Pleasure
MOVEMENT
The
The Pleasure Movement is an organization dedicated to helping women find pleasure in
their bodies and empowering them to spread it around the globe.
WHAT IS THE PLEASURE MOVEMENT?
What is Pleasure?
Pleasure is both physical and emotional enjoyment. It
can be experienced either alone or with other people. It’s
about joy, satisfaction, and personal fulfillment. And it’s
good for you – it makes you smile!
Simply put......
the more pleasure you experience,
the less room there is for the pain.
We believe pleasure is not
only an intimate experience to
be enjoyed but also a vital
component in the journey
toward a healthy, fulfilling, and
pain-free life.
Combining our experience in
physical therapy, sex education
and coaching, we facilitate
experiences that empower and
guide women on a path toward
discovering the healing potential
pleasure can have in all aspects
of life.
Whether you're seeking personal relief from unwanted pelvic, vulvar or vaginal pain or looking to enhance your professional skills, the Pleasure Movement is here to support you every step of the way.
If you are a healthcare provider treating these women…
Learn the Pleasure Prescription Way
As a clinician who helps women manage and heal their unwanted pelvic, vulvar or vaginal pain,
you understand there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. The Pleasure Prescription method
goes beyond traditional treatments by incorporating pleasure as an integral part of the healing
journey.
Pain with intimacy
impacts millions of people
As many as 3 out of 4 people with vulvas and
vaginas report having had pain with intercourse at
some point in their lives. And, studies tell us that 16-
20% of those, when asked about experiencing
unwanted pain with sex, told researchers they had
been experiencing it for longer than 3 months.
That’s literally millions of vulva owners, in the US
alone, whose chronic pain interferes with their
sexual intimacy.
Broaden your understanding on how
to treat overall pain and dysfunction
throughout the pelvis and
surrounding musculature, viscera,
and fascia.
Identify the preventive use of
pleasure and how to prescribe it
confidently and comfortably to your
patients.
Courses & Retreats
Rest assured, our courses and retreats are unlike the sit-at-a-table, take notes and get on with your day continuing ed courses you’ve attended in the past.
From the settings we select to the china we serve lunch on, every detail is thoughtfully curated to provide a sensual and engaging environment for you to learn, share and connect with like-minded professionals.
Take your Practice to the Next Level
Learn the impact of trauma on female
sexual health and why full-body
strategies can help.
Develop the skills and language to
discuss sexual anatomy, the arousal
network and how they work functionally
with your patients to encourage healthy
sexual behavior.
Come join us at our Next Retreat
Relax & discover innovative strategies to improve patient outcomes
We designed our course as a retreat, allowing us to spend time together learning, observing, and sharing information relating to women’s sexual health and well-being.
The topics covered with include, but are not limited to:
Instruction of manual assessment and treatment techniques to address contributors to pelvic floor muscle overactivity
Overview of vulvar diseases
Introduction to the arousal network—including detailed anatomy of the clitoris, how it works, and how to address it when it doesn’t
Discussion of Big ‘T’ and small ‘t’ trauma and how they impact our patients’ lives
Introduction of full-body strategies designed to assist in trauma and tension release
Understanding the inverse correlation between pain and pleasure
Discussion of the integral and essential relationship between sensuality, sexuality, and pleasure
Exploring the preventative use of pleasure and how to prescribe it confidently and comfortably
Introduction and demonstration of Sexological Bodywork
Exploring the
Complexities of
Chronic Vulvar Pain
& Trauma's Impact on
Female Sexual Health
An All-Inclusive Retreat:
October 4-6, 2024
If you are interested in becoming part of a professional community
focused on the complexities of chronic vulvar pain and trauma and their repercussions on sexual function, come join us and learn to embody pleasure as healing tool.
The retreat is limited to 6 practitioners with a practice minimum of 5 years in the field of women’s health. All physical therapists are required to have at least 3 years experience with intervaginal assessment and treatment.
The cost of the retreat includes extensive learning, observing, demos, exercises, and small group discussions. Two night's single-occupancy accommodations, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the fee. Coffee/tea/water and snacks provided. Alcoholic beverages are NOT included.
Continuing Education Units (17) will be presented at upon completion from the State of Illinois. Out of town attendees can submit this form in their home state.
PLEASE NOTE: We have instituted a two-step application process that includes a short Discovery Call with us. Our goal is to confirm that the material offered in the retreat matches your learning objectives.
WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING ABOUT OUR UNIQUE RETREATS?
Lauryn Beecher
"I would join Dee and Elizabeth for another course in a heartbeat! They not only created a beautiful learning environment but a space for everyone to truly be able to take care of themselves all weekend long. I left the retreat feeling refreshed, which is usually unheard of after a full weekend course and travel, so excited to bring new strategies and ideas back to my client."
