Outreach & Education: SESA Training
Working at Good Vibrations requires an open, non-judgmental approach to sex, and we take education and providing a safe space very seriously. Since communication, boundaries, sexual health, practices, anatomy, toys and keeping up with the latest information are all essential, we go the extra mile to make sure that our staff have the information and training we need.
Our Education Department provides all SESAs-in-training with a solid foundation. Each SESA Training session covers the in-depth information we use to help our customers find the products they're looking for, as well as the useful how-to tips and techniques that make sex more pleasurable.
They include the following topics:
- Sexual anatomy and the physiology of pleasure
- Vibrators
- Dildos and harnesses
- Cock and ball toys
- Anal sex and anal toys
- S/M
- Latex and lubricants
- Sex-positivity
The last topic, "sex-positivity," is a growth-oriented class. Together, SESAs investigate negative cultural and personal notions about sex, and learn how to model behavior that positively reinforces pleasure as a birthright. SESAs also experience a comprehensive exploration of diversity issues. This phase of the training touches on the many ways that the myth of “normal” sexuality affects us and how we can overcome the effects of sexual ignorance and misinformation.
We also have a Reading List that supplements our staff trainings. The Good Vibrations Guide to Sex is always where they start. Then, the trainee chooses books from a variety of categories including:
- Women's Sexuality
- Men's Sexuality
- Masturbation
- Older
- Youth
- Safer Sex
- Anal Sex
- Couples
- Tantra
- BDSM
To keep up with new discoveries and up-to-date findings in the world of sex -- and just to widen our ever-growing knowledge base -- all SESAs attend Continuing Education classes. These range in topic from Viagra to Tantra and are frequently led by celebrity or field authorities, as well as our in-house experts.
We offer all of the classes, workshops and trainings free to any staff member, but for SESAs they are required. Some of our administrative staff enjoy the training so much that they get inspired to take shifts in the stores just to use their knowledge, and to experience the rewards of working with the public in such a unique capacity. After training, most staff take it on themselves to increase their knowledge bases by reading new books and watching new videos as they arrive -- our call center department members have been known to bring "book reports" to monthly meetings. In addition, working together, all staff constantly share experience and knowledge with each other, so new ideas and information can be shared -- which could be why we're called "Sex Experts"!
