Many studies on mindfulness have shown benefits on health and overall well being, yet not much research has been done on mindfulness and relationships or sexuality. Mindfulness training has been shown to be an effective tool to moderate anxiety. Anxieties certainly show up during sex, however, the benefits of a mindfulness practice go beyond just decreasing sexual anxieties. Training the brain to; consciously shift from thoughts to sensations, connect the mind and body, be in the here and now, and attend to sexual cues are some of the reasons mindfulness improves, both emotional and sexual communication. Rae will discuss some of the research, lead us in practice, and invite conversation on how to incorporate mindfulness into your intimate relationships.
Rae Dolman MASC, RP, RMFT, completed an undergraduate degree in psychology from McGill University in 1995 and a Master’s degree in psychology from the University of Waterloo in 1998. In 2001, she received a certificate in Couple and Family Therapy through the University of Guelph. She is a registered psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), a registered Marriage and Family Therapist with the Canadian Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT), and is a certified sex therapist with the Board of Examiners in Sex Therapy and Counseling in Ontario (BESTCO). Rae worked at Mount Sinai Hospital with the Wasser Pain Management Centre from November 2002-October 2016 and has worked at the Mindfulness Clinic since September 2015.