Intimate Pathways Center for Sexual Health

03/03/2026

What an incredible honor today for our own Executive Director Traci A. Owen, RN, AASECT-Certified S*xuality Counselor - Supervisor, to present at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Forum Series!
This prestigious monthly education series typically features nationally renowned PhD/MD-level clinical experts from across the country. Today marked a meaningful milestone — the first time a non-PhD/MD clinician was invited to present and the first time a nurse was invited to speak.
Traci’s presentation reflects the growing national recognition that oncology s*xual health is an essential component of whole-person cancer care. As a nurse and clinical leader, her voice represents the interdisciplinary future of survivorship research and patient-centered innovation.
We are deeply grateful to:
• Dr. Antino Allen, PhD for leading the Cancer Forum Series and for the invitation
• Dr. Michael Birrer, MD, PhD, Director of the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, for his leadership and support
• Dr. Pearman Parker, PhD, MPH, RN for her fierce warrior like advocacy, leadership amd passion
• Dr. Sarah Rhoads, PhD, DNP, APRN Dean of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing,for her leadership and support of nursing excellence
• The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing
• The entire team at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute for their gracious hospitality.
Thank you for your commitment to advancing oncology s*xual health research and improving quality of life for patients and survivors.
Progress happens when institutions elevate diverse clinical voices — and today was a powerful example of that progress in action.


*xualHealth *xualHealthResearch

02/24/2026

We’re proud to celebrate our own Traci Owen, RN, BSN, CSC, SE, Executive Director & Senior Clinician at Intimate Pathways Center for S*xual Health, as she presents at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Forum Speaker Series

Traci’s lecture, “Oncology S*xual Wellness: Nurses Standing in the Gap,” highlights the vital role of s*xual health in cancer care — a topic she champions every day through her work with our clients and community.

While this is a professional lecture hosted for Cancer Institute members, we’re honored to see Traci representing Intimate Pathways on a national stage. Her ongoing dedication to advancing s*xual health education, advocacy, and compassionate clinical care continues to move our mission forward across the country.

Please join us in congratulating Traci on this meaningful recognition and impact!

02/16/2026

🚫 Myth: Desire should just show up hot and heavy with easy access.

✅ Truth: Desire often unfolds through closeness, safety, and
no-demand, tender connection.

Pressure pushes desire away. Connection invites desire the space to show up. 💜

It’s late in the evening. The house is finally quiet. A lamp casts a soft, warm glow across the room. One partner is curled into the couch, scrolling on their phone, shoulders slightly slumped—half-tired, half-unwinding. The other lingers in the doorway for a moment, noticing the quiet, the stil...

02/15/2026

So Valentines Day 2026 roared in with sneezing, so much mucous, a red nose, and hacky cough. Life be lifing. I apologized for messing up our Valentine plans. My husband says, “we care for each other every day, not one day.” He loves me so big. He loves me in the mess.
Happy Valentines Day 💜❤️‍🩹💜 T

02/10/2026

I would love to invite you to my website to read my latest blog where I talk about the dance of initiation. I would love to hear your thoughts. Take peace, Traci🤩

*xualHealth

It’s late in the evening. The house is finally quiet. A lamp casts a soft, warm glow across the room. One partner is curled into the couch, scrolling on their phone, shoulders slightly slumped—half-tired, half-unwinding. The other lingers in the doorway for a moment, noticing the quiet, the stil...

02/10/2026

🔥Saucy, S3xy, and Safe 😉

Midlife + s3x can be powerful, playful, and deeply connected — and safety still matters.

STIs don’t check your age before showing up.
Condoms are about staying healthy so you can keep enjoying your body, your partner, and your desire. 🎉

Studies show that STI diagnoses among people 65 and older climbed by nearly 24% in recent years. 🧐
In fact, rates of common bacterial STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis more than doubled over the past decade for adults 55+ in the U.S. — showing this isn’t a “young person problem.”
👩👩‍🦳👨👨‍🦳

🛡️ Care for your body
✨ Protect your pleasure

Because confidence is knowing you’re taking care of yourself.
💜 Traci

Currently, condoms are the only widely available, proven method for preventing pregnancy and reducing transmission of HIV and other s*xually transmitted infections (STIs) during s*x. Condoms work.

01/31/2026

Pre-Valentine date with my honey tonight. So excited!!!💜

01/31/2026

Picture this: a quiet evening, soft light, a lingering touch… but instead of expectations, there’s curiosity.
Connecting before asking for s*x can open the door to desire we never knew was there.
Learn how inviting connection first rewrites the story of intimacy.

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts. Take Peace, Traci💜

It’s late in the evening. The house is finally quiet. A lamp casts a soft, warm glow across the room. One partner is curled into the couch, scrolling on their phone, shoulders slightly slumped—half-tired, half-unwinding. The other lingers in the doorway for a moment, noticing the quiet, the stil...

01/25/2026

This was a great read and deep reminder that running in the wheel of busyness and people pleasing will only bring chronic stress into our bodies. It is hard to be silent and still with yourself! Goals to set and habits to break! What helps you into the quiet places? 🌨️❄️🌬️

By Deepak Chopra, MD, FACP, FRCP Asleep: The active mind is constantly stressed Awake: The deeper mind brings the wisdom of silence Stress seems to catch us in a double bind—it is inescapable, but people do little to reduce it. This isn’t an unavoidable part of the human condition.

01/21/2026

🌞 Hugging is a Superpower 🌼
Today is National Hugging Day, a reminder that safe, human connection can be deeply healing.

When shared with consent and care, hugs offer powerful benefits for our bodies, hearts, and nervous systems:

✨ 5 Benefits of Hugging & Being Hugged ✨

1️⃣ Reduces stress – Hugs help lower cortisol and calm the nervous system
2️⃣ Boosts emotional safety – Physical connection can increase feelings of trust and security
3️⃣ Releases oxytocin – The “bonding hormone” that supports connection and closeness
4️⃣ Supports mental health – Hugs can ease feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and sadness
5️⃣ Strengthens relationships – Loving touch helps reinforce intimacy and emotional connection

If it feels right today, share a hug with someone you care about—or offer one to yourself. Virtual hugs,💜 Traci

12/31/2025

Goodbye, 2025.

This week I’ve spent time sifting through memories of 2025 —of the people who have touched my life, and of the profound gift of being allowed to touch the hearts of others.

In 2025, I completed my very first clinical research project in collaboration with UAMS and the NIH. Through this work, I had the honor of sharing intimate space with 40 women across the United States. Wow. I am forever humbled by the courage it takes to tell one’s story, and I never stop being moved by the privilege of listening.

This year also gave me a national stage to speak boldly about oncology s*xual health with cancer care providers across the country. My voice is loud and proud on behalf of cancer patients and their partners who navigate extraordinary relational and intimate challenges along the way.

My private practice as a S*xuality Counselor continues to bring me deep fulfillment. Living inside relationships means holding joy, grief, longing, despair, and hope—sometimes all at once. When people invite me into that sacred space, where empathy must be center stage, it is nothing short of a gift.

As I look toward 2026, I am stepping forward gently, with eyes open to new opportunities. I am committed to protecting my peace. I am loving deeply and holding tightly to those who love me in return.

With gratitude, reflection, and hope—
Here’s to what has been, and what’s still unfolding. 🌟💥💜