Becoming a Somatic Sex Educator: Queer Embodiment, Trauma-Informed Training & Sexual Liberation with Dr. Liam "Captain" Snowdon

How does someone become a somatic sex educator?

What does it actually take to learn how to work with sexuality, trauma, touch, and pleasure — ethically, safely, and skillfully?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Liam Snowden (they/them) — educator, anti-violence worker, and long-time faculty member within multiple somatic sex education trainings across North America.

Liam (who I affectionately know as “Captain”) was the director of my own sexological bodywork training years ago and has helped shape the evolution of this field for over a decade.

Together, we explore how queer identity, learning differences, harm reduction work, and community care can become powerful gateways into embodied sexuality — and why somatic, trauma-informed approaches are essential for true sexual healing.

This conversation is honest, grounded, and deeply human — a behind-the-scenes look at how practitioners are trained to support others through intimacy, consent, and pleasure.

We explore:

• Liam’s path from learning disabilities to embodied intelligence
 • Growing up queer and finding community outside social norms
 • Discovering sexological bodywork and somatic sex education
 • Why pleasure — not performance — is the foundation of healing
 • Oppression, privilege, and how power dynamics live in the nervous system
 • Sexuality and social justice: why embodiment must include anti-oppression work
 • Trauma-informed vs cathartic sexuality models
 • Why “don’t gotta” and authentic NOs are revolutionary
 • Teaching consent beyond compliance
 • Hands-on vs non-hands-on somatic sex education trainings
 • The evolution of sex education programs in North America
 • What makes a great somatic sex educator
 • How to know if this field is right for you
 • Creating a daily mindful erotic practice
 • Pleasure as a lifelong embodiment discipline

If you’re curious about becoming a practitioner…
 or healing your own relationship to sexuality…
 or simply longing for a more honest, embodied way of living…

This episode offers a rare, insider look at the heart of this work.

Because sexual healing isn’t about technique.

It’s about safety, presence, choice, and learning how to trust your own body.

Learn more

Institute for the Study of Somatic Sex Education
https://somaticsexeducator.com

More somatic sexual healing resources:
 https://rahichun.com

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