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Women’s orgasm & sexuality class! Get in touch with your sexuality w/ a toy & more

SOLD OUT!!

I’ve long wanted to do a women’s class on sexuality, orgasms, self awareness, education & speculums. Yes this means going back to the 70’s circle where we all get a mirror and check out our cervixes. Most adult women don’t know how their own genitals look like, let alone other women’s. Or how they can work to give you optimum pleasure. This is a kind, authentic, safe, intimate, female group to gently explore ways to enhance your own sexuality. Let’s get past some barriers.

This group will be fun, funny, supremely educational, at times lightly out of your comfort zone but caring and real. Read about the kind of class that Betty Dodson started in the 70′s<Mama Gena does in her School of Womanly Arts</a>. But all done with a local, Sex with Sue style.

Cost includes snacks, a $225 high end toy, written material and a small group of women you can connect with. Space is very limited. It’s being marketed to the Ducks first and is only a fraction of what normal therapy would cost. Send your $100 payment to suem@rogers.com.

You won’t regret it.

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Jealousy in non-monogamous relationships. How to navigate the world of poly/swing/hot wives & more

I’m in the middle of another non-monogamy course only this one due to the pandemic is virtual. Because it’s online, What’s interesting is that there are attendees logging in from all over North America. There are certainly cultural differences about the acceptance and availability of non-monogamy outlets in different parts of the country. The couple from Utah have a very different time of it than a couple from urban Toronto in terms of social acceptance & options to meet other like-minded people. But what remains the same no matter where you are from is the issue of jealousy in non-monogamous relationships. There is a worry that couples can’t explore any kind of sexual novelty (no matter how mild) without feeling the gut-punch of jealousy.

I have a deck that I’m working on this morning talking about how to work through those feelings. I think it’s important for all couples to have tools to work through one of the most difficult issues that comes up in non-monogamy discussions. I’ve devoted a whole evening in our 12 hour course to jealousy.

If you are starting this journey I’m encouraging you to look at taking the course. I’ll be running another one soon (make sure you sign up on my newsletter or join the Ducklings) but in the meantime for less than $30 you can download the whole course to watch with your partner.

The course talks about the role of communication, boundaries, contracts, meeting other people for play, breakups, conflict & certainly jealousy. It’s also mainly about  authenticity.

It’s about knowing what triggers you, where your pain comes from (often fear of abandonment), and how to navigate those feelings.

If your partner gets jealous here are the steps (loosely borrowed from Kathy Labriola’s jealousy workbook) that might help start the conversation.

Step 1. Shut up and listen. Don’t be defensive. Let them talk.

Step 2. Ask for clarification & specifics on how they are feeling. Are they angry, sad/hurt, or afraid?

Step 3. Allow them to feel the way they feel. If they are feeling it, it’s real for them.

Step 4. Identify your role in the problem. Have you crossed a line? Even if you didn’t know it was there.

Step 5. Ask for the floor & express your side of the story.

Step 6. Think carefully before you rush in & change things. Don’t rush in and say you will give up play or change everything. Jealousy is like any emotion it ebbs & flows.

I also know that this too shall pass. The first time feels like a trigger the size of a dinosaur, but after time, familiarity, communication, and benefits it may only feel like a mosquito.

I do lots of work individually (over zoom or facetime) to help clients figure out what’s going on for them. It’s effective, quick, & inexpensive. We can figure out what’s going on for you. Consider booking an appointment with me to sort it out. We’ve got this.

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Dungeon tour with two Domme’s and BDSM exploratorium

Given that it has to be virtual (sigh) We will be doing a dungeon tour and the ABC’s of BDSM during a exploratorium. We will have a few different kinksters demonstrating their expertise virtually for Ducks. We have two Domme’s doing some kinky stuff on camera.

Whips, paddles, clips, clamps, rubber, cross-dressing, D/s partners, sadism, and more will be discussed (with some demo’s). It’s going to be crazy. LIVE, personal, sounding, flogging and more.

We are working to be responsible during the pandemic. But mental health and the need to for healthy community support is also vital. Getting out and feeling like the world is a good place with the kindest group of people anywhere helps.

Come join us. This is a 4ish Duck event. FREE for members and $15 for non-members. suem@rogers.com for the link or check out the website at www.wearetheducklings.com

Sue McGarvie is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Virtual Dungeon tour with two Domme’s!
Time: Oct 17, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89436529527

Meeting ID: 894 3652 9527
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Boudoir/ Dude-oir and couples erotic shots happening July 12th, 2020!


