therapy spotlight

Intimacy Coaching

Create More Satisfying Relationships

by Sacha Fossa

Partnered or not, we all have intimate lives with ourselves and others. At times they are healthy and pleasurable; other times, they could use some help.

Intimacy is an evolving process that encourages transparency with our self and others, and quite possibly the deep healing of wounds that have led to layers of protection and a repelling of true connection. The world can be a traumatizing place, especially now when intimacy is being strongly affected through lock downs, social distancing and masking, making it more challenging than ever to develop and create relationships with others. Building a healthy relationship with our self, while becoming more conscious of how intimate we are with our body and how this can improve, will lead to connecting with others more easily, energetically and more.

An intimacy coach supports a client’s evolution by providing guidance in awareness, skills and understanding, while often identifying any areas of past experience that may be barriers to growth while creating new points of view and self-acceptance to overcome those barriers. Intimacy coaching requires a unique approach and must be customized, depending on the needs and desires of the client.

A good intimacy coach helps clients feel safer, closer and more connected to their lover or partner(s), and to themselves and their body. Tackling issues around physical, emotional and even spiritual intimacy, coaches can teach and purvey to clients a sense of safety the client may have never known. In some cases, this is achieved by modeling embodied intimacy and providing the client with a new sense of it. Intimacy coaching ideally helps clients to develop a deeper sense of closeness and comfort, increases their emotional IQ and awareness, and heals attachment and other relationship wounds.

What to look for in an intimacy coach:

• Certification(s) in sexuality, sexual health and sexual and relationship connection, empow-

erment and wellness should be the base of their training. • One or two short immersions that produced a certification in only one method should be a red flag. • Checking credentials and references along with having a discovery call with an intimacy coach can be crucial.

The most essential part is that a client must feel calm, safe and happy communicating with their coach to be able to fully open up and express emotions. Trust and comfort are the key to being able to discuss such deeply personal topics. While considering if a coach is best suited to work with, find out how knowledgeable they are about individuals, couples, alternative relationships and lifestyles, the LGBTQ+, kink, Tantric or any other community and/or preferences for living the client may have and/or wish to explore. A client must not be afraid to ask tough questions to seek out the best coach to fit their specific needs, as their responses can inform the chance for success and a more meaningful, satisfying, joyful intimate life.

Sacha Fossa, MA, provides custom designed holistic sex, intimacy, relationship and wellness coaching, education and healing arts programs, in-person and virtual. For more information, visit SacredTempleArts.com and sign up for a complimentary consultation. See ad on page 29 and Resource Guide on page 38.

The Body in Balance

by Peggy Normandin

A balanced body is one that moves with ease, is aligned in such a way that breathing is easy, the gait is smooth and steady, the mind is calm, pain decreases and function increases. This allows a person to approach life fully and seek joy and balance in so many aspects of their life. To some, it is balancing work with family time. For others, finding the right balance between quiet time to reflect and social time to connect with others.

Balanced Body, Balanced Life

Of course, physical balance has to do with avoiding falling, but other factors that help a person balance their body are diet, sleep, quiet reflection, laughter and fresh air. A woman in her 70s explains it this way, “I feel like by keeping my body strong and agile I keep my life in balance. I am able to do many things that interest me as well as able to play on the floor with my granddaughters and lift them up.”

Movement is a must for a balanced body, so finding the right type of movement (or exercise) is important. Choosing to move in different ways with different activities keeps exercise interesting and helps people maintain a strong, yet flexible body. Yoga and Pilates help balance the body, increasing deep breathing, stretching and strength. It is sometimes easier to stay committed to a regular movement routine by associating it with seeking health and well-being instead of “exercising”.

Physical activity is consistently associated with physical and mental benefits, and when incorporated into a healthy lifestyle, can lead to a more balanced body and life.

Peggy Normandin is the owner of Body Dynamics Pilates, located at 1099 Mendon Rd., Cumberland, RI. For more information, call 401-333-8550. For class schedules, visit BodyDynamicsRI.com. See ad on page 27 and Resource Guide on page 37.