Core Course 3

Profound embodied learning takes place with mindful self-pleasure practice. Conscious repetition is how humans learn; thus the embodied approach to education is central for learning sex. Most of your learning and expanding your erotic capacities will happen through your own embodied practice. New developments in neuroscience have furthered our understanding of the central importance of mindful erotic practice in somatic sex education.

Staci Haines says that recovering from sexual trauma involves completing and transitioning out of the automatic responses that trauma can leave behind in the body. “Finding pleasure on purpose” is central to healing. Her approach to somatic healing from sexual abuse is taught in this unit. Additional readings are from clients who have experienced healing from somatic sex education, and practitioners who have trauma healing as a focus of their practice.

Erotic touch is perhaps the most controversial, and yet the most important aspect of the bodywork practices offered by somatic sex educators. In this unit, we learn about the science behind the practice. We learn about technologies for creating erotic rituals that are appropriate to the level of empowerment and vulnerability we assess in our clients.

Moving while receiving erotic touch, plus communicating with empowered choice and voice, can be a radical departure from habitual ways of experiencing the erotic. This unit includes a discussion of “Erotic Massage Dancing.” Students learn how shame can manifest as distractions that take us out of the present moment, and how to support people in staying present with pleasure.

In this unit we focus on anal pleasure, anal anatomy, sexual shame and the anal taboo. This is one of the most nerve-rich pleasure centers of the body. Work in the anal area is crucial for full and deep embodiment. Attention is given to how in exploring the contours of the body we are also exploring the contours of the psyche, the soul.

Scar tissue impairs genital sensation for many people. Massage on the scar tissue can bring back sensation. Sessions focused on “genital dearmouring” help clients to connect with sensation and emotions that are held in the tissues of the pelvis.

This unit discusses how we can guide our clients in accessing and making use of erotic trance. Ecstatic erotic massage engages the biochemistry of ecstasy. We discuss how ecstatic erotic massage can crafted to be safeenough for survivors of sexualized violence.

Informed by the learning of the past 8 units, this unit invites you to feel into your unique offering. Given all the learnings you bring to this work, your personal values, your sense of what the world needs from you, and your vision of your future, consider your gift to the world. Move into a space of creative contribution to the field of somatic sex education, and make a plan for your practice. Readings and video viewing on basic business practices, envisioning your business, and marketing for somatic sex educators.