Colin Richards of Intimacy Matters: Sensual Massage Training Experience

Before founding Sensual Bodyworks, my own journey into sensual massage training began with a series of one-to-one workshops with Colin Richards of Intimacy Matters. That experience played a significant role in shaping how I now teach and share sensual massage, both professionally and personally.

Colin Richards is well known within the field of sensual and psychosensual massage, and it was clear from the outset that he brought many years of experience and knowledge to his work. His approach was professional, calm, and grounded, while remaining relaxed enough to put everyone at ease, something I believe is essential when working with intimate, embodied practices.

Training at Intimacy Matters – Structure and Setting

The workshops took place in Colin’s Battersea treatment room, a carefully held space that felt private, comfortable, and welcoming. The setting supported learning on many levels, allowing focus not only on technique, but also on presence, communication, and consent.

The training was delivered as four five-hour sessions over a three-week period, a structure that worked particularly well. Having time between sessions allowed for reflection, practice, and integration, rather than feeling rushed through the material.

Each session included a blend of:

• Demonstration massage

• Four-hand massage experiences

• Guided two-hand massage with real-time advice

• Practical feedback and discussion

This experiential approach helped build both confidence and understanding, reinforcing that sensual massage is about far more than technique alone.

What I Took Forward into Sensual Bodyworks

The philosophy behind Intimacy Matters, that sensual massage is a psychosensual experience involving trust, awareness, and embodied connection, strongly influenced my own path. Over time, however, I felt drawn to develop a style of teaching that reflected my own voice, values, and way of working.

This eventually led to the creation of Sensual Bodyworks, where I now offer individual training and group sensual massage workshops. My teaching builds on the solid foundations I learned with Colin Richards, while evolving them into a style that is:

• Clear, grounded, and accessible

• Consent-led and ethically held

• Suitable for both personal and professional learning

• Taught in a supportive, non-intimidating environment

Many people come to Sensual Bodyworks having already researched Intimacy Matters or Colin Richards’ work. If that is how you found this page, you are in the right place.

Why One-to-One Training Worked for Me

Although Intimacy Matters offers a range of training options, including shorter intensives, longer programmes, and group workshops, I chose the one-to-one format. While group sessions can reduce costs and offer shared learning, for me the individual sessions provided the depth, personal feedback, and tailored guidance I was looking for. Being able to learn at my own pace and receive focused attention made a significant difference to my confidence and skill development.

I genuinely believe this training would be invaluable whether you are considering offering sensual massage professionally or simply wish to deepen intimacy and connection with a partner.

With Thanks

I remain grateful to Colin Richards and the volunteers who contributed so generously to my early training experiences. Those foundations continue to inform my work today, and have helped shape the safe, respectful, and embodied approach that Sensual Bodyworks is now known for.

Update 2021

It has now been over two years since I trained with Intimacy Matters, and since then I have gone on to offer individual sensual massage training and group workshops through Sensual Bodyworks. Teaching others has confirmed just how valuable high quality training can be and how important it is to learn in a space that feels supportive and grounded.

While I continue to respect and recommend Colin Richards as a training option, particularly for those based in or able to travel to London, Sensual Bodyworks now offers an alternative for those who are unable to make that journey or who are looking for training in the Midlands.