Practicals of Pleasure
This 8-week group is a supportive, process-oriented space for adults of all genders to explore sex, intimacy, and barriers to pleasure with the help of peers’ insights, reflections, and lived experiences. There is no set curriculum or assignments, and direct advice is not the priority. Sessions focus on sharing, being witnessed, practicing curiosity and compassion, and engaging in collaborative discussion. The group is trauma-informed, LGBTQIA+-affirming, trans-affirming, kink-aware, and welcoming of diverse bodies, abilities, neurotypes, and relationship structures (monogamous and non-monogamous).
Some topics may include:
How anxiety shows up in dating, sex, and long-term relationships
Exploring sexual and romantic orientation; gender identity and expression
Unlearning gendered expectations and cultural scripts (patriarchy, heteronormativity, transphobia, misogyny)
Communicating needs, boundaries, preferences, and desires
Consent in practice: enthusiastic yes, hearing no, saying no, and repair after missteps
Desire discrepancy and mismatched libidos
Performance pressure, erection/arousal/orgasm difficulties, and pain with sex
Shame, guilt, and messages from family, culture, or religion
Porn and masturbation: values, impact, compulsivity concerns, and mindful use
Body image, aging, hormones, disability, and post-partum or medical changes
Trauma-related triggers, grounding, and self-regulation tools
Kink/BDSM interests, negotiating safety and aftercare
Jealousy, attachment patterns, and trust in monogamy or consensual non-monogamy
Technology and intimacy: sexting, dating apps, privacy, and boundaries online
Barriers to seeking support across genders and communities; building supportive networks
Current Groups:
Wednesday 4pm-5:30pm - Online with Phoenix Mandel, AMFT, CSE
Group norms & access
Come as you are — tears, laughter, and quiet are welcome. Cameras on or off. Share by voice or chat. We keep a gentle pace and “pass” is always okay. Consent first: no fixing, and ask before offering suggestions. Please share only the sexual detail you’re comfortable with — no sexual behavior in session. Movement, stimming, fidgets, notes, snacks, and breaks are encouraged; tell us your access needs and we’ll adapt together. We may offer brief, optional practices (grounding, consent/boundary scripts, traffic-light check-ins, aftercare planning) — take what helps and leave the rest. We’re LGBTQIA+-affirming, trans-affirming, kink-aware, and CNM-aware. Confidentiality and care guide every meeting. This isn’t medical or crisis care, though we can connect you with resources as needed.
