16 | LUXlife Magazine Best Holistic Relationship Counsellor 2023 - Western Australia Tantra is an ancient practice which merges sexuality with spirituality. Since 2006, the Sanctuary of Ananda has taken a Tantric approach to life counselling and relationship harmony, empowering people and couples to understand themselves and each other. Owned by Tantric sexuality educator Catherine Wood, the Sanctuary is proud to be a Platinum Approved Training Provider and Silver Ambassador with IICT (International Institute for Complementary Therapists). Over time, the term “Tantra” has mistakenly become synonymous with sex and pleasure alone. However, the true path of Tantra is Sadhana, an inner soul-searching journey that goes beyond the confines of the form (the body). Through this, people can unlock and decode life’s many mysteries and learn about their own soul and personality. It is only through knowing oneself that people can truly come to know each other, which is why Tantra can be so important in relationships. Practicing Tantra brings a deeper understanding, respect, and love for the relationships we have, bringing equilibrium back into our lives. Throughout her life, Catherine Wood, Founder and Director of the Sanctuary of Ananda, has realised the extent of the impact our relationships with ourselves, partners, families, and friends can have on our physical wellbeing. For this reason, she has dedicated herself to Tantric and Esoteric philosophies. Today, she is passionate about teaching people the core principles of Sacred Love, which branches into the fields of Tantric sexuality, Kama Sutra, and relationship counselling. In 1988, Catherine was introduced to the concept of Tantra by her doctor, who shared with her his knowledge and wisdom of sacred Tantric teachings. She was inspired to learn more about the ancient art, so she embarked on an incredible journey into the heart of India in 1989, where she spent 9 months studying the practices and philosophy of Sadhana. In 2000, Catherine completed a master’s degree in Reiki with the International House of Reiki in Sydney, after which she proceeded to teach the art in her own private practice. She then went on to obtain a diploma in reflexology, as well as a certification in counselling, aromatherapy, and Pranic healing. She also studied many other alternative healing therapies, including raja yoga meditation with the Brahma Kumaris. These experiences encouraged Catherine to create the Sanctuary in 2006 in order to help people expand their vision and awareness of self-love and soul. Today, the Sanctuary offers reiki healing, meditation classes, tantra trainings, couples massage workshops, couples retreats, holistic counselling, and relationship counselling. Through this, Catherine guides her clients down the path towards self-acknowledgement, helping them connect more closely with themselves and their partners. Primarily teaching Tantra, Catherine has faced the challenge of people misunderstanding the concept. Many people think Tantra is all about sex when it’s actually about love, communication, healing, and understanding. However, Catherine believes wholeheartedly in what she does, so she will always fight these misconceptions, striving to enlighten people to what Tantra truly is and what it has to offer. Catherine has also struggled to manage her workload, with many clients booking in at once, so she has navigated the challenges of balancing her own mental health with the work she loves to do. For this reason, the Sanctuary has welcomed an additional member of staff, Jodi, who shares Catherine’s passion for teaching Tantra. The pair always listen to each other’s ideas, working together to spread the teachings of Tantra. Having fallen in love with the art of Tantra many years ago, Catherine is truly passionate about her work. She delivers outstanding services using these teachings, which is why it’s no surprise that the Sanctuary of Ananda has won Best Holistic Relationship Counsellor, Western Australia, in the Health Beauty and Wellness Awards 2023. Catherine is astoundingly accomplished in her field, having been featured on Perth’s Channel 9 “Do you know what women want?”, published her own book “The Way of the Heart: Tantra Empowerment for Women”, and co-written the Amazon best-selling book “Y Not”. In the coming year, Catherine and Jodi are planning to travel to Greece and the UK, mainly Oxford and Wales, to teach Tantra through women’s and couples’ workshops. They can’t wait to spread the wonders of Tantra across the globe and aim to travel more in the years to come. We congratulate them on winning this award and look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future. Contact: Catherine Wood Company: The Sanctuary of Ananda Web Address: https:/sanctuaryofananda.com.au
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