SOMATOSENSUAL THERAPY:
INFORMED CONSENT FORM

Shamanism is an ancient healing tradition and a way of life that involves connecting with nature and the spirit world. As a shaman, I engage in rituals, meditations, and journeys to interact with the spirit realm and channel these energies into the healing process. This spiritual framework is intertwined with somatosensual therapy and relationship coaching to offer a comprehensive and deeply transformative experience that honours all facets of your being.

In our sessions, I may include shamanic practices, such as rituals, guided visualisations, sound and breathing processes, medicine journeys, working with plant and animal totems, and bone readings. These practices aim to promote healing, self-discovery, and spiritual growth. They complement the somatosensual therapy method, enhancing the synergy between body and mind with a profound spiritual dimension.

The Somatosensual therapy method is a revolutionary form of sex coaching that delves into the intricate relationship between your psychological, spiritual, and physical experience. The practice harmoniously blends somatic therapy's focus on mind-body connection with advanced sex and relationship coaching strategies and shamanic spiritual philosophy and practice.

At the heart of my practice is an appreciation for the intricate tapestry that weaves spiritual growth, sexual empowerment, and the dynamics of our relationships with emotional and psychological well-being. I work with a framework I’ve developed called the 'triangle of needs,' a holistic approach that draws from Karen Horney's personality theory, Stephen Porges' polyvagal theory, and non-dualist spiritual philosophies. This model posits that well-being is anchored in three fundamental needs: Connect, Protect, and Individuate.

The 'Connect' aspect of the triangle relates to our need for intimacy, belonging, and meaningful relationships. It is about nurturing our ability to form deep connections with others and the world around us. The 'Protect' facet speaks to our need for safety and security, encompassing both physical preservation and psychological resilience. The 'Individuate' point pertains to our drive for personal growth and self-actualisation, encouraging us to embrace our unique identity and life path.

An optimal sense of well-being arises when these needs are met in a balanced way. Disequilibrium within this triangle—whether through neglect of needs or the conflation of one need at the expense of others—can lead to a diminished sense of well-being. This imbalance is often rooted in adaptive coping mechanisms formed in childhood or as responses to adverse life experiences.

Shamanic healing principles are seamlessly interwoven with this framework to facilitate a holistic connection between yourself and the natural world. This enhances the journey toward equilibrium and complements the somatic and psychological work we do together. Shamanism's practices encourage a recalibration of the triangle, aiming to restore balance by addressing neglected needs and reframing coping strategies that no longer serve us.

We work to harmonise the triangle of needs through exercises designed to improve body awareness, communication, and intimacy. This approach not only aids in resolving immediate concerns but also guides you towards bliss and deep contentment and, ultimately, sets you on your path to spiritual enlightenment.

By integrating these diverse yet coherent elements, my approach fosters a transformative process that empowers you to live with a vibrant and harmonious sense of being, where Connect, Protect, and Individuate are not conflicting forces but complementary facets of a rich and meaningful life.

Kink can play a pivotal role in the healing journey, serving as a conduit for understanding and processing feelings of fear and shame. By safely constructing and navigating fantasies, it becomes possible to learn and assert boundaries, practice consent, and refine communication. This exploration can be an empowering experience, fostering a deeper connection with oneself and one's partner(s).

I am a trained relationship coach, have studied psychology and counselling, and am experienced in somatosensual therapy and kink; I bring a blend of practical coaching skills and embodied therapeutic practices. While I incorporate principles from traditional therapy, my practice is distinct in its focus on sexual and bodily experiences as pathways to healing and connection.

Please be aware that my practice, while it integrates shamanism with somatosensual therapy and relationship coaching, is not governed by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Shamanism, as a spiritual practice, falls outside the purview of traditional health professions but is a vital aspect of the holistic healing services I provide.

I adhere to a strict code of ethics to ensure your safety, confidentiality, and respectful treatment. My affiliation with professional bodies ensures that I remain accountable and up-to-date with best practices. This includes supervision meetings and training workshops. I have been trained to adhere to and uphold the core ethical values stipulated by the HPCSA, which I have included as an appendix to this form for your convenience.

In alignment with these ethical standards, shamanic practices within our sessions are conducted with the utmost respect for your spiritual beliefs and cultural background, ensuring that they support and enhance your therapeutic experience.

– Your consent and comfort are paramount in our sessions.

– It is crucial that you understand and agree to the nature of somatosensual therapy, which may involve discussions and exercises related to sexual experiences, preferences, and boundaries.

– We will establish clear boundaries and consent protocols at the outset of our work together. This will include discussing touch and levels of intimacy.

– I require that you disclose any sexual health information that may affect our safety. Our privacy and confidentiality agreement will protect this information.

– I will introduce shamanic practices with full transparency regarding their purpose and nature and seek your consent before integrating them into our sessions. Your autonomy and belief systems are always respected in our shared therapeutic space.

– Your privacy will be rigorously protected, and all discussions and personal information will be kept confidential except as required by law or with your explicit consent.

– It is important to note that, as part of my effort to adhere to the highest ethical standards, I regularly seek counsel from my supervision team. This process involves sharing anonymised case information for educational and supervision purposes only. If your case is discussed, I will remove and keep all your identifying information confidential.

– Your personal information will be stored securely online using password-protected systems to ensure confidentiality and privacy.

– I encourage open dialogue and welcome any questions or concerns you may have about this healing process, my approach, or any other aspect of our work together. My duty as a helping professional includes ensuring your understanding, comfort, and safety.

– Due to this work's sensitive, intimate, and professional nature, there is room for breaches of ethics and boundaries. I have undergone diversity, empathy, and sensitivity training. While I have not had issues before, it is vital to assure you that your sense of safety and respect during our interactions is my highest priority. Therefore, I require that any concerns and issues arising during our work be brought to my attention for resolution as soon as possible. For example, if you feel I have crossed a boundary, made you feel unsafe, have been insensitive to your intersectional identity, made you feel ashamed about your body or sexuality, or not respected your spiritual or religious beliefs—and we cannot resolve it together—I will arrange a conflict resolution process facilitated by an agreed-upon external supervisor at a shared cost. However, my training involves navigating and resolving relational ruptures as part of my commitment to always providing the highest ethical care to you.