Jen Vande Vegte
"It's not every day you get to live AND learn with such gurus in their fields as Dee and Elizabeth. They both teach from a place of humility and gratitude for the work we do. A beautiful safe space was created for learning, exploring, questioning, and practicing. The pace was lovely, with down time to snack, exercise, process, and connect. I loved every minute. Already this week I've used one of the techniques on three women seeing drastic decreases in vulvar pain. Can't wait for more. Thanks D and E!"
Anonymous
"This retreat style course was a phenomenal format to delve into a more complete understanding of pleasure, sensuality and pain. A very safe environment was established that allowed for an in depth discussion of vulnerability, shame, empathy and trauma. Dee and Elizabeth compliment each other so well as they present some difficult topics at times. This experience was an opportunity to grow both professionally and personally in a very safe space. I highly recommend this course to all pelvic health physical therapists."
Anonymous
"Excellent advanced workshop in advanced knowledge and treatment to women's vulvar pain and provoking pleasure."
Barbora Vystejnova
"Retreat was informative with aha moments, relaxing, with opportunity to be kind to self and others, accepting and flexible environment where each flower could bloom ❤️!"
Anonymous
"One of a kind immersion for female sensuality and female sexuality education and application toward the PFPT population."
Pany Nazari
Dearest Dee and Elizabeth, thank you for this amazing learning opportunity where curiosity, care, courage and bonding with one another was ignited for the sake of all women who deserve support and pleasure.
Leah Passalacqua
Dee and Elizabeth bring an enlightening approach to pelvic pain. Their expertise and experience is beyond measure. The class atmosphere is enjoyable and educative on a multitude of levels. I would strongly recommend their course to any pelvic floor physical therapist wanting to improve their approach.
I want to hear more!
Addressing pain is at the forefront of all we do.
Whether it's private coaching, immersions or
hands-on work, we're here to compassionately
guide you through the pain and toward a path
that expands your capacity to feel pleasure, be it
sensual, sexual, or emotional.
If you are a woman suffering alone and in silence, we can help
Private Offerings
Are you ready to explore new avenues of pleasure and break through the barriers
keeping you from enjoying life?
Gain the tools, skills, and knowledge to journey fully into the depths of your body to
experience all the pleasure and possibilities life has to offer.
Weaving together our expertise in pelvic health, sexuality, trauma healing, and
somatic coaching, we empower and guide women to embrace their own sensual and
sexual pleasure as a pathway to overcome unwanted pain in intimacy.
We work with women who have been diagnosed with conditions such as vulvodynia,
provoked vestibulodynia, vaginismus, dyspareunia, vaginal atrophy and more that
interfere with sexual pleasure or cause pain during intimacy. This includes women
currently experiencing pain with sex and those who suffer with pelvic pain that has
been difficult to diagnose.
It's never too late to change the story around your own pleasure.
If you are currently struggling with unwanted pain during intimacy or are looking for
ways to add more pleasure to your life, we invite you to explore our private coaching
and immersion programs!
Pleasure Immersions
Our Approach
Benefits
Using the Pleasure Prescriptions to decrease pain while increasing sensual and
sexual pleasureEmbodying a sense of safety allowing a greater freedom to express pleasure
Connecting to your sensuality by exploring pleasures related sight, sound, smell,
taste, and touchReleasing tension and moving trauma through your body
Gaining practical tools to help you feel comfortable with any type of penetration
Knowing exactly who you are, what turns you on, and having the confidence to ask
for itCreating a fulfilling sex life for yourself or with a partner that includes play,
exploration, and continuous discovery
Pleasure Coaching
Private coaching sessions help you heal unwanted sexual pain by bringing pleasure and
joy to the forefront of your life. Pleasure coaching provides a safe space to speak
honestly and directly about your experiences and empowers you to become more aware
of your body’s capacity for pleasure.
Pleasure coaching is customized to meet your individual needs and may include topics
such as:
Pleasure is a powerful healing tool. Our immersions offer you the unique opportunity
to harness this power working one-on-one with Elizabeth and Dee. You’ll learn a
diverse set of skills that empower you to heal yourself. Each offers you the ultimate
experience of discovering true pleasure in your body and life. You’ll experience
breakthroughs and emotional releases resulting in a clear path forward on your
healing journey.
