Required Texts:
- Kali Rising by Rudolph Ballentine
- Radical Healing by Rudolph Ballentine
- Yoga and Psychotherapy by Swami Rama, Swami Ajaya and Rudolph Ballentine
- Tantra Illuminated by Christopher Wallis
- Sacred Intimate: An integrative approach to sexual healing by Don Shewey – online article
Module 1: Philosophy and Practice (three days)
- Define Sacred Intimacy, Tantra and how they intersect, why this is useful as an SI
- Articulate/consider individual calling to SI work.
- Using a mixture of lecture and embodied experiments, explore the foundation stones and six primary principles of Tantra. Divine why these principles and practices allow for higher energetic/physical charge and why that is desirable.
- Somatic skills/conscious touch/habits around giving and receiving.
- Guided practices: So Hum meditation, Inner Marriage meditation.
In this module, experiments are self-reflective. In the next module we begin to exchange SI sessions.
Learning objectives:
- Define Sacred Intimacy and articulate calling to Sacred Intimacy.
- Basic knowledge of primary Tantric principles.
- Define how principles and foundational practices allow for higher energetic/physical charge.
- Develop a list of strengths/weaknesses and missing information in your skill set. Brainstorm how you want to address weaknesses and missing information.
- Understand how the healing power of pleasure interfaces with Tantra and SI work.
Module 2: The chakra system and energy exchange (four days)
- Explore the chakra system in lecture and embodied experiments.
- Explore the relationship between the “subtle and the bold.”
- Explore consciously raising erotic energy and gathering the data regarding physical, emotional, mental and spiritual states.
- Assess personal skills and habits around physical and subtle energy.
- Explore the use of chakras as a diagnostic tool with self and clients.
- Skill building and Guided practices:
- Demonstrations and practice of erotic touch on tissues of arousal
- Solo and paired chakra experiments/meditations
- Exchange SI sessions.
Learning objectives:
- Be familiar with the chakra system, and understand how chakras can be used in SI sessions.
- Chakra awareness and discernment.
- Practice SI sessions within a specified time frame.
- Build skills in conscious touch.
Module 3: Shadow (three days)
- Explore the concept of shadow/projection via lecture and embodied experiments.
- Explore the value of working with “melt downs” with self and clients.
- Understand mentoring, consultation and supervision as a way to strengthen your practice.
- Explore which practices enhance your clarity and consciousness (meditation/ritual/foundation stones etc.) to prepare for SI sessions.
- Begin to practice self-assessment via feedback from peers and faculty.
- Explore and articulate boundaries for your SI sessions.
- Conscious examination regarding personal projections and edges.
- Practice incorporating Tantric principles intentionally into sessions.
- Guided practices and skill building:
- projection meditation, bondage meditation.
- Exchange at least one practice SI session daily.
- Demonstration of somatic Root session
- Individual feedback/assessment from faculty.
Learning objectives:
- Work consciously with projection in sessions.
- Value both SI and client meltdowns and how to work with them.
- Practice self-assessment related to shadow issues.
- Build Root skills.
- How to move into, through and out of a session.
- Appreciate/experience how consult is useful.
- Think about what you’ll say when someone comes asking for something you can’t/aren’t comfortable providing. When might you refer?
Module 4: Client Clinic (five days)
- Client clinic: Provide four real-time sessions with clients vetted through faculty.
- Consultation with small group/faculty.
- Work with feedback from clients/faculty and students to strengthen skills.
- How to work with growing edges.
- Focus on Tantric principles and how to bring them into sessions consciously.
- Continue to define “call” to SI work.
Learning objectives:
- Do four 1 ½ hour sessions and get client feedback.
- Understand the value of consult via faculty and peers.
- Be timely with sessions. Navigate the reality of lateness/no-shows.
- Begin to articulate what you do and will offer as an SI.
Module 5: Being an SI (three days)
- Define your unique SI practice.
- Summary of principles and practices applicable to your SI work.
- Continue assessment through self-reflection and feedback from fellow students and faculty.
- Intensive Q & A.
- SI sessions with fellow students.
- Next steps for yourself and cohort.
- Completion ritual
Learning objectives:
- Review initial self assessment of strengths/weaknesses/missing information and revise based on where you are now.
- Be able to clearly give your “elevator” speech.
- Be able to apply Tantric principles and practices in client assessment and in continuing sessions.
- Consider the support you will need early in your practice and as you are more established as an SI.