PHOTO: © Katharina Renke
Consensual Touch Lab
In the organizer's words:
About the event:
We often believe that touch must inevitably be a form of “giving”—a way to pamper, to make things right, or to try to provide the other person with a pleasant experience. But what happens when we turn off this autopilot?
The Consensual Touch Labis a practical research space where we experiment with exactly that. On this evening, we’ll focus intensively on a very specific dynamic of touch: conscious taking (inspired by the “Taking” quadrant of the Wheel of Consent developed by Dr. Betty Martin).
What to expect: In a safe, guided setting, we invite you to explore what it feels like to touch another person (e.g., on the hands or arms) solelyfor your own pleasure. You’ll practice letting go of the desire to give and exploring shapes and textures with pure curiosity. As you switch roles, you’ll practice pure allowing—leaning back and letting go of control while your partner explores for themselves.
Our Process:
Weaving a foundation:We establish a safe space where an honest “no” is just as welcome as a “yes.”
Awakening the Hands:We awaken our hands as pure organs of sensation and decouple touch from the pressure to perform.
The Journey of Exploration:You actively experiment with “taking” and “allowing.”
Integration:We take time to let the experience settle into our bodies and to share our reflections.
Who is this workshop for? For anyone who wants to experience touch in a new way—without preconceptions and free from expectations. No prior experience is necessary. You can participate alone or with a partner. During this evening, we will touch each other exclusively while fully clothed and only on non-intimate areas (such as hands or arms).
The Pear Metaphor:
"Imagine I’m giving you pears from my tree. I can bring them to you in a beautiful basket (giving). Or I can let you come into my garden and pick them yourself (taking). The gift is already waiting for you; you just need to take action to accept it.”
– adapted from Dr. Betty Martin
The Wheel of Consensus:
Who initiates the touch? And for whose enjoyment does it happen?
Discover the four dynamics of touch that form the foundation of our lab.
https://www.wheelofconsent.org/
Who is facilitating this space:
We are Katharina and Marcel—colleagues, roommates, friends, and playmates.
As Gestalt therapists, we have a deep passion for tuning in closely to ask:
What is happening right now, in this very moment?
Venue:
A friendly, warm seminar room in Vauban: Marie-Curie-Straße 1, 79100 Freiburg im Breisgau-Sankt Georgen, Germany
Price information:
The venue is non-commercial. Ticket prices cover only the venue costs and are intended as reimbursement for expenses.
Location