3 out of 4 women experience
unwanted sexual pain some
point in their lives
of the women who seek help visit 3 to 4 doctors on average before receiving a diagnosis, and even then, only 40% receive the right diagnosis
of women have experienced unwanted pain with sex for longer than 3 months
16-20 %
Designing a self-pleasure practice
Improving verbal communication
Creating consent in relationships
Exploring partnered touch
Getting to know your body
Understanding your pain
Awakening your sensuality
(Re)Discovering your intimate pleasure
A Surprising Approach to Healing Sexual Pain
by Dee Hartmann, PT, DPT and Elizabeth Wood, MSW, CSSE, BC
Pleasure
Prescription
The
This Amazon # 1 best-selling book is aimed at women readers who experience unwanted pain with sex who:
Suffer with pain that has been difficult to diagnose
Are interested in resolving their pain
Want to enjoy pain-free sex
Desire more pleasure in their bodies, lived, and relationships
And are searching for ways to help themselves
Coauthored by Elizabeth and Dee, The Pleasure Prescription outlines an approach that many women may
find counterintuitive: that their own sexual pleasure may be a pathway to overcoming pain. Research shows
that decreasing pain allows for more pleasure; conversely, the stories highlighted in this book suggest that
increasing pleasure can help diminish a woman’s experience of sexual pain.
The Pleasure Prescription is the culmination of more that fifty years of the authors’ combined experiences with
women in their respective practices. It includes case studies, diagrams, and the latest scientific research.
Each chapter ends with “prescriptions” designed to guide readers through the healing process.
“As a tool of treatment or a stand-alone resource, The Pleasure Prescriptions is a beautifully written, easy-to-read
book that contains real-life relatable examples that help the reader understand the strategies and how they help.
It takes you step by step through the strategies that will bring back the pleasure and enjoyment of sex. These
strategies are clearly explained and achievable. The book allows for plenty of self-reflection, with easily understood
goals and explanations to facilitate self-pacing.”
-Megan Bergman, Physiotherapist
Anatomy Models
The female genitalia consist of a complex system of various closely interconnected and interacting structures, the integrity of which is a prerequisite for fulfilling sexuality and thus for women's sexual health.
The Clitoris model was developed to explain and illustrate the inner structures of the female sexual organ including the vulva and the clitoral hood.
Dimensions: width approx. 5" (12.5 cm), height approx. 4 3/4" (12 cm), depth approx. 2.5" (6.6 cm)
The Vulva is a complex system of various closely interconnected and interacting structures, the integrity of which is a prerequisite for fulfilling sexuality and thus for women's sexual health.
The Vulva model was developed to explain and illustrate the inner structures of the female sexual organ including the vulva and the clitoral hood.
Dimensions: width approx. 4 1/2" (11.5 cm), height approx. 5 1/8" (13 cm), depth approx. 2 3/4" (6.8 cm)
Clitoris Model
Vulva Model
These models can be used for youth and adult sex education as well as in schools and family planning centers. These models are an invaluable tool for any healthcare practitioner working in the field of sexual health.
The corresponding product sheet (included with purchase) explains in detail both the structure and the function of the individual parts.
Manufacturer: KESSEL medintim GmbH
Kelsterbacher Str. 28 - 64546 Mörfelden-Walldorf, Germany
Cost per model: $110.00 (includes shipping & handling within the US excluding Hawaii and Alaska).
For shipping to Hawaii and Alaska, please contact info@pleasuremovement.com
ABOUT US
Elizabeth Wood, MSW, CSSE, BC
Dee Hartmann,
PT, DPT
Elizabeth holds a master’s degree in social work and was a sex therapist for many years. She is a sought-after speaker and guest lecturer at multi-disciplinary medical meetings who infuses pleasure into all of her talks. She is a member of the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) and the Association of Certified Sexological Bodyworkers.
Elizabeth is a Certified Tantra Educator, Somatic Sex Educator and Sexological Bodyworker allowing her to work masterfully with her clients utilizing a hands-on approach.
Her passion lies in exploring the world of human sexual behavior so as to make an impact on the lives of those who want an authentic connection to who they are as erotic beings. As a comprehensive sexuality teacher, she is dedicated to supporting, conducting, and delivering research-based information regarding arousal, pleasure, and how the body was designed to function.
Dee earned a degree in physical therapy from Northwestern Medical School of Physical Therapy followed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from St Ambrose University. As part of her participation in American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) Section on Women’s Health, Dee served as the originating chairman of the task force responsible for creating the Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy (CAPP-Pelvic). She also served on the Vulvar Pain Task Force and co-authored their findings.
A pioneer in her field, Dee is or has been a member, fellow, president, and board director for a vast array of organizations dedicated to women’s sexual health and pelvic pain, including the International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS), International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), and the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH). Her research and findings are widely published in journals and books, and she has been a lecturer and instructor at numerous schools, universities, workshops, and conferences around the world.
As a sole practitioner, Dee used a functional perspective to help patients decrease pelvic pain and restore health.
Together, Elizabeth and Dee are revolutionizing the conversation
around pleasure, pain, and female sexuality.