David
Thornby
Year of training:
2017
Related qualification:
CSSE + year 3 project
How many and what type of workshops/classes have you previously facilitated?
Around a dozen workshops in embodiment, erotic touch, online relating and consent, and playfulness. I presented solo and with Vida Oceane at the last two FEASTs.
What qualities do you bring to your facilitation?
Detailed time management, commitment to the space, humour, openness, and substantial experience as a participant. I’m very invested in consent and the positive generation of safety in play spaces, and have a strong intellectual interest in all aspects of human sexuality.
What relevant skills and experience/qualifications do you have in addition to Sexological Bodywork?
Diploma of Counselling; INPI self-pleasure practitioner training, along with various pieces of group facilitation, organisation and outreach on the committee of the SSEAA over several years. I have organised, facilitated and presented at over 20 non-sexuality professional events over the last 20 years.
Facilitator Bio
David has taught erotic embodiment to clients and groups for the last eight years, and has been a client of sexological bodywork for more than a decade. He is a Certified Somatic Sex Educator and former president of the SSEAA, with special interests in the body-mind, erotic motivations, sex education ethics, mid-life sexual expression, and expanding orgasmicity.
Workshop 1 Name:
The Temple of Juice
# of participants:
Maximum of 30
Workshop 1 duration:
90 Minute Workshop, 2 Hour Workshop
Equipment needed:
I need floor coverings and clean-up supplies for messy play, but can provide that (as last time). Sound system, cushions, chairs if needed for accessiblility.
Workshop 1's Intention:
The Temple of Juice lets participants play messily in an erotic and embodied context, but also holds a space for actively learning about body worship (giving and receiving) and erotic communication through the safer medium of an instantiated body part, represented by a piece of fruit. Participants have lots of opportunities to practice boundary communication in a held and protective space.
Workshop 1 rough format:
The Temple of Juice consists of:
-an embodied opening practice, intending to connect with a piece of fruit as an etheric extension of your own erotic body
-a lesson and subsequent practice in pairs in giving and receiving body worship and praise, as touch and language, through the medium of the piece of fruit
-a solo or paired fruit smearing, as a celebration
-a group space for community fruit smearing
-installation and reflection
Workshop 1 program description:
The Temple of Juice is as sweet as it sounds! This is a guided exploration of body worship and praise, experienced through the medium of a juicy piece of fruit. You'll experience the sticky deliciousness of exploring fruit as an extension of your own body, and give and receive respectful words and acts of adoration of your fruity self. To finish, a gloriously messy, pulpy, fruity body smearing. So sticky!
Workshop 2 Name:
MAFS (Men at Festivals of Sexuality)
# of participants:
Up to 40
Workshop 2 duration:
90 Minute Workshop, 2 Hour Workshop
Equipment needed:
Sound system, soft furnishings, chairs for accessibility as required.
Workshop 2's Intention:
MAFS is intended to bring men, especially those who are new to the world sexuality events, into a space of competent, safe, enthusiastic, vulnerable and open participation. The participants will have opportunities to share past experiences and current challenges, and to be heard with compassion, and investigate some of the background of human risk assessments in interpersonal spaces. They will examine their own feelings and reactions about working in the sometimes intense context of sexuality events, practice working openly and positively with other men in embodied ways, and investigate the value of conscious intention-setting with compassion and community in mind. The idea for MAFS is built out of various past experiences of men finding it difficult or even unpalatable to do embodied work with other men, and of struggling with forming positive and community-minded intentions in festival contexts. I am interested in exploring ways to make MAFS valuable to all people, and certainly welcome participants regardless of gender or genitals to participate in the space.
Workshop 2 rough format:
MAFS will be a workshop in a few parts:
1. A sharing of participants' experiences and challenges in working in sex ed spaces, to open the heart.
2. A conversation about human risk assessments and how to hear them, intentions, trust, to open the mind.
3. Embodied practice to extend our capacity to work closely together and receive value from all interactions, to engage the body.
4. Intention setting for compassion and community, and reflections.
Workshop 2 program description:
MAFS - Men at Festivals of Sexuality
Not to beat around the bush: men's participation in sexuality events can sometimes be challenging--and yet we firmly hold that all people are capable of being here for the community and the self with full hearts and the best of intentions. MAFS is a space to hear and be heard, delve into the complexities of participating in challenging spaces, and bust our old-paradigm myths around vulnerability, openness, and embodiment. All humans are welcome.
Workshop 3 Name:
# of participants:
Workshop 3 duration:
Equipment needed:
Workshop 3's Intention:
Workshop 3 rough format:
Workshop 3 program description:
Are you interested in/able to facilitate any other group experiences?
I'm happy to facilitate check in circles.
EO: Support space / info booth:
I'm happy to provide 2-3 hours in formal emotional support.
Is there anything else that you would like us to know as organisers?
As discussed in emails, these are my own workshop applications, and I've also submitted a separate application to hold a ritual workshop with Vida. Just to be clear:
The Chrysalis is our joint ritual workshop
Vida's body painting workshop is her own
Temple of Juice and MAFS are my own workshops
I hope this doesn't cause undue confusion!