It gives you time to get the covid hair fixed.
Come join us for an amazing afternoon of safe and sexy photos with two first rate photographers!
Boudoir for women, men and couples!
It’s Sunday, July 12 from 11 to 6 pm. We will book by appointment and work to keep everything clean and safe! Food, wine, professional makeup (for those without testicles) , amazing photographs, lingerie, and a chance to find your sexy selves! It’s part of the body image series.
Boudoir Photography and party with champagne, great food, friends, chocolate and sexy pictures!
We love doing boudoir. It’s becomes magical. Women feeling beautiful, empowered and the guys are happy to have something erotic and personal. Couples feel connected. Men get super hot dating photos. Anyone who has done them raves about them. We get top, professional makeup application and have two photographers in the building Anny B and Paul Chislett. By making sure we have economies of scale we can do the event for $150 per person or couple. So you can have together and alone for the same price. What a deal!
Look back on yourself when you are 80 and see how hot you really were! Do it for yourself, to torment the guys who might possibly see them with your beauty or give it as a for-his-eyes-only gift. Sexy couple photos are also welcome if you would prefer to do them together.
Mimosa’s, (champagne and orange juice) chocolate, and the sexiest photos you can imagine! It’s safe, discreet, private, and super fun! Women or couples, it’s sensuous (but safe), erotic and fun. Participants can wear whatever they would like (bring it with you) and you have time for one change of outfits. You have a private area for photo’s and it’s all relaxed and discreet. Professional makeup artist will be there to transform you. You need to have your own hair done when you arrive. It all happens on Sunday July 12 at a private house in Ottawa south. Address will be sent to participants.
So pictures, food, and community!
Bring something yummy to share and I’ll make up pitchers of our trademarked sangria and mimosa’s. We have limited room for photos so it is a first come first serve. Cost is $150 (either alone or together) which includes makeup, photo shoot, and two photographs. You may purchase the library of other shots (the ones where you aren’t blinking) directly from the photographer. They have different packages or just stick with the few amazing ones you are guaranteed. Given that there are upfront expenses, you need to pay in advance on the wearetheducklings.com/events website or by etranfer to bdspratt@gmail.com, or commit to paying in cash and NOT BAILING!
If you want one of those shots you can look at when you are 80, still hot for each other and goosing each other around the anniversary cake then this is the day for you. Think relaxed, loving, elegant with Ottawa’s premier boudoir photographer. If you’ve never had a sensuous photo of you and your sweetie taken, give it some thought. It’s unbelievably intimate and you can look back on yourself as the hot hot couple or have something to embarrass your kids with. We provide professional make up application, martini’s and fantastic food samplings along with a romance picture that will last a lifetime.
You bring whatever outfits you want to wear. Or have it clothing optional. It can be anything you feel sexy in. I’ve taken my picture in nothing but a Sens jersey. Smile. We also share food so bring a dish of munchies to pass around.

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Why you (or a man in your life) needs a Men's group

I make sure I’m out Tuesday night. It’s the Men’s group and scotch tasting in my house (run by my husband Blaik) and it’s full of hot men talking about women and finding their own masculine process. Apparently much of it is done through laughter, soul searching, and no-bullshit direct feedback.
It’s been magic to watch. When I come home even 30 minutes after the three hour evening has ended there is still half the group hanging out and finishing discussions. I feel like the kid sister and while the guys are polite, they really want to talk to each other. And I don’t have a penis.
They have covered topics such as;
-What is sexy
-How to communicate with women (and each other)
-Models of relationships. Poly, multiple loves and juggling partners
-How to get out of the friend zone
-Being your authentic self
-What women wish men would know
-The target of being a stand up guy
-Men chase, women choose. The science of love
-Upping your man game
-Your image and identity
-Toxic masculinity and mutual respect
and more….
It turns out there are a few studies that say that joining a men’s group is one of the the top 5 things men can do for their health and longevity. Finding friends that get it and allowing yourself to be heard is invaluable. The men are all ages, and everyone has a story.
Here is the recent list from the Good Men’s Project about what you get out of a men’s group.
Here are 6 reasons why you must join a Men’s Group today:
You can’t see your own blind spots
The masculine grows through challenge and feedback
Support when times get tough
Find like-minded friends
Improves Intimate relationships. Understand Women
Loneliness is dangerous
If you are a man who lives in Ottawa and are around on a Tuesday night consider joining the men’s group and scotch tasting. You don’t have to drink scotch but you do have to want to join in to the coolest group around. Send Blaik an email at bdspratt@gmail.com. $25 a week (4 week minimum). It’s friends, scotch, fun, stories, community, therapy and a night to just be yourself. Be the man you want to be. And the women in your life will love you for it.

