One of the gifts of being a mental health professional for almost two decades and founding my own group practice is that I now get to mentor therapists and therapreneurs, among other types of professionals, wanting to build their own solo and group practices.
When we first begin to work with someone, we review the smallest details of their vision. I help them create a mission statement, identify their target audience, determine their desired role, and explore financial goals, among many other aspects.
What most people are surprised by is my focus on creating a pleasure practice to nurture and manifest their ultimate dreams and visions. Being a certified sex therapist/supervisor, I know that pleasure isn’t everything, but it is part of everything.
A pleasure practice can include sexual experiences and self-touch, but it can also encompass anything that brings you joy and makes you feel good. Body awareness and grounding, sensory activation, embodied visualization, emotional release, energetic flow, self-care, and self-compassion are all essential components of a pleasure practice.
Engaging in a pleasure practice can be a powerful tool for supporting you in turning your visions into reality, even when you’re unsure of where to start.
Pleasure is a powerful motivator.When you engage in activities that bring you joy and pleasure, you naturally feel more inspired and motivated to take action toward your goals and visions. It fuels your enthusiasm and helps you maintain a positive mindset, which is essential for initiating and sustaining any endeavor.
Pleasure practices often involve activities that stimulate creative thinking. Whether it’s painting, playing an instrument, writing, or any other enjoyable activity, these practices can unlock your creative potential. The key is to engage in activities that make you feel alive and evoke positive emotions. When faced with challenges or obstacles on the path to realizing your visions, your enhanced creativity can help you come up with innovative solutions and think outside the box.
Pleasure reduces stress, and studies show that it improves overall well-being. When you’re in a state of calm and well-being, you can think more clearly and make better decisions. It also enhances your mental and emotional health, making it easier for you to focus on your goals and maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of uncertainty or feeling stuck.
Pleasure practices can be deeply introspective, allowing you to explore your passions, interests, and values. By engaging in activities that bring you joy, you gain a better understanding of yourself and what truly matters to you. Pleasure is subjective, so part of this self-exploration is noticing what sensually feels good to you and what does not. This process of self-discovery and pleasure can provide clarity on your aspirations and guide you towards actions aligned with your vision.
Starting a new endeavor can be daunting, especially when you’re unsure of where to begin. However, engaging in pleasurable activities related to your vision can help you build momentum. For example, if you want to open a practice focused on art therapy or working with children, why not allow yourself to enjoy playing with art or toys/games?
Above all, when you take small steps towards your dreams and pair them with feeling good, you create a positive feedback loop. Each small success builds your confidence and propels you forward, gradually overcoming inertia and paving the way for more significant actions.
All businesses depend on creating networks and relationships. Many pleasure practices can be shared with others who have similar interests. Engaging in social activities or joining communities centered around your passions can open doors to new connections and collaborations. By surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals, you can find support, guidance, and valuable resources to help you realize your vision.
Visualization is a powerful technique for manifesting your visions, and combining it with self-touch can deepen the experience. As you engage in self-touch practices, you can simultaneously visualize your goals and desires, using the physical sensations to anchor and embody the envisioned outcomes. This embodied visualization can make your visions feel more tangible and real, increasing your belief in their attainability.
Remember, while pleasure practices can be incredibly beneficial, they should be seen as a complement to taking action towards your goals. It’s important to combine enjoyment with focused effort and strategic planning to turn your visions into reality.