About S-Street
A Project by Diane Postell
I'm Diane Postell.
I’m an African-American cis-hetero female from Washington, DC, now living about 20 minutes from Philly with my husband of 35 years. I’ve worked as a mental health/clinical social worker for over 30 years – in hospitals and outpatient clinics, with Veterans, people with substance abuse disorders, felons on parole, sexual assault and domestic violence survivors and those with severe mental illnesses. I’ve seen a lot!
For the past decade, I’ve mainly seen couples in my private practice. After I retired from the Veterans Administration Hospital, I decided to go back to school to remain current in the field and provide the best service possible to my clients. As you know, knowledge has accelerated at light-speed. So, at age 67, I’m finishing up my Doctorate in Clinical Sexology (BTW, clinical sexology is talk therapy) and this website is my final school project.
My Qualifications
- PhD student, Clinical Sexology, Modern Sex Therapy Institutes (AASECT-approved), W. Palm Beach (FL).
- Marital & Family Therapy Certificate (3-year COAMFTE-accredited program), Family Institute of Philadelphia.
- Master of Social Service Degree, Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work & Social Research (PA).
- Master of Law & Social Policy Degree, Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work & Social Research (PA).
- Bachelor of Science Degree, Behavioral Science, Wilmington University (DE).
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (DE); Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (DE).
Why this project?
I and most of my friends/colleagues grew up in an era of NOT talking about important things like sex or feelings, and “not sharing your dirty laundry.” We don’t ask enough questions, we often don’t do our research/due diligence, and therefore, we often suffer in silence. (And, yes, I’m calling out my African-American family, especially. And other ethnic minorities. And immigrants. And women…) Our relationships suffer, we have generational trauma because of it. We’re too old for that sh*t!
According to the CDC, the US elderly population is growing (nearly 25% will be 65+ by 2060); we currently comprise 56+ million Americans. I’ve seen firsthand how services for seniors are lacking and I’m tired of sitting in classes and workshops where supposedly-educated people snicker about seniors having sex. Our society worships youth and fears and infantilizes seniors. We can at least self-advocate for our needs and wants. Again, why not?
In school, of course, most of my fellow students were younger than me. I learned that there was so much that I didn’t know that I didn’t know about sex these days (even though I’ve had a very healthy sex life). And, in talking with my non-sexology friends, they didn’t know any of it, either. So, I want to share what I’ve learned in an easy-to-digest, fun (hopefully) way, that will spur more interest in the topic. And, direct you to reliable, fact-based sources for your further information.
Questions? Comments? Let's Talk!
Fill out the form below to send a message to Diane Postell, creator of S-Street. Your information will not be shared with any third parties. The information you provide is used strictly for contact purposes. If applicable, you will receive a response from Diane shortly at the contact method you indicated in the form.