The Sessions 2012

Mark O'Brien's life in the iron lung and decision to pursue sex

In Berkeley, California, in 1988, Mark O'Brien, a 38-year-old poet, lives in an iron lung due to polio. Realizing that he may never have sex, he resolves to lose his virginity before it's too late. He decides to seek help to achieve intimacy within the constraints of his condition.

Mark's proposal to Amanda is rejected

Mark proposes to his caretaker Amanda, hoping for a relationship, but she declines. The rejection makes him realize that romance within his situation will be difficult. This pushes him to consider professional help to achieve intimacy.

Advice from Father Brendan guides the path forward

Seeking guidance, Mark speaks with Father Brendan, his priest, who offers compassionate support for his plan to pursue sex. The priest helps him think about desire, ethics, and mortality in a humane way. This conversation sets a respectful tone for what follows.

Cheryl Cohen-Greene becomes Mark's sex surrogate

Mark is connected with Cheryl Cohen-Greene, a professional sex surrogate. They discuss a framework of up to six sessions to explore intimacy safely. Cheryl explains boundaries and the therapeutic goals of their arrangement.

Six-session plan begins and boundaries are set

Sessions begin with clear boundaries and the practical realities of the iron lung. Mark and Cheryl start to form a rapport despite the clinical setup. The dynamic gradually shifts from strictly clinical to more personal as trust grows.

Cheryl's husband jealousy and the love poem

Cheryl's husband, who cares for her, becomes jealous and protective. He withholds a poem Mark had mailed Cheryl, signaling the strain in their personal lives. The tension foreshadows the emotional complexity of their evolving relationship.

Romantic feelings deepen during sessions

As the sessions continue, Mark and Cheryl realize they feel more than professional affection for each other. Their conversations become more personal, and trust deepens beyond formal boundaries. The surrogate-client relationship starts to blur in meaningful ways.

The couple share a sexual encounter and bond tightens

Mark and Cheryl share a sexual encounter that marks a significant shift in their relationship. The moment is framed as mutual and non-graphic, but it deepens their emotional connection. Their growing bond complicates the professional dynamic.

They end the sessions to avoid predicaments

Despite progress, they choose to end the sessions early because their feelings have become too strong to keep professional. They agree that continuing could blur boundaries and harm all involved. The decision marks a difficult but clear boundary in their relationship.

A power outage cripples the iron lung

A power outage in Mark's building causes the iron lung to fail, leaving him unable to breathe independently. He is rushed to the hospital in a life-threatening moment. The incident forces a confrontation with his mortality and prompts a medical crisis.

Mark survives and meets Susan Fernbach

Mark survives the hospital crisis and encounters a young woman named Susan Fernbach. This meeting introduces another important relationship in his life following the surrogate experience. Susan's presence adds a new dynamic to his story.