LOS ANGELES — Pineapple Support has expanded its corporate training initiative with a monthly online support group dedicated to back-end and support staff in the adult industry, beginning Thursday, June 2, 9 a.m. (PDT).
The group, to be led by licensed therapists Steven Mollura and Diane Obeid, will provide "a regular opportunity to meet as a group and discuss mental health in a safe space," Mollura said.
"This is a drop-in group, so there’s no pressure to stay for a certain number of sessions, and the group members may change from week-to-week," he added. "It will be an opportunity to talk about any concerns you might have or challenges you may be facing."
The sessions will be available exclusively to online adult industry corporate professionals, including model support, content reviewers, tech team members and other employees of companies that sponsor Pineapple Support.
“The adult industry needs to come together as one team to provide comprehensive support for performers,” said Leya Tanit, founder and CEO of Pineapple Support. “It’s critical that we are able to spot the signs of someone that may be struggling, as well as knowing how to navigate conversations around mental health. But it’s equally important to recognize that support staff experience their own challenges, and need support as well.”
Pineapple Support has connected over 5,000 adult performers and industry members to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling and emotional support.
“There’s a real need for increased support for those that work on the other side of the screen,” Tanit continued. "While the mental health challenges faced by content reviewers are sometimes acknowledged, many who work behind the scenes in the sex industry face challenges of their own, including some of the same stigma and discrimination as performers. I’m glad we’re reaching this underserved group.”
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