Celeste and Danielle on Virgin Island

Life on the Island: A Dance of Intimacy, Ocean Air, and Octopus

There’s a certain kind of magic that only islands know — a slower rhythm, and an ancient heartbeat that pulses beneath the waves and whispers through the palm fronds. From the moment we stepped onto that soft, sun-kissed soil, it felt like the island began to breathe with us. From Morning Rituals to Dreams of…

Celeste and Danielle on a boat on the way to Virgin Island

Connecting with the Dream Team: From Hello to the High Seas

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when a vision becomes reality. Not just in the work itself, but in the people who come together to make it happen. And that’s exactly what Danielle and I felt the moment we began connecting with the full team that would be bringing our intimate transformation project…

Celeste and Danielle - Virgin Island

The Island Prep Chronicles: A Tale of Color Stories, Lip Gloss, and Mild Panic

Once the island was officially a go, the next big question was: how on earth do we prepare for three weeks on a tropical island… on television? Cue the dramatic music. The prep phase, while full of excitement, also came with a fair amount of “what are we even doing?” energy. There were so many…

Up against the wall

How This “Show Bible” Is Helping Virgins Learn Intimacy

It all started with a spark — a bold, beautiful idea: What if we created a show that helps virgins learn real, embodied intimacy skills?Not just awkward how-tos or surface-level advice – but the deep, juicy stuff. The kind that helps you feel confident in your skin, connect with others authentically, and experience intimacy as…

Celeste and Danielle on camera

How One Email Sparked a TV Show About Sex, Intimacy, and Everything In Between

You know those moments when the universe seems to wink at you? This is one of those stories. It all started on June 24th, 2022. We got an email with the subject line: “TV Documentary on the intimacy crisis facing young people.” Naturally, we were intrigued. The email was from Alex, a producer working with…

Virgin Island participant tackling a body image exercise
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Love the Skin You’re In: How Body Image Shapes Your Readiness for Intimacy

In the latest episode of Virgin Island, we dive into a crucial aspect of human connection: body image and its profound impact on intimacy and sexual relationships. Body image isn’t just about how we see ourselves in the mirror; it’s about how we feel in our own skin. It plays a pivotal role in how…

Surrogate partner therapy in session
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Somatica vs. Surrogate Partner Therapy: What’s the Difference?

With the rising interest in sex therapy, more people are exploring ways to deepen their intimacy, heal emotional wounds, and build healthier relationships. But as terms like “sex coach,” “sexologist,” and “surrogate partner therapy” become more widely used, it’s easy to get confused. While these roles can all be part of someone’s healing journey, they…

Surrogate partner touching client
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What Is A Surrogate Partner? 5 Common Myths, Debunked

Curiosity around surrogate partner therapy has grown rapidly in recent years. But with that interest comes confusion and a lot of misinformation. Despite decades of research and clinical history, surrogate partner work is often misunderstood or sensationalized. So, let’s set the record straight. Below are five of the most common myths about surrogate partners and…

Virgin Island participants Tom and Holly build confidence on a date

Building Confidence from the Inside Out – A Reflection from Virgin Island Ep. 3

There’s something deeply raw and beautiful about witnessing someone stand at the edge of their comfort zone — uncertain but willing. That’s exactly what we saw unfold in episode 3 of Virgin Island. It wasn’t just about flirting, first kisses, or cheeky challenges. It was about courage, vulnerability, and the quiet, powerful journey of building…

Two hands touching lightly, showcasing the power of touch
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The Power of Touch: Why It Matters More Than You Think

As the lead sexologists on Virgin Island, we’ve had the profound honor of guiding people who are taking their first real steps into the world of intimacy. What we saw again and again on the show (and what we witness every day in our practice at the Somatica Institute) is just how transformational the power…

Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman teach Virgin Island participant Emma about core desires
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What is Blocking Your Desire? Here’s How You Can Embrace It

Why do so many of us feel disconnected from desire, even when we deeply crave connection? In Episode 1 of the Virgin Island show on Channel 4, we took an exciting first step toward understanding desire. As each member of the group began to explore showing desire and uncovering their fantasies, blocks to desire started…