What is a ConsentLab?

ConsentLab is an experiential play/workshop to practise the dynamics taught in Somatic Consent.  The evening starts with an introduction and consent games, which leads into the Lab itself; a guided circle structure where people make requests based on consent and agreements. You will learn:

~ Communication tools
~ Consent skills
~ Asking for what you want
~ Making clear requests
~ Being seen in your desire
~ Creating agreements
~ Tuning into your authentic ‘yes’ and ‘no’
~ Speaking up for your limits and boundaries

What happens in a ConsentLab?

The introduction is a playful and fun way to get to know each other. In preparation for the Lab, participants learn about consent and communication tools for expressing limits and desires.

In the Lab itself, we sit in a circle and practice making real requests. This anchors an understanding of the power of desire and the value of limits when making agreements. It is important that everyone takes responsibility for themselves, both in making a request and responding to a request.

For example, if you would like to receive a back massage for 10 minutes, you express your desire and make a request to a person of your choice: “will you massage my back for 10 minutes?” If the other person is willing to do so, you both go to the side of the circle and carry out the agreement, not more than that, but maybe less if one of you chooses to. After the agreed time is over, you both come back to the circle and continue to make or receive requests.

We complete the workshop with a closing circle for people to reflect on the experience and talk about what they discovered about themselves.

Who is the ConsentLab for?

This workshop is for anyone who is interested in learning more about themselves and improving the quality of their communication in relationships – personal or professional, with lovers, friends, parents, children or colleagues. No prior experience is necessary, and all genders and sexual orientations are welcome. This workshop is also a practice space for anyone who has previously participated in a Somatic Consent foundations workshop like “The Art of Choice and Touch” or “Foundations of Somatic Consent”, or anyone who has started a journey into practising the art of embodying consent.

This is a safe and confidential space. Nobody has to participate in anything, but you do have to be okay with others following their own desires in a consensual way. For those who choose to participate and respond positively to a request, they will be able to do so from an empowered place.

But most importantly, you come to be you and to learn that you get to choose how, when and where you engage – maybe even not at all.

When and Where & When

Tynemouth, 31st of May 7-9.30 pm