Given the time & customs it's actually not that surprising. What is now seen as nothing especially noteworthy, gay sex, interracial sex, private masturbation, etc., was commonly viewed from a much more judgemental aspect at the time. As a result, something of that nature could act as a "withhold" in a session setting and interfere with a pcs progress.
The real question boils down to whether the pc sees the event as some sort of "overt" or other item which "must be withheld". If so then identifying the issue can be helpful in an auditing session, and Jo'burgs are often given in auditing. I've known pcs to give up "overts" and "withholds" which really weren't anything terribly shocking or "sinful" but about which the pc himself felt "shame" or had some sort of feeling of discomfort in "being found out".
In every instance discussing the "withhold" improved the session communication and the pc's attitude and sense of well-being. In fact, it often enough lead to some subsequent cognition relevant to the circumstance.
Jo'burgs are not innately "punitive" in themselves. Even when given in ethics. It's a matter of how they are delivered and what treatment results from their administration. They can be quite enjoyable. It's all a matter of intention.
Mark A. Baker
