What happens in the workshop?

We start off with "ice breaker" activities to help the girls get comfortable relating to each other and to establish our group. We will do a visualization and create an altar to invoke "sacred space" for our time together. We will cover things like confidentiality, healthy communication, and being supportive of one another. We will cover the topic points (see below) through teaching, small group and large group discussions, journaling and role playing. The talking parts will be interspersed with movement, dance, yoga, dressing up, creating a goddess ritual, poetry, art, music, singing and other forms of expression. There is no nudity or sexual activity whatsoever in the workshop.

What sorts of topics will you cover?

Are you encouraging or discouraging sexuality?

Neither. I talk about our sexuality as being natural and beautiful. I focus on giving the girls information so that they can feel empowered to make choices that are healthy and work for them, wherever they are in their development. I honor that everyone has different backgrounds, family and religious values, and ask girls to connect to their own truth and not compare themselves to others. We’ll discuss not just at the physical side of sex but the possible emotional and energetic ramifications of being sexual with someone else. I am gentle but emphatic about pregnancy and STD protection and prevention. I may share my own personal experience of being a "late bloomer" and the benefits I experienced by waiting until I was older and in a committed, loving relationship before being sexual.

Privacy and participation

We all commit to privacy and confidentiality in the circle. No one is ever forced to speak or share anything that they don’t want to. Girls can always "pass" on participating in any exercise or discussion that doesn’t feel right to them. Because the girls can be shy about asking their questions, we have a basket for them to submit questions anonymously. Last time questions ranged from, "is it normal to have one breast bigger than the other" to "how do you know when it’s the right time to lose your virginity" and "what’s an orgasm?" I use the questions for teaching and often turn them into discussion topics.

My intention?

I am not a sex therapist and I’m not qualified to support your daughter if she has been the victim of sexual abuse or has other significant issues. This workshop is meant to empower your daughter, make her feel gratitude and appreciation for being a woman, and give her important information about protecting herself and having positive experiences as she begins expressing more of her sensuality and sexuality. It’s also meant to begin to demystify the topic and hopefully open the door to more frank conversations with peers, parents and trusted adults. I hope to help the girls avoid as many pitfalls as possible so they can be powerful, whole women in our changing world.

If you would like more information about my work, my background or experience, please see the About Me section on my website.

What are the logistics?

The April 13 workshop will be held a private home in Fair Oaks, CA (near the Sacramento Waldorf School). The April 26 workshop will be held in my home, off Dog Bar Road in Grass Valley. The price is $79 (although no one will be turned away for lack of funds). Workshops begin at 10 am and end at 6 pm. Girls should bring their own sack lunch. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Register online or via phone at (530) 346-6778. A welcome letter with more details will be sent after registration.

More questions?

I’d be happy to speak with you. You can reach me, Lisa Schrader, by email (preferred method) or via phone (530-346-6778)


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