Clinic set to offer sexual wellness classes

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/09/2023 (753 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A counsellor at a Brandon wellness clinic wants to break down stereotypes, shame and embarrassment that some people have when it comes to talking about their own sexual wellness.

Later this month, the Wellness Clinic will start its five classes of Sexual Wellness 101 for those over 18 years of age, with the goal of addressing the myths and barriers many have about the subject of sex, whether in a short- or long-term relationship or as a single person.

One of the key session leaders is Delsie Martin, who has a master’s degree in social work and a bachelor of arts in psychology, and more than 10 years experience as a counsellor.

“Most people are shy about sexual wellness, which is totally understandable because it’s been a taboo subject. But everybody has sex, yet we don’t talk about it. We don’t even talk about it with our partners.

“In my practice, I am seeing many people who feel like they’re damaged, or feel like they’re letting their partners down, when actually that’s not even the case,” Martin said.

Sexual health is important for personal health, social welfare, and it influences people their whole lives, according to the Canadian Guidelines for Sexual Health Education, which was created by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

The guidelines were created for those who are involved in the delivery of sexual health education including social workers, therapists, school administrators, as well as all levels of government, public health units, post-secondary institutions, and long-term care facilities.

Additionally, the goals of the sexual health education guidelines include respect for self and others, avoiding abusive sexual relations, making informed choices about unwanted pregnancies, and preventing sexually transmitted diseases.

Martin has seen the research, and said she also believes that “Understanding your body and understanding how you receive pleasure can help boost your self-esteem.”

Many people think that pleasure is bad, and that sex should be spontaneous, added Martin.

By talking about it with a partner, it increases emotional and erotic connection.

“Why aren’t we just asking them outright? Why should we be with our partner and just guess and feel around in the dark? So, I’m hoping to teach people how to have these conversations with our partners about their needs and our needs,” Martin said.

Adults lead busy lives, and it’s common for someone’s mind to wander while they are being intimate, Martin said.

“You’re wanting to focus on the pleasure, but in your head, you’re doing your laundry, you’re doing your grocery shopping, that sort of thing. It’s the idea that some folks believe that you have to have sex just to get it done. It’s an obligation to get it done.”

“So we’ll go through a variety of ways that you can learn to use mindfulness, to focus on the pleasure that you’re experiencing during sex,” Martin said.

The sessions are all online for the benefit of those who live in rural areas who might not be able to travel to Brandon. Plus, Martin said, it will provide a degree of comfort for those who want to listen in and not have their camera or microphone turned on. And if the participant requests it, all questions will be kept anonymous.

“Even if you’re not in a relationship, we’re all sexual erotic human beings at our core and that’s something that traditionally we’ve been shamed to believe isn’t important, and that’s just not the case,” Martin said.

The Sexual Wellness 101 classes will be presented on five consecutive Wednesday evenings, beginning Sept. 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. There are options to take one, or all five sessions.

The first session will include a presentation by the Sexuality Education Resource Centre (SERC), a non-profit, community-based, pro-choice organization based in Manitoba.

For more information including the schedule and registration fee visit bitly.ws/UtNt

» mmcdougall@brandonsun.com

» X: @enviromichele