Vision and Mission
I am passionate about the pleasure and satisfaction of women and gender diverse people.
I want my clients to feel powerful, whole and at home in their bodies. To discover what drives them, turns them on, shapes their romantic and sexual lives. I want pain-free sex for them, the ability to feel desire, and of course orgasm if they want (or as much as they want!). And I want people to feel deeply connected to themselves, their partners and the moment.
I bring authenticity, empathy and curiosity to every session, as well as an open mind and heart. I believe in my clients, and create a safer space to foster their growth. I offer a unique and effective approach to intimacy coaching where you and I will work together to bring awareness and positive transformation to your life.
“My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return.”
–Maya Angelou
Take a lover who looks at you like maybe you are magic.”
-Frida Kahlo
How does it work?
Intimacy Coaching is rare in Canada - though so many people express a need for it. Unlike traditional sex therapy, I practice the Somatica Method Ⓡ which is experiential in nature. This means you and I will create a clothes-on, safer and professional “lab” space where you will be able to talk openly about your goals and desires and then we will find ways for you to practice the tools you need to feel confident in your intimate relationships.
We will address any emotional and sexual concerns that are getting in the way of you achieving your goals and dreams. Whether you are sharing something from your sexual history, for example, or learning how to feel comfortable and empowered on a first date, whether you are releasing emotions, practicing boundaries or getting in touch with your playful side again, I will be there in loving connection with you offering guidance, support and new approaches to help you create the life you want.
“Emily was a skilled and sensitive coach who did a fantastic job of setting the stage, leading me through our coaching experience, and thoughtfully debriefing. I gained a lot of insight into myself from working with Emily. I would recommend her to anyone looking to look deeper into themselves and their relationships.”
- Ivy M., Toronto, Ontario
Meet the Coach
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Hi there! I'm Emily West.
I’m a Sex, Intimacy and Relationship Coach with 20+ years in social services and a passion for helping others live their most satisfying and pleasurable lives.
I feel so lucky to be doing this important and satisfying work! My father was a psychologist specialized in sexuality and relationships, so it appears to be a family calling. I grew up surrounded by sex textbooks and research, and then discovered pioneering sex-positive writers (like Carol Queen). My mother was a dancer, so I also grew up in my body. I became a “pleasure warrior” at a young age, and a lifelong student of relationships and sexuality.
I have a deep love and respect for people, a lot of experience and knowledge around sex, and provide a non-judgemental space . It is my aim to create a space for you to fully claim your body and your pleasure.
More about Emily:
Education and Training: Emily has completed the Somatica Institute’s Core Training on Sex, Intimacy and Relationship Coaching, and is in the process of doing the Advanced Training to become a Certified Sexologist. She received Life Skills Coach training through YWCA in 2010. Emily has many additional certificates including Assist, Mental Health First Aid, and Trauma-Informed Care as well as trainings and practice with anti-racism, neurodiversity, trans care, and more.
Emily completed an Honours Bachelors degree in Religious Studies, with minors in Film Studies and Women’s Studies, at Concordia University (2001), where she presented her thesis work at a graduate conference, exhibited artwork in many forms (including dance, installation) and filled up with knowledge of world religions. She also completed an Honours Bachelors in Social Work, McGill University (2007) where she became skilled in human psychodynamics, counselling and the socio-economics factors around wellness, trauma, and systemic issues.
Lastly, Emily has attended many sexually themed conferences and events, such as those offered by the International School of Temple Arts and is well versed in “alternative” sexual communities (polyamorous, kink), as well as erotica and sex toys.
Work Background: Emily has been a Registered Social Worker since 2007. She spent 16 fulfilling years working for KEYS Newcomer and Employment Services, as a fluently bilingual (French/English) Service Delivery Coordinator (etc.), running various large scale programs for at-risk youth, young adults and adults. Her special focus was on queer/trans, newcomers and/or disabled clients. Emily also led creative and experiential workshops on life skills / stress management for KEYS clients.
Prior to Social Work, Emily worked in alternative high schools. Emily was also a marriage celebrant/officiant for several years, performing 27 weddings and 2 baby namings, and had security clearance to perform weddings in prisons.
Volunteer Experience: Emily is a longtime Reelout Queer Film and Video Festival volunteer and taught “Reelout in Schools” workshops. Emily currently co-facilitates a Unitarian youth group. She also co-led empowerment camps for self-identified girls through McGill University. She is a current weekly volunteer “Sexpert” at the Sexual Health Resource Centre at Queens University, and has supported the work of the Queens Sage Lab by being a participant in their Juniper-C arousal study.
Other Interesting Facts: Emily has a piece based on the creation of her non-traditional family published in: Swelling with Pride, Queer Conception and Adoption Stories (2018), which included doing a reading tour. She has 13+ years of co-parenting experience as one of two moms (plus an active donor/friend) of two kids, one of whom is Autistic. She was the 3rd place winner of Weblog Awards for Pineapple Pieces (2012) on fertility and parenting (in the Religion, Spirituality and Philosophy category). Emily is qualified as a Level 2 Reiki practitioner, teaches Contact Improv Dance, is part of a Burlesque dance troupe, and co-leads Ecstatic Dance events on the local beach.
Emily West is a cisgendered, white, able-bodied woman, descended from European settlers, who brings a lifetime of lived experience as a queer woman.