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Non-Monogamy four week workshop starting July 30th, 2018

You can read definitions online of what swinging, or polyamory might be outlined as. But what do they really mean?
We have a new non-monogamy course starting later this month. It’s like being in the best class you have ever attended where everyone has read the book and participated. Read below for details.
The non-monogamous clients tend to be couples in long-term relationships who don’t want to split up but are desperate for more or different sexual experiences and partners. And there is no one-size fits all.
Examples of non-monogamy can be:
~Living with a third (or triad) and how do you deal with that?
~Two couples connecting with each other (quad)
~Heterosexual couple Bringing in an extra male (hot wife)
~Swing clubs where everything from gentle touching on the dance floor to full blown orgies (and everything in between) happens
~Polyamorous. Means to love more than one person. But can be someone who is married and has a girlfriend/boyfriend or more.
~Alternative relationships in all kinds of ways. Asexual while one partner has other sexual interactions, monogamous but in different cities.
~One relationship two dwellings. Or having their own dedicated space within a dwelling.
~Friend with benefits for an occasional hook up
~periodic hall passes.
~Group family or commune.
And so many more examples.
Trying to navigate it is hard. Consider joining us for a small group starting a few weeks from now. It’s the tool kit for managing non-monogamy without blowing your relationship up. It is great if you can join us in person but easy of you need to video in.
Monday July 30, Monday Aug 13th, Monday Aug 20th, Monday Aug 27th 7-9(ish) pm
81 Pooler Ave. Very limited enrollment. $400/couple, $200 individual.
1. Intros, purpose of workshop, specific models of non-monogamy, ways of finding one’s own voice.
2. Specifics of sharing, Jealousy (Swing, poly and other non-monogamous forms). Rules, what works, contracts etc. Non-Monogamy checklist. What is the wish lists and deal breakers
3. What do you need/want. How do you negotiate that? How do you ask for it and how do you find it? Sharing and tools for understanding boundaries.
4. Group discussion about finding potential partners. A chance to practice skills and role play in a safe way. Stories about successful (and not-so-successful) models of play.
An informal social has happened in the past with the group and will be organized later following the completion of the workshop.
Sign up single $200





Couple sign up $400





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Body Image, Hormones and Boudoir

