Em's couples workshop was a really wonderful experience for my husband and me. She has a way of making what would normally feel like a "sensitive topic" feel so approachable, light, and even fun! We loved the simple exercises she had us practice, the thought provoking questions, and the resources she explored. We left with so many great things to discuss and try and we went home filled with optimism and newfound enthusiasm for improving our intimacy and sexual expression. Thank you, Em, for caring enough about your clients and guests to make your events shame-free zones and havens for honest inquiry and healing. I would recommend this experience to everyone! - Stephanie Sorensen
OUR BEGINNING…
Did you know that in medieval times, newlyweds were given honey the night of their wedding to increase energy, fertility and passion? That's why we call it a honeymoon. Over 20 years ago, while completing my degree in Psychology, I worked as a research assistant for a professor writing a book on healthy intimacy in relationships. I studied the honeymoon experience of over 100 couples. As I read each interview, I was heartbroken at the lack of education and communication, as well as the coercive behaviors displayed by some men. I was also saddened by the the lack of preparation and information provided to women around their sexuality or around what a healthy relationship looks like. The majority of experiences were heart-wrenching, some of them traumatic. Motivated by this experience, I founded Honey Rose Haven to help individuals to be more informed and develop healthy, passionate relationships through all the stages of their lives.
The information I teach about sex isn’t the repressed version that many of us were raised with, nor is it the “anything goes” approach — which, in my mind, suggests a less thoughtful approach to sex. It's a reflective and connected version that empowers individuals in their choices around sex and relationships. This is why I chose the name Honey Rose Haven - honey is sticky and messy, yet sweet and full of healing minerals and nutrients. Roses are calming and resilient because of their thorns. Both honey and roses are aphrodisiacs, enhancing passion. Relationships can be messy, sticky, thorny, passionate, sweet, peaceful, and healing. I provide a shame-free haven where individuals can learn how to nourish themselves with education on meaningful relationships.
I’ve attended two workshops with Em and they were both so wonderful! Her view of sexual wellness is very refreshing and grounding. She is very sensitive to those with trauma or those who feel their sex lives aren’t typical. I left both workshops having learned exciting new things about myself, yet feeling safe and rooted. A safe space for anyone no matter your relationship status, sexual orientation, or religious background. - Amanda Gould
Having lived with significant health challenges for 20 years and being neurodivergent, I bring a unique and empathetic perspective to my work. Honey Rose Haven welcomes people of all races, sizes, sexual orientations, genders, ability levels, religions, as well as economic and relationship status.
Em is a thoughtful, creative, brilliant educator and careworker who has a vast group of people who seek her out specifically for her areas of specialization. I admire her work with people who are seeking to overcome a shaming framework that has negatively impacted their relationships, experiences of pleasure, and knowledge of their bodies and minds. Em has worked tirelessly to expand her knowledge, has demonstrated a clear understanding of important theories and approaches in our field, and has connected her expertise in embodiment practices to create a rigorous and innovative approach to relationship and sexuality education. She imagines a world where healing and joy is central. At such an unpredictable time, Em has been firm in her vision of acceptance, equity, and love for self and community. Em is the professional we need in this field for the world we’ve inherited. - Dr. Bianca Laureano