What is Somatic Sexology?
My path to somatic sexology began while I was watching the series Sex, Love & Goop on Netflix, which follows courageous couples who, with the help of experts, learn lessons and methods to maintain the libido in their relationships.
Where it all began…
The approach they show in sexology was very unique and intriguing and made me want to learn more about this subject in Australia.
So why in Australia?
Interesting fact but somatic sexology is an illegal practice in most countries except for some few like the state of California and Australia.
Why? Because the practitioner is allowed to touch the body and intimate part of his/her client (of course with his total consent).
I was hesitant to do the training program to become a somatic sexologist at the Institute of Somatic Sexology but I wasn’t sure that this path was for me. After talking with Uma from the faculty, we decided it would be better to be a volunteer with one of their students.
So in July 2022, I became a volunteer to the lovely somatic sexologist Ania White, in the beautiful White Dakini Studio in Sydney. We both went on an intense and liberating 4-month journey together. Now it’s time to dive into the subject matter👇🏻🌸
White Dakini Studio, Sydney
Definition : Somatic Renaissance
A combination of ancestral spiritual practices and cutting-edge scientific research
Here is a great definition from the Institute of Somatic Sexology*:
“Somatic sexology is the meeting of somatics (focusing awareness through the body), with sexology (the scientific study of human sexuality). It is the merging of practices from time-tested traditions such as yoga, meditation and tantra, with cutting edge research in neuroscience, psychology and somatic learning theory.
Somatic sexology develops ‘embodiment’, which is deeper presence, awareness and understanding of what is going on in your body and in sex. Embodiment releases body-mind restrictions that inhibit pleasure, and allows space for greater growth, choice and play. Advances in neuroscience in recent years show how the mind and body are in the constant process of influencing each other, and provide evidence that supports the need for somatic practices in sexology, psychology, and other client-centred helping professions.
This research contributes to what we are calling a somatic renaissance. Rather than just focusing on your thoughts, Somatic Sexology helps us feel more connected to our bodies.”
A Painful Healing Experience
Better control what we feel, act and react during intimate relationships
I won’t lie, it was quite a painful and uncomfortable journey that awakened a lot of pain and traumas. However, after a couple of months of work, I did feel very empowered and was much more able to move through life with flow. What makes this practice unique is that it involves the awakening of our full senses: breath, movement, sound, touch and mindful awareness in order to bridge the divide between mind and body, to get fully back in touch with physical sensations and emotions.
The goal of this practice is to understand how to master how we feel, act, and react during intimate relations within ourselves and others. This allows to achieve and express our authentic needs, desires and boundaries. In working somatically, we invite our body to explore the diverse and unique ways we can sense and learn what is going on inside of us and all around us.
It was a wonderful and rich experience which I believe is important to share as I am a strong believer that by healing and owning our sexuality, we can truly become powerful beyond measure.
I was amazed and I respect this beautiful practice as it encounters sensitive areas of your being and your nervous system and that’s sacred.
Before embarking on a similar journey, I do recommend making some research on the right practitioner, who can create a very safe space with specific limits and boundaries for you to blossom in full confidence.
Join our next discussion
If you want to learn more about our own journey and experience, check out our next Instagram Live: Learn about Somatic Sexology with expert Ania White.
Where: Instagram Live feng.shuality
When: Tuesday 20 December
10am - Paris time
8pm - Sydney time
We will be available for any questions. This discussion will be on replay on our instagram page feng.shuality.
The article is already coming to an end 🥲
Thank you so much for reading this article, we hope you enjoyed this lecture. Feel free to contact us for further information, we'll be more than happy to assist you.
Take care of yourself,
Laurene ❤️
*Reference :
Instituteofsomaticsexology.com
WhiteDakini.com
AniaWhite.com
