The Wheel of Consent®is a new approach to learning consent from our own body; it explores the dynamics of ‘receiving’ and ‘giving’, knowing what we want, and being able to communicate this to others.

In this workshop you can....

explore how consent ‘feels’ in your body
unravel some of the myths and misunderstandings that can get in the way of giving and receiving
practice knowing what you want and then being able to ask
practice saying ‘yes’, ‘no’, and ‘maybe’ while being true to how you feel in your own body.

We will explore these through talking, reflection, working in pairs, with some exercises involving touch. You choose how to participate, including whether you opt-in to activities involving touch. There is no nudity or sexual touch in this workshop, and the focus is on participating within your consent, at your pace.

Dr. Betty Martin has been developing and teaching the Wheel of Consent® for well over a decade, developing printed materials, videos and hands-on exercises. On this, she says:

“The videos are fine, the ideas are fine – but it’s the experience of it that will change you. When your hands get it, you get it.” www.bettymartin.org

Who is welcome? Anyone who wants to learn about the Wheel of Consent® in a group setting! No specific experience is necessary. Whether you are shy or outgoing, comfortable in groups or less so, you are welcome.

I welcome diversity in groups, and the uniqueness each person brings. I welcome diverse bodies, sexualities, and genders; diversity of race and cultures; of relationships, and expressions of self. My role is to lead the workshop in a way that supports an inclusive, enjoyable and respectful learning space. Each participant becomes part of creating the group dynamic on the day, and together we create a ‘safer space’ to learn. This is one resource I find useful in understanding more about ‘safer spaces’ https://128aotearoa.wordpress.com/safer-spaces/

Introduction to the Wheel of Consent® is being run in four NSW locations: Newtown, Bondi Junction, Katoomba, and Central Coast. While the program is the same, each group will be unique, and you are welcome to attend more than one.

Alternatives to payment: I can offer a small number of places at reduced cost, or in exchange for skills/helping on the day. Please contact me to talk this over.

Stella Topaz - about me: I am a sexological bodyworker at Abundant Body, seeing individuals and couples/trios, as well as running groups and doing speaking requests. I have 35 years of experience in nursing and community-based work, and live with queer-heartedness and compassion. I’m becoming certified to teach Wheel of Consent® workshops – one of only two people in Australia so far. www.stellatopaz.com

I love this work and can't wait to share it with you!

I live and work on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, the traditional custodians of this land, and pay my respects to their Elders past and present.