WORKSHOPS
To navigate the wild world of relationships teens, emerging adults, and parents need more than an education about risks and dangers, they deserve a broader understanding of relational health. For two decades we have worked with our clients on how to cultivate vibrant, safe relationships and we want this information to be available to anyone who is open to learning. The following workshops teach teens, emerging adults and parents to be in intimate relationships with curiosity, confidence and respect.
New Workshops Coming Soon- Spring/Summer 2026!
CREATING OPTIMAL CONNECTIONS : An 8-week Course for Adult Couples
Are you and your partner wishing to:
Reconnect after long periods without sexual intimacy — months, years, decades?
Resolve tension related to differences in sexual interest and desire?
Bring sexuality back into your relationship after major health issues or losses?
Experience greater intimacy and enhance your sexual relationship?
This research-based approach is being offered in upstate NY for the very first time and it is only being offered in a few locations in the U.S. overall.
We offer a confidential and comfortable setting for couples to address intimacy issues. The course is 16 hours long with weekly homework assignments. The more homework you complete the more you will find the course beneficial. Sexual intercourse is never assigned however the homework always includes various non-sexual touch exercises that invite couples to share in experiences of safety, curiosity, connection and desire. We will invite you to listen music, watch movies and Ted Talks, read together, dance, play, talk and touch. There is truly something for everyone.
An initial assessment will help you determine if this group is right for you. We are screening for the next group now. Call (518) 290-0320 or email info@upwellcenter.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will we be comfortable working on such private issues in a group?
It surely sounds paradoxical: bring one of your most personal issues and perhaps one of your biggest marital disappointments into the full view of complete strangers? It is indeed paradoxical and it works. The group format initially feels like a tough sell to many people and in the end they realize that it is the golden ticket! Sexual shame breeds isolation and isolation makes everything worse. So often couples feel like they are the only ones struggling with sexual intimacy. When couples come together to share in a process of growth, when they support and challenge one another, change happens with remarkable kindness, efficiency and good cheer.
We will never ask anyone to share if they do not wish to and we do not discuss intimate sexual details. This might sounds strange for a course all about optimizing sexual intimacy but it is true. This course isn't about sexual technique. It is about connection.
We have struggled with sex for such a long time. Will this work?
This remarkable approach was developed by the Optimal Sexual Experience Research Team at the University of Ottowa. The groups are part of a research project studying the effectiveness of group therapy in enhancing sexual relationships. We trained with the team in Ottowa because we were so impressed with the model and their success! Now we are part of the research team ourselves! We believe that this approach is highly effective, cost-efficient and will change the way you feel in your couple and how you enjoy sexual intimacy.
Can you bill my insurance?
Each insurance carrier and plan has different guidelines regarding reimbursement. We do not participate with insurance plans directly but we will provide you with a receipt at the end of the course with all the necessary information you will need to submit in the event your plan has an out-of-network benefit.
What is the cancellation policy?
Payment is required to reserve your place in the course. Once the course begins there will be no refunds.
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We have run groups and taught classes for 20 years so we know the importance of challenge, entertainment and engagement in the service of learning. Comfort and confidentiality are just as important. We will use role-play, art, yoga and movement, lecture, writing, and mindfulness practices along with plenty of humor and discussion for so our participants can connect and grow. We welcome participants of all races, sexual and gender identities, spiritual and ethnic backgrounds and abilities and we make a point of exploring how our various identities shape our experiences of connection.
Please email info@upwellcenter.org or call Caroline at 518-857-9361 with questions or to register.