Dr. Jess Sexologist

Unfortunately, our definitions of pleasure are often narrowly defined or shrouded in shame. We think of pleasure as merely erotic or s*xual. We deem pleasure superfluous as opposed to essential. We consider pleasure naughty and self-indulgent.

But pleasure is all about relishing in the many layers of exploration, self-expression, joy, connection, intimacy, wellness, and more! And its benefits are many. From improved mental and physical health to more meaningful connections and a more fulfilling life, pleasure may be the closest thing to a panacea when it comes to healing and happiness.

So how can you invite more pleasure into your life and make it a priority? We believe the key is to embrace more pleasure across all senses and in every realm, so we’re sharing our seven-step pleasure plan.

7 Ways to Make Pleasure a Priority | ASTROGLIDE Invite pleasure into your everyday life with seven strategies for pleasure. From food and drink to movement and fantasy, there’s something for everyone!

25 years💥
April’s 20th anniversary marked the paperwork+party💍 and this is the big one for real life.💕

I share my thoughts on the meaning of divorce with Yahoo Canada. More via the link below.

Being married often plays a considerable role in shaping our (social) identity. It follows that divorce often requires that we reconstruct our identity, which can be cognitively, emotionally and practically draining. Separation allows us to make this change more gradually and it can help to preserve continuity in social roles (e.g. with family, community, neighbours). For many of us, a marriage isn’t solely a bond between two individuals, but it’s more intertwined with extended family, community and friends. Separation may feel safer than divorce in light of the fact that ending a marriage can mean renegotiating multiple roles and relationships.

For others, divorce can conflict with personal beliefs (e.g. the belief in lifelong commitment). Remaining legally married can (for some) relieve this psychological discomfort or dissonance. Separation can serve as a compromise to align behaviour with beliefs as part of maintaining a version of self-integrity.

Of course, some people just never get around to it. For some, the separation is what matters versus how the relationship is defined on paper.

High-profile couples have to contend with their own relationship tension and challenges compounded by the distress of being inevitably criticized by strangers. The burden of parasocial relationships (those in which one person feels they really know the other due to their social profile while the other doesn’t even know that the first person exists) can be highly distressful. The experience of being judged has been shown to increase stress and shape how we present ourselves and for couples in the public eye, this experience can be chronic, amplified and difficult to escape. Research also suggests that we adjust our behaviour in response to public pressure and judgment, so public figures may feel additional pressure with regard to timing, framing and visibility of separation and divorce.

In addition to navigating the transition from marriage to separation and/or divorce, high-profile couples also have to expend energy managing public commentary and scrutiny, which can add an additional layer of emotional labour during to an already complex and potentially draining experience.

ca.style.yahoo.com

🛫 I've just wrapped the Side-by-Side Couples' Retreat in Utah and am preparing for The Pleasure Principle Conference at McMaster on Friday. I'll be speaking on "Pleasure as Practice: Eroticism, Desire, and Connection After Cancer" and I look forward to the lineup of panels and presentations including:

A Survivor's Story Brooke Gordon — Breast Cancer Survivor & Patient Advocate An intimate conversation about navigating s*xual health during and after cancer treatment.
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Pelvic Health Rehabilitation for Cancer Survivors Dr. Alexandra Hill, PT, DPT — Dual Board-Certified in Women's Health & Oncologic Physical Therapy
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​Cancer Treatment Impact on S*xual Function: The Medical Reality Dr. Michelle Jacobson, MD, MHSc, FRCSC — Menopause Specialist, Women's College Hospital
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Integrative Approaches to S*xual Health in Cancer Survivorship Dr. Ashley Chauvin, ND, MSCP — Naturopathic Doctor & Menopause Society Certified Practitioner
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The Primary Care Perspective: Integrating Menopause & S*xual Health into Everyday Practice Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe, MD — Family Physician, Medical Director of Primary Care Outreach, CTV's The Social Health Expert
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Fueling Desire: How Nutrition Impacts S*xual Health Through Hormones & Inflammation Emily Arthur, RD — Registered Dietitian & Women's Health Specialist
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​Mind Meets Body: S*x Therapy Strategies for Navigating Desire Through Perimenopause Taylor McConnachie — AASECT Certified S*x Therapist.

Women’s S*xual Health & Menopause Conference 2026 | Hamilton ON | The Pleasure Principle Find out more about your own s*xual health and expand your knowledge for your patients at The Pleasure Principle Conference. Advancing Women's S*xual Health Together. This amazing conference will be held May 8th 2026 at McMaster Innovation Park.

Blessed-blessed. Celebrated 20 years wandering the streets and landing at our favourite spot, 🙏🏼 💍💕

Serious question: Is your relationship worth two minutes a day? If the answer is yes, start today.

7 Tips to Spring Clean Your Relationship | ASTROGLIDE Revitalize your relationship with these 7 expert tips. Strengthen your bond and improve communication with practical advice from relationship experts.

Q1 wrapped. 😅 I have 17 pages of notes from the past few months and one theme that showed up across 25+ workshops and retreats from Sun Valley to Sitges relates to the Platinum Rule, which matters more than the Golden one: treat others how *they* want to be treated rather than treating them how *you* want to be treated. This is especially important during tense interactions and conflict resolution.

“I always have to remind myself that her version of support is often different than mine. Where I may want validation, she may just want a listening ear.” ~Tulsa, OK

“We always ask ‘Do you need comfort or solutions?’ as effective shorthand for ensuring understanding.” ~New York, NY

I use this model to help (couples, business partners and teams) lay the groundwork discussing needs before tension arises: “When I’m feeling _______, I want to feel _____. You can help by _______. In these moments, I don’t want _______ because _______.”

Of course you don’t have to meet every need and adjusting expectations goes a long way in relationships, but making an attempt to offer support and care in the ways that matter to your loved ones builds trust, safety and connection.

Today’s the day! Watch on Paramount+. This award-winning documentary explores the cultural, scientific and political movements surrounding the first FDA and Health Canada-approved treatment for women’s s*xual desire.

Have you ever received a breakup gift from a friend?

Research continues to confirm the importance of friendships during periods of emotional stress and transition (and during the happy times too!). Studies show that supportive social connections are associated with lower stress responses and more effective emotional regulation. So it’s not just that we feel better in the presence of close friends, but social support also plays a role in how our brains and bodies process and recover from emotional challenges.

Breakups are disruptive practically and emotionally. When schedules change and familiar comforts shift or disappear, being treated (or treating yourself) during a time of transition or loss can help to restore a sense of care and stability.

When friends treat you with time, energy or gifts, it communicates presence without requiring an explanation. When we’re in need, we’re often too shy or afraid to ask for help, so it can sometimes feel easier to simply receive something concrete as opposed to having to articulate what you need when you’re already feeling depleted.

Gestures and thoughtfulness help to mark the breakup as a real transition and not something that has to be minimized.

w/ Chatelaine & Faulhaber

Fresh Off A Breakup? There’s A Registry For That - Chatelaine Plus five cute, Canadian-made items to add to yours—or gift a newly solo friend.

How do you feel about Valentine's Day? Is it outdated? Or do you look forward to the celebration? I share my thoughts on the latest Etsy findings suggesting that Gen Z is redefining love, relationships and breakups.

Dump The Roses: Gen Z Is Redefining Valentine’s Day - VITA Daily Valentine’s Day is having an identity crisis—and Gen Z is leading the charge. As couples-centric traditions lose their shine, a new era of love is taking shape—one that celebrates singlehood, friendship, fresh starts, and emotional autonomy. Backed by new Etsy research and cultural shifts we.....