What exactly is Intimate Bodywork?

Intimate Bodywork is a professional, holistic practice that can include genital, anal and full-body touch delivered in a conscious, ethical, and client-centred framework. It is grounded in consent, clear boundaries, nervous system awareness, anatomy knowledge, and professional standards.

It is not sex work, tantra performance, or erotic entertainment. It is structured, one-way touch delivered within clearly defined roles and professional agreements.

Is this a tantra course?

No. While the work may draw from Somatic, Tantric, or Taoist principles around presence and awareness, this is a practitioner-level training focused on ethics, safety, anatomy, client care, hygiene, professional boundaries, and insurable practice. It is vocational training, not a spiritual retreat.

Is this sex work training?

No. This training prepares practitioners to work within a holistic, professional framework. Students are trained in one-way touch, consent practices, hygiene standards, documentation, client assessment, and non-goal-oriented sessions. If you are looking to enter the sex industry or provide sexual services, this course is not appropriate.

Is genital touch included?

Yes. This training includes structured, ethical education around external and internal genital touch for people of all genders. It is delivered within strict professional boundaries and a one-way touch model (practitioner to client only).

Is this course accredited?

The course is designed to meet professional standards suitable for insurance within the UK. Graduates must complete all coursework, case studies, assessments, and final sign-off requirements to receive certification. Full payment of course fees is required before certification is issued. When certified practitioners will be eligible to apply for professional insurance and professional body membership through FOYHT and BGi UK.

Who is this course for?

This training is suitable for:

• A massage therapist or bodyworker wanting to expand your skills and offering into conscious intimacy

• A somatic or sexuality practitioner seeking formal structure and professional standards

• A facilitator, coach, or therapist wanting to deepen your understanding of touch, embodied pleasure and consent

• Someone called to offer grounded, ethical, body-based support to others in their journey of sexual growth

You do not need to already offer intimate work, but you must demonstrate emotional maturity, a willingness to be curious, self-awareness, and appropriate motivations.

Who is this course NOT suitable for?

This training is not suitable for individuals who:

• Are primarily motivated by sexual curiosity
• Want access to nudity or sexual contact
• Struggle with personal boundaries
• Are seeking healing primarily through training
• Have unmanaged trauma or active addiction issues

Applications are screened and interviews are required.

Do I need previous massage training?

Basic bodywork experience, and anatomy & physiology knowledge, is strongly recommended. If you have no prior training, you may be asked to complete some form of foundational education before joining, or be able to demonstrate a reasonable understanding of the physical body (for example through a movement or exercise practice).

Is there an application process?

Yes. All applicants must:

1. Complete a written application form
2. Attend a Zoom interview
3. Be formally accepted before enrolling

Places are limited to 10 per cohort to ensure a high level of supervision and interaction.

Successful applicants will be able to commit to all online and in-person meetings and understand the time commitments required to complete the necessary study and assessment assignments.

When does the course start?

The 2027 cohort begins in January 2027.

Interviews begin in May 2026. Applications remain open until the cohort is full.

How many students will be in the cohort?

The course runs with a small group (typically 6–10 students) to maintain high standards of supervision and feedback.

Is it online or in person?

The programme includes:

• Online learning modules
• Live group Zoom sessions (6)
• In-person training weekends (4)
• Supervised case studies (20)

Attendance at in-person components is mandatory.

How long does the course last?

The training runs over 9 months, allowing time for independent study, in-person training, integration, case studies, and skill development.

How much time should I expect to commit?

You should expect:

• Regular study time for modules
• Attendance at all live sessions (2 hours each)
• Attendance at all in-person training weekends (Fri-Sun, 10am-6pm)
• Completion of required case studies
• Reflection and written assignments

This is not a casual course. It requires consistent engagement.

PROVISIONAL 2027 DATES (SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION):

• Online group sessions:

20th January / 3rd February / 24th February / 24th March / 21st April / 19th May / 22nd September

• In-person weekend workshops:

19th-21st February / 19th-21st March / 16th-18th April / 14th-16th May

• Ongoing independent study:

20th January-19th May

• Completion of 20 client case studies:

19th May-19th September

What is ‘one-way touch’?

All sessions taught within this training are practitioner-to-client only. Clients do not touch the practitioner. This maintains role clarity, professional safety, and ethical integrity.

Do practitioners aim for orgasm?

No. Sessions are non-goal-oriented. Peak orgasm is not the objective. Clients may experience pleasure, including orgasmic sensations, but practitioners are trained not to chase outcomes or perform sexually. The focus is on nervous system regulation, embodiment, consent, and awareness.

What about hygiene?

Strict hygiene protocols are taught and required. These include:

• Pre-session hygiene agreements
• Practitioner hygiene standards
• Protective barriers where appropriate
• Post-session cleaning procedures
• Clear client communication

Failure to adhere to hygiene standards is grounds for removal.

What about consent?

Informed consent is foundational. Students are trained in:

• Clear intake processes
• Scope-of-practice agreements
• Ongoing consent check-ins
• Power dynamics awareness
• Documentation

Consent is not assumed. It is structured and explicit.

What are ‘shadow motivations’?

Students are required to reflect on their motivations for entering this work. This includes examining unconscious needs around power, validation, sexuality, or intimacy. This is an ongoing part of ethical development and professional maturity.

Will I have to receive intimate bodywork?

Yes. Receiving sessions is part of professional development. You cannot ethically offer this work without understanding the client experience. You will always retain choice and agency within structured consent.

What if I find the content challenging?

This is normal. Students are encouraged to seek supervision, peer support, and personal therapy if needed. Extensions may be granted in extenuating circumstances. Avoidance is not a strategy. Communication is.

Are case studies required?

Yes. Students must complete 20 documented case studies under supervision. These must demonstrate competence, professional conduct, and reflective capacity.

What happens if I fail?

This is a professional training. Not all students automatically qualify.

If required standards are not met, additional supervision or reassessment may be required. Certification is granted only when competence is demonstrated.

Can I practise before completing the course?

You may not advertise yourself as certified, offer paid sessions or practise independently under this qualification until you have completed all requirements and received formal sign-off.

Course cost: £4200

The course fees include:

• Online access to the course curriculum and interactive learning platform
• Lifetime access to the online course material and all massage/teaching videos (other trainings cut you off after a year)
• 7 x 2 hour group Zoom sessions
• 4 x 3 day in-person weekend workshops
• 2 x 90 minute private bodywork sessions with Libby (or another approved practitioner)
• 4 x 1 hour private Zoom coaching sessions with Libby

The course fees do not include:

• Travel, food or accommodation for the weekend workshops
• Any suggested extra-curricular reading, activities or workshops
• Equipment and resources for individual practice sessions outside of the in-person workshops

Early Bird cost (paid in full by 19.07.26): £3780 (10% discount)

Payment plan options: Cost can be spread with two options:

• Paid in full before the course start date (19.01.27)
• Paid in full no later than 5 months after start date (19.06.27)

Refund policy:

A non-refundable deposit of £400 is required to confirm your place once accepted after interview. 

If you withdraw from the programme more than 30 days prior to the course start date then any money paid above the deposit amount will be refunded.

If you withdraw from the programme more than 21 days prior to the start date then 50% of any money paid above the deposit amount will be refunded.

If you withdraw from the programme less than 21 days prior to the start date then no refund on any monies paid will be given.

In extenuating circumstances it is possible to defer any monies paid above the deposit amount to the following year’s programme.

Will I be insured?

Upon successful completion of the course you will be qualified as an Intimate Bodywork Practitioner and eligible to apply for insurance through BGi.uk, which includes Professional Body Membership with FOYHT. Securing insurance is the responsibility of the practitioner.

Can I use the Touch of Happiness name?

Graduates may state they trained with Touch of Happiness. Branding rights and use of intellectual property are governed by separate agreement.

Will there be ongoing supervision?

Ongoing supervision is strongly recommended for all practitioners working in this field. Alumni supervision options will be offered.

I’m interested, what should I do next?

Complete your application form, this will determine whether you are invited for interview via Zoom. All submissions will be reviewed with care and notified within 3 weeks whether successful or not.

Interviews will begin in May 2026. Applications will remain open until the cohort is full.

Post interview you will be notified within 1 week, via email, if you have been accepted onto the course. Your place will be confirmed once your £400 non-refundable deposit is received.