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). 

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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 6pm-7:30pm - Online with Phoenix Mandel, AMFT, CSE

Living room with white walls, large window, mustard yellow armchair, brown sofa with yellow pillows, white armchair, green cabinets, and various decorative objects and artwork.

What’s Included

Initial Consult

Set up a 20-minute call with us to get started.

Assessment Session

Meet with the group facilitator for two 50-minute individual intake appointments for at a reduced rate of $100.

Group Sessions

Groups are $75/session, all paid at the beginning of the month. Some sliding scale spots are available based on financial need.

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.

Get started with us, today.

Request an appointment with Phoenix Mandel, AMFT, CSE below:

Request Appointment