Pineapple Support, Blue Pearl Therapy Offer Support Group

LOS ANGELES—Pineapple Support has partnered with industry therapist Jasmine Johnson, (MSW, MA, LCSW) of Blue Pearl Therapy to host a five-week sexual trauma support program for 10 to 12 adult industry performers, beginning July 3. “Jasmine was one of the very first therapists to offer her services to Pineapple Support,” said Leya Tanit, founder and president of Pineapple Support. “She knows how important it is for performers who have experienced trauma to be able to talk with others with similar backgrounds. We hope these sessions will help performers build strong bonds and develop an ongoing support network.” Blue Pearl Therapy is a sex-worker-aware, stigma-free therapeutic practice that provides both online and offline therapy and coaching. Johnson is a licensed clinical social worker and gerontologist providing therapeutic services related to PTSD, depression and anxiety for more than 15 years. Pineapple Support was launched by Tanit in response to a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illness. In its first year alone, Pineapple Support has connected more than 200 adult performers to mental health services. “As an active clinical therapist and adult entertainer myself, I know first hand the challenges that can accompany accessing mental health support,” Johnson said. “I have been elated to partner with Pineapple Support to help bridge the gap between mental health resources and sex workers.” According to Johnson, performers can expect to meet online weekly with peers and a sex-worker-friendly therapist to discuss the impact of sexual trauma and coping skills. Performers can expect a judgment-free safe space where the only thing anyone need have in common is being a member of the adult industry community. “One of the hardest things that adult performers face is stigma from the therapeutic community,” Tanit said. “We need to meet performers on their own terms, and in an environment that understands their needs.” Pineapple Support is a registered 501(c)3 tax-deductible qualifying charity in the United States, and a registered charity in the United Kingdom. Those wishing to sign up for the group should complete a Sexual Trauma Group Support Form.