Quick facts
- Origin: Western world, 1970s onward
- Lineage: IPSA (International Professional Surrogates Association); separate Sacred Intimate movement
- Primary teachers: Vena Blanchard, Joseph Kramer (Body Electric crossover)
- Primary techniques: Structured therapeutic intimacy sessions, Body-based work with explicit ethical boundaries
Where it comes from
Surrogate Partner Therapy (SPT) emerged from Masters and Johnson's clinical work in the late 1960s. The broader Sacred Intimate movement developed alongside as a less-clinical, more body-positive parallel. Both involve a trained third party working with clients on intimacy issues.
What you actually do
Sessions with a trained practitioner on issues like body-shame, touch deprivation, recovery from trauma — within a structured ethical framework, often in coordination with a licensed therapist.
Common misconceptions
- Sacred intimates are sex workers (legitimate practitioners operate within professional frameworks)
- Anyone can call themselves one (the field has training pathways)
Who this is best for
- Adults working on touch deprivation, body-shame, recovery, with therapist coordination
Who this is NOT for
- People without therapist support
- Anyone uncomfortable with structured paid intimacy work
How it shows up in Tantra Clinic programs
We do not offer Sacred Intimate work directly. We mention it as part of the wider field for transparency.
Take the free quiz to see whether this modality (or another) is matched to your specific issue.