body image 88As someone who has had more than her share of weight and body image challenges (I have lost over 180 pounds at one time) I continue to research the correlation between hormones, libido and body image as one of the major focuses of my practice. The need to come to terms with the body you have and be gentle with it is something I preach with clients. It’s hard to feel sexy when you are beating yourself up. So a few times a year I host a body image group that ends in a boudoir shoot. With lots of champagne and chocolate. So we have a group starting Tuesday June 14th from 7 to 9:45pm. If you are struggling with weight, body image, hormones and feeling sexy then come join us for three weeks of the best speakers in the city on finding your sexy self.
Small group to kick those crazy messages about your negative body image to the curb for good! Free with your extended health benefits. A boudoir session (with a seriously discounted price) will happen at the end of the workshop so you can find your sexy self.
I believe that all women have body image issues. It’s an issue I see coming up again and again with women in therapy. I see women who have been married for years, have children whose husbands have never seen them naked. I see women who hate their bodies despite having a body I wish I had. I see women for whom food is still the enemy. And ones who think they are too fat to have sex.
There is such a need to re-claim our bodies, start seeing our toes again, and feel sexy in the process that I am starting a women-only 2 hour weekly group starting Tuesday, June 14th 2016 for 3 weeks. It’s going to be small, proactive, and empowering. Think cutting edge information on hormones, weight, and nutrition. Its about learning to love yourself and find your sexy self in the process. The previous groups become have been magic. We connect, we get to the root of these very chewy issues, and we reclaim our intimacy. Amazing speakers, a tremendous amount of material, and a whole new you before the holiday food frenzy begins. Space is very limited. Send me an email now at suem@rogers.com if you’re interested in yourself again.
Balance your hormones, get support and lose weight.
A new women-only support and information workshop that will offer up new solutions and creative ways to connect hosted by Sexuality and Relationship Therapist Sue McGarvie.
The 3 week Workgroup starts Tuesday, June 14th, 2016 for women who want to gain confidence explore sexuality and body image issues and meet like-minded friends.
Is your sexuality diminished because of body-image issues? Well, for many people, its hormonal imbalances that are causing the weight gain. Any woman who has craved chocolate before her period understands the link between food and hormones. Where do you get support that doesn’t make you feel “like nobody understands?”
Clinical Relationship Therapist, Talk Show Host and Hormonal Expert Sue McGarvie has a new program to balance your hormones, and help you feel better about your body.
And Sue should know. Sue lost over 170 pounds simply through hormonal balancing and an understanding of personal bio-chemistry. Her bestselling book The Libido Diet, outlined the specific steps that let her lose half her body weight. Sue is committed to losing that last 40 pounds herself and wants to bring in all the best experts to help model a new support program of fun, love and acceptance.
Find out what you may be missing for real change in a supportive, group environment that brings together Ottawa’s best experts in health, weight loss, hormones and body image.
AT LONG LAST, SOLVE THE BODY IMAGE ISSUES AND BECOME YOUR SEXY SELF.
A month of four Saturday mornings starting June 14th for 2 hours. 7 to 9:30 on Tuesdays. $300 total with full insurance receipts.
81 Pooler Ave. Refreshments
Group support, hormonal solutions, and the latest in sexuality and health information. Be informed and supported.
body image2
Testimonials about the previous groups! Gee Thanks!
Thank you for an amazing experience with our women’s group. It has opened up new doors for me, in ways I could not have imagined. For the first time in ages I feel like I am in control and I can make my dreams come true! I will miss our weekly group but hope to continue my work- moving forward! Thanks so much.
H
Thanks Sue! I loved our group.
I had fun today. Feel much better than I did when I arrived. Thanks for your great company and inspiration. S
Once again, I really benefited from the Saturday woman’s group. A very unique but beneficial service!
Thanks,
B
Sign up now! Full receipts will be provided at the first session!
$300




The Body Image Workshop you need to hear about! Reclaim your sexy self the New Year and fix your relationship with your body!

Body Image Workshop:
Here’s the skinny!!!
Starting Tuesday June 14th, 2016 7 to 9 pm for three consecutive weeks.
81 Pooler Ave
Small group to kick those crazy messages about your negative body image to the curb for good! Free with your extended health benefits.
I believe that all women have body image issues. It’s an issue I see coming up again and again with women in therapy. I see women who have been married for years, have children whose husbands have never seen them naked. I see women who hate their bodies despite having a body I wish I had. I see women for whom food is still the enemy. And ones who think they are too fat to have sex.
There is such a need to re-claim our bodies, start seeing our toes again, and feel sexy in the process that I am starting a women-only 2 hour weekly group starting Tuesday from 7 to 9 pm beginning June 14th for 3 weeks. It’s going to be small, proactive, and empowering. Think cutting edge information on hormones, weight, and nutrition. Its about learning to love yourself and find your sexy self in the process. The previous groups become have been magic. We connect, we get to the root of these very chewy issues, and we reclaim our intimacy. Amazing speakers, a tremendous amount of material, and a whole new you before the holiday food frenzy begins. Space is very limited. Send me an email now at suem@rogers.com if you’re interested in yourself again.
body image7
Balance your hormones, get support and lose weight.
A new women-only support and information workshop that will offer up new solutions and creative ways to connect hosted by Sexuality and Relationship Therapist Sue McGarvie.
The 4 week Workgroup starts Tuesday June 14, 2016 for women who want to gain confidence explore sexuality and body image issues and meet like-minded friends.
body image66
Is your sexuality diminished because of body-image issues? Well, for many people, its hormonal imbalances that are causing the weight gain. Any woman who has craved chocolate before her period understands the link between food and hormones. Where do you get support that doesn’t make you feel “like nobody understands?”
Clinical Relationship Therapist, Talk Show Host and Hormonal Expert Sue McGarvie has a new program to balance your hormones, and help you feel better about your body.
And Sue should know. Sue lost over 170 pounds simply through hormonal balancing and an understanding of personal bio-chemistry. Her bestselling book The Libido Diet, outlined the specific steps that let her lose half her body weight. Sue is committed to losing that last 40 pounds herself and wants to bring in all the best experts to help model a new support program of fun, love and acceptance.
Find out what you may be missing for real change in a supportive, group environment that brings together Ottawa’s best experts in health, weight loss, hormones and body image.
AT LONG LAST, SOLVE THE BODY IMAGE ISSUES AND BECOME YOUR SEXY SELF.
A month of four Saturday mornings starting Tues, June 14th, 2016 from 7 to 9:30 pm. $300 total with full insurance receipts.
81 Pooler Ave. Refreshments
Group support, hormonal solutions, and the latest in sexuality and health information. Be informed and supported.
Email me at suem@rogers.com, or www.sexwithsue.com
Testimonials about the previous groups! Gee Thanks!
Thank you for an amazing experience with our women’s group. It has opened up new doors for me, in ways I could not have imagined. For the first time in ages I feel like I am in control and I can make my dreams come true! I will miss our weekly group but hope to continue my work- moving forward! Thanks so much.
H
Thanks Sue! I loved our group.
I had fun today. Feel much better than I did when I arrived. Thanks for your great company and inspiration. S
Once again, I really benefited from the Saturday woman’s group. A very unique but beneficial service!
Thanks,
B
Sign up now! Full receipts will be provided at the first session!





