I've been drawn to doing sexual healing work for years. This is an area that's held deep trauma as well as profound beauty and transformation. I grew up with a lot of repression and shame around sexuality, and a lot of unhealthy, co-dependent relationships. I started practicing authentic relating and met folks who participated in sacred sexuality workshops and ceremonies. There was something for me in that field.
After practicing massage for many years, I looked into Sexological Bodywork, but it isn't fully legal, so I hesitated. I finally learned about intimacy coaching through the Somatica Institute.
I always admired the presence and facilitation of my friend Susan Coates, a Somatica® coach and teacher. Something that drew me to this model in particular is the relational container. Massage is very much a one-way experience - I'm doing something to the recipient, and not bringing myself & how I'm doing to the session.
In the Somatica® model of coaching, showing up in service of you as a client includes the part of me that feels impacted by what you do and say. We practice in real time something that will support you in accessing the relationships you want outside of the coaching container. I don't simply guide you through practices - I join you in them.
This is such an edge for me. It has me learn and practice boundaries more clearly, practice opening up and being more vulnerable and authentic with new people in a professional context.
Becoming an intimacy coach is one of the most uncomfortable yet rewarding things I've done. I'm clearing out the co-dependent habits, deepening friendships, enjoying sensual play, and loving myself more. I'm supporting others in realizing their true desires, clarifying boundaries, increasing confidence, and finding nourishing, lasting relationships.
So I got into intimacy coaching because I had some work to do in myself, and now I have the capacity to help others move through the discomfort of messy relating with more grace and ease. Healing the rift been us is some of the deepest, most profound work we can do. Care to join me?
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