Internationally Certified Tantra Module 1, 2

The Sanctuary of Ananda (formerly the Sanctuary of Tantra) and The Ananda/Australian Institute of Tantra Training (AITT), established since 2004 is Australia’s leading Tantra Training School and is recognised as an Approved Platinum Training Provider and Silver Ambassador with IICT (International Institute for Complementary Therapists).

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This Approved Tantra Training is a four part module system that will enable students to gain deeper knowledge and insight into the teachings and philosophy of Eastern Tantra and Esoteric teachings as well as understanding the principle teachings of consciousness and self-love. When self-love is awakened, we recognize this as unconditional love for others, our community, humanity and all souls.

If you are searching for authentic spiritual wisdom, to gain a deeper insight into self, to add and utilize skills for a new or existing holistic business and to share your unique 'quality' with the world, then this life changing training is for you.

This Four Part Module System which can also be studied online will culminate in the student being eligible to eventually receive the Internationally Certified Studies in Advanced Tantra.

Please click here to read our professional Code of Ethics and Conduct

Why train with The Australian Institute of Tantra Training (AITT)

• We have been officially operating since 2004 
• We are a Platinum Approved Training Provider with IICT (International Institute of Complementary Therapists) and a Silver Ambassador Member with IICT
• You will be eligible for Insurance through IICT Membership after completing Module 3
• We can prove and verify 30 years of study and hands on experience teaching in all fields of Tantra right through from Pleasure to Tantric Massage and Esoteric Wisdom
• Our training classes adhere to strict and professional boundaries and AITT's (The Australian Institute of Tantra Training) Training Code of Conduct

What is Tantra?

Tantra is one of the oldest healing practices in the world. It means to “weave” weaving the form (the body) with higher consciousness (the soul). The practice of Tantra is duality to unity which lifts humanity one step up from the animal kingdom, the basic primal desire nature and into the heart of the Divine.

The word “Tantra” has been used with much misunderstanding in society today that many have been misled by the glamour and perception that Tantra is just about physical pleasure based in the lower centres (chakras) when in actual fact the true path of Tantra is Sadhana, a journey of discarding the layers of the lower personality nature through a deep inner soul searching journey that goes way and beyond the confines of just the form (the body - involution).

Tantra is a science of evolution, unlocking and decoding life’s many mysteries and discovering the mystery of self, self-realization, self-knowledge and self-love. When self-love is awakened, we recognize this as unconditional love in others, our community, humanity and the soul.

The benefits of learning Tantra

• Eastern Tantra is a pathway to ‘know thyself’ as both a form of matter (body) and as a soul (higher self).
• Tantra celebrates and honours the body, pleasures and Indriyas (senses).
• Tantra is a gateway to higher consciousness that lifts the lower primal sex expression into the sacredness of the divine.
• Tantra is a journey of duