Dr. Neustifter utilizes various qualitative methodologies to explore her areas of interest, which include issues of sexual well-being, sexuality and gender diversity, and survival of sexual and intimate partner violence. She draws particular inspiration from social constructionist ideas, sex-posi...
Dr. Neustifter utilizes various qualitative methodologies to explore her areas of interest, which include issues of sexual well-being, sexuality and gender diversity, and survival of sexual and intimate partner violence. She draws particular inspiration from social constructionist ideas, sex-positive feminism, and the strengths-based perspective. Recent projects have focused on: survivors of intimate partner violence in new, non-violent relationships; providing sex-positive, pleasure-based education in shelters; working with sex workers to create new opportunities to share their experiences and knowledge in their own words; educating therapists on kinky and open relationships; experiences of queerness across adulthood; and assisting parents with raising children to become sexually healthy adults.
Neustifter is a registered family therapist and assistant professor who teaches classes within the Couple & Family Therapy Program (CFT) and Department of Family Relations & Applied Nutrition. Her courses cover topics that include couple and family relationships, trauma, pre-practicum, and narrative practicum. Neustifter also offers regular guest lectures and workshops on various aspects of sex and intimacy on campus and internationally. The creation and nurturance of sex-positive community, outreach, and knowledge are at the heart of much of her work, and she recognizes an essential link between non-violence (relational and societal) and sex-positivity.
Neustifter is active on social media and frequently uses digital opportunities for teaching, data collection, research dissemination, and outreach efforts. You can find her updated CV as well as information about her research, writing, presentations, and media interviews on her Academia.edu profile, located at: http://uoguelph.academia.edu/RuthNeustifter.