Private Practices: The Story of a Sex Surrogate

Private Practices: The Story of a Sex Surrogate is a 1985 American documentary film directed by Kirby Dick about the interaction between a sex surrogate and her clients. It is Dick's first documentary film. Private Practices focuses on sex surrogate Maureen Sullivan and two of her clients. Kipper, a 25-year-old college student, has had little sexual experience with women and seeks help overcoming his shyness. John, a 45-year-old divorcee, believes that his sexual inadequacies are preventing him from finding a new partner. Sullivan works with these men in an attempt to improve their body... image, relationship skills, and sexual satisfaction. The film also shows how these patients interact with their friends, family members, and therapists. Many scenes focus on Sullivan, who discusses her history as a surrogate and describes her own relationship difficulties. In one scene, she and her brother confront their father about his abusive behavior and unwillingness to accept Maureen's career choice. The filmmakers paid for the patients' therapy in exchange for permission to record their sessions.
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