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Spring courses, Why love is not enough, and new ideas to keep-it-hot

I interviewed Gretchen Rubin, the author of the Happiness Project and happiness expert a few years ago for my radio show. She offered advice like “make sure you make your bed” and “think about trying meditation” as small things you can do to increase happiness. Happiness needs health, career, and community in order to thrive. But before all of that most people define happiness “as directly related to the quality of their intimate relationships”. How many times have you heard the adage “happy wife, happy life” this summer alone? When you have a great relationship the sun shines brighter, food tastes better and we have a bounce to our step. The challenge is that intimate relationships take a ton of work. Hopefully much of that is fun to do. Gottman’s much quoted research about how to predict a couples eventual divorce with 96% accuracy suggests there are a few things not to do. Those include criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and disengaging. But he also suggests that what works is defusing the stress of the day.What’s the most powerful little exercise to improve a marriage? “Reunite at the end of the day and talk about how it went.” The goal is to bleed off stress from the day so it can’t negatively affect your relationship.
So call out your partner. My challenge doesn’t include a bucket of ice. It’s short, medium and long term work this fall. Make a 21 day commitment to check in with your partner at the end of the day NO MATTER WHAT. Do it by skype if you have to. Consider taking a relationship course. I’ve got the gentle “keeping it hot” PG-13 version as well as the x-rated version listed below. If not mine, then find a tantra, or salsa class you can take together this fall. Finally, commit to getting away for a weekend. Relationships absolutely require uninterrupted, intimate time. Your happiness depends on it.
Couples Workshop on intimacy, keeping it hot, and romance
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The new workshop starting this spring
One of the most common questions I get asked from clients is how do you keep up the passion? Especially for people who have been together for a long time. Finding out what’s new in sex, and exploring things you may not have tried is the theme of this new workshop. So if you are asking questions like; What if we want to try something a little more risqué? or How do we try it with grace and integrity? then you may want to consider this workshop for singles and couples. Sex Therapist Sue McGarvie and her husband Blaik Spratt are presenting a 4 week workshop on outlining all of the mild and wild things you can do to create a smoking hot relationship- all without stepping on relationship landmines. This is for couples (and singles) that know they want to ignite the passion within and to learn about new sexual experiences in a safe, professional atmosphere. Sue McGarvie (sex with Sue) has been talking about sex in Ottawa for close to 25 years. Along with her husband Blaik, they can be your tour guides into what might be the best way to safely spark up your love life.
Find out how amazing your sex life could be this September with topics that include:
What turns you on?
Where are you on the sexual continuum? Where is your partner and what does it all mean?
What is your Love Language and how does your sweetie feel loved?
Sensual touch and Tantric sex.
Burlesque, body image and how to move in a sexy way.
Read More
Why simply being in love isn’t enough to make relationships stick
I tell my clients that simply “being in love” isn’t enough to fix all of their problems. Unfortunately, love doesn’t conquer all. With a 52% divorce rate in this country, couples need more tools besides love in order to make relationships sustainable. Things like attraction, similar interests and values, support systems, courtesy and acceptance. You can go to your grave loving someone but if you can’t live with them the relationship is doomed. So what can you do? There is a great article by Mark Manson talking about why this adage is oh-so-true.
Manson calls them three harsh truths about love:
1. Love does not equal compatibility. Just because you fall in love with someone doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a good partner for you to be with over the long term. Love is an emotional process; compatibility is a logical process. And the two don’t bleed into one another very well.
Read More
The Ethical Hedonist 2. From Jealousy to BDSM The advanced workshop.
This workshop is for couples who wish to learn and understand the dynamics in enhanced sexual relationships. This course is also recommended for couples who want more information beyond an introduction to what is out there to experience. So if you are asking questions like; How do I bring up and possibly negotiate expanding our sex life to include new forms of play? and If we do walk that path, how do we maximize the experience while minimizing the risk?, then this may well be for you. (There is no requirement to take EH1 before EH2)
Find out how amazing your sex life could be this spring with topics that include:
Week 1 Jealousy, insecurities, anxiety about alternative sexual adventures. Negotiating sexual experimentation, and understanding interpersonal dynamics.
Read More
Sue McGarvie,

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The Ethical Hedonist – Part 2 Moving the chains. The advanced course

This workshop is for couples who wish to learn and understand the dynamics in enhanced sexual relationships. This is the second workshop for couples who want more information beyond an introduction. So if you are asking questions like; What if we want to try something a little more risqué? or How do we try it with grace and integrity? then you may want to consider this workshop for singles and couples. Sex Therapist Sue McGarvie and her husband Blaik Spratt are presenting a 4 week workshop on outlining all of the mild and wild things you can do to create a smoking hot relationship- all without stepping on relationship landmines. This is for couples (and singles) that know they want to ignite the passion within and to learn about new sexual experiences in a safe, professional atmosphere. Sue McGarvie (sex with Sue) has been talking about sex in Ottawa for close to 25 years. Along with her husband Blaik, they can be your tour guides into what might be the best way to safely spark up your love life.
Find out how amazing your sex life could be this spring with topics that include:
Jealousy, insecurities, anxiety about alternative sexual adventures. Negotiating sexual experimentation, and understanding interpersonal dynamics. What really turns you on and how to articulate your needs.
Defining beyond monogamy sexual models, Swinging 201. This is for couples who want to know more. Ads, how much sex do you want? Flirting, agreements, and what happens when you are on different pages.
Advanced Sex techniques. Gspot, squirting, positions, oral sex, and discussions of where the line is.
Advanced BDSM beyond the first 50 Shades. Collars, contracts, how to set up the scene, and what’s going on around town.
All this as a series of afternoon’s get-a-ways with wine and munchies.
Sunday afternoons from 4:30 to 6 pm
April 26th,2015 May 3rd, May 10th and May 17th
$300 per couple ($200 singles) with full reimbursable insurance receipts
Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill Ave., Ottawa. Free parking
Refreshments, field trips, and everything you’ve ever wanted to know about introducing more creativity in the bedroom but didn’t know who to ask. Discreet, fun, supportive and above all safe. Space is limited so contact us at suem@rogers.com or Register Now to hold your spot! A receipt will be sent to you immediately for reimbursement.





Keeping your relationship spicy. The new workshop starting September, 2014.

eh1So we are doing it again! The first time we ran this course it was magic. A synergy of people, laugh-out-loud fun, fantastic speakers, great information, and a way to make a serious impact on your relationship.
One of the most common questions I get asked from clients is how do you keep up the passion? Especially for people who have been together for a long time. Finding out what’s new in sex, and exploring things you may not have tried is the theme of this new workshop. So if you are asking questions like; What if we want to try something a little more risqué? or How do we try it with grace and integrity? then you may want to consider this workshop for singles and couples. Sex Therapist Sue McGarvie and her husband Blaik Spratt are presenting a 4 week workshop on outlining all of the mild and wild things you can do to create a smoking hot relationship- all without stepping on relationship landmines. This is for couples (and singles) that know they want to ignite the passion within and to learn about new sexual experiences in a safe, professional atmosphere. Sue McGarvie (sex with Sue) has been talking about sex in Ottawa for close to 25 years. Along with her husband Blaik, they can be your tour guides into what might be the best way to safely spark up your love life.
Find out how amazing your sex life could be this September with topics that include:
What turns you on?
Where are you on the sexual continuum? Where is your partner and what does it all mean?
What is your Love Language and how does your sweetie feel loved?
Sensual touch and Tantric sex.
Burlesque, body image and how to move in a sexy way.
Boudoir pictures for couples
BDSM lite -how to dip a toe into your own 50 shades of Grey?
What’s new in sex toys?
All this as a series of afternoons get-a-ways with wine and munchies.
Sundays from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
September 21st, September 28th, October 5th, and October 19th
$300 per couple ($200 singles) with insurance receipts
Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill Ave., Ottawa. Free parking
Refreshments, field trips, and everything you’ve ever wanted to know about introducing more creativity in the bedroom but didn’t know who to ask. Discreet, fun, supportive. Space is limited so contact us at suem@rogers.com or Register Now to hold your spot now. A receipt will be sent immediately for reimbursement.





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Read a review!
Sue and Blaik we loved the course! Things we really liked included the fact that you guys really effectively demystified a lot of scary topics for us, in a safe and calm environment (with wine!). We also liked the mix of topics, from couples communication and expressing yourself to your partner, to the more risqué BDSM stuff and the field trip. The gorgeous dominatrix was absolutely fascinating (although probably not gonna head down that route, it was still amazing to hear) and your nudist friend was really interesting as well; she was so normal that again, it helped to demystify the topic.
One thing we might have liked to hear more about is how to cope with the emotional and relationship issues of moving into a more open relationship. Topics like self-esteem, jealousy, insecurity, and dealing with all that stuff as you try exploring ‘lifestyle’ alternatives. It’s a huge step to take (more so for some people than others) so more on that would be appreciated.
I thought that you did a great job putting together and delivering the couples workshop.
All the speakers were great and the information provided really allowed Eric and I to start up the conversations regarding sex and our relationship again.
Thanks again for all you have done for me. You are amazing!

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Feather boas, pasties and thigh-high boots. The joy of burlesque

Recently as part of the couples workshop and body image groups, we had a few of the local burlesque performers talk about the power of tassels to re-claim your personal power. Everyone was blown away about the sexiness and fun of burlesque. I call it feminist stripping. Elegant, for any body size, and full of kick-ass costumes, So why is channeling your inner Cher so powerful?
Some women think its the clothes and glitter. It’s everything from what to wear and how to perform for your partner and how to best shake your tail feathers. It’s a chance to be on stage in heels and feel powerful and sexy. You get a sassy stage name, friends that get it and a way to feel comfortable in your skin. All the women I speak to about burlesque say “burlesque makes them feel powerful”.
In the book The Burlesque Handbook, author Jo Weldon tries to explain how burlesque dancers differ from strippers: “As a strip-joint stripper, I usually looked for one individual to perform to, and that individual paid me. As a burlesque performer, I play to the entire house, and the house (show producer or venue owner) pays me.” She then recalls the pain when “As a…stripper, my appearance was constantly evaluated and commented upon openly…it was a rollercoaster for my ego.” As dehumanizing as it is for conventional strippers to be scrutinized like they are, at least they have the strength to get up close with men. Burlesque dancers, on the other hand, have a wall of separation between them and the audience, and have rigged the show to where the audience can only give positive reinforcement. In this environment, all the “power grabs” and attempts and being “daring” end up being, as Roger Waters put it, “the bravery of being out of range.”
Burlesque can be many things. It is most commonly associated with Dita von Teese and vintage-inspired striptease. But in fact the word ‘burlesque’ actually means to make a mockery or satirise.
“Women usually take burlesque classes for one of three reasons: they want to feel cheeky and have fun, they want to improve their body confidence and how they feel about themselves, or they want to become a professional burlesque performer. When asked about their experience of learning and performing burlesque the majority of our students will use the word ’empowering’ in their answer. Regardless of why you come to learn burlesque you are welcomed into an environment that gives you permission to understand, explore, celebrate and have fun with your sensuality. You indulge in your feminine energy and create a performance that reflects your personality and beauty, instead of being constantly valued in terms of weight, size and age. No wonder this is an empowering experience considering the society norm – images of women photo-shopped to inhuman proportions and perfection preached by way of a size 0 body and cellulite- free thighs.”
I like going to burlesque shows with my sweetie. But it’s men, not him driving the outing. He prefers women naked. The audience is at least 50% women and it’s a very fun, open and appreciative crown. It can also be quite hot. Zaphods usually has a show at least once a month and there will be a burlesque show coming in every major city. Ottawa, population 1.1 million has seven burlesque troops and is expanding.
A warning burlesque is addictive. Whether watching it or dancing yourself, I’ve see it as so very positive. Take a deep breath, grab some pasties and think about rolling down your stocking. It’s food for your sexuality.