Workshops and Special Programs

The Intimacy Dance: Dimensions of Healthy Sexuality

Healthy sexuality is much more than just having good sex. It actually has 12 different dimensions. Only two of those address sexual contact with another. So sexuality is a lot more involved than most of us think.

For instance, to have healthy sexuality, we need to be able to receive care from others and to provide care to ourselves. This includes physical care like healthy eating, proper exercise and consistent sleep. But it also includes emotional, mental and spiritual care of ourselves and others.

Healthy sexuality also involves being mindful of our physical senses. How much are we in touch with what we are seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting and touching? That’s not just in the bedroom but in all aspects of our lives. How present are we in life overall?

Seeing ourselves in a positive way is yet another dimension of healthy sexuality. Besides being kind and compassionate with ourselves overall, we need to accept who we are sexually. Who taught us about sexuality and how did that influence us? Do those teachings help us or hurt us now? What do we need to change to express our true sexual selves?

Similarly, knowing ourselves clearly is important for healthy sexuality. What are our strengths or positive traits? What are our negative or weakest traits? Do we know what we need? And can we directly express our needs to others? That includes our sexual needs from our partner. Do we have healthy boundaries? And can we respectfully express those to others?

These are just a few of the 12 dimensions of healthy sexuality that this New Leaf Center workshop explores. In addition, the program teaches the 12 stages of healthy courtship. Unfortunately, many of us in our culture have no idea how to do this. We haven’t been taught how to appropriately and successfully flirt. Nor do we know how to build intimacy with a partner. Many struggle to maintain a fulfilling intimate relationship for the long-term.

Some of us don’t understand the importance of vulnerability and risk-taking. We’re afraid to show our true selves in romantic relationships. We have repeated problems with giving up control and trusting our partner. We generally don’t surrender ourselves to the process.

Unhealthy courtship can lead to repeating painful and unsuccessful relationships over and over. Learning the basic elements of courtship and the dimensions of healthy sexuality can help change these patterns for the better. So join New Leaf Center for this workshop to learn how to create more satisfying romantic relationships.

WHEN:
Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Dates to be announced

WHERE:
New Leaf Center

FACILITATOR:
Jackie MacKay, M.A., LMHC, NCC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

COST:
$100 per person

Read what past participants
say about this workshop…