identity, power, pleasure, and politics shape our most intimate realities—uncensored, unapologetic, and unfiltered.

Stay tuned. Share with your people. And get ready to feel seen, heard, and challenged.

03/11/2025