Couples' Workshop

I’m putting together a couple’s workshop for survivors of prostate cancer treatment focusing on restoration of sexual function. It is very practical and addresses three issues: regaining orgasmic pleasure, building confidence as a sexual provider, and providing the patient’s partner with the knowledge and skills she needs to confidently support him. The participants should come away knowing that orgasmic pleasure will continue to be a part of their lives, that the man can satisfy his partner even in his post-therapy state, and his partner will know exactly what to do to support him in this transition.

I underwent treatment for prostate cancer in 2014. I was warned I would lose all sexual function, though some of it might possibly return over the years. Although I had a great cancer team (Beth Israel in Boston), nothing in the program addressed sexual function.

Like most men, I wanted to know whether I would be able to experience orgasmic pleasure after treatment. I also needed validation as a sexual provider. I needed to know that I could still please my partner.

In the absence of a program that offered anything more than advice, I created one for myself. It was surprisingly successful. So much so that I don’t understand why it shouldn’t be a part of every patient’s post-cancer therapy.

The 8-hour workshop is entirely practical in nature. There is are minimal lectures, slides, videos, books, or handouts. The couples see the techniques demonstrated and they learn to perform them effectively. There will be explicit live nude demonstrations of techniques for finding pleasure areas and energizing orgasmic pleasure.

The participants not be required to expose themselves or allow themselves to be touched except by each other in complete privacy for the practical exercises. The highest professional standards of conduct are upheld at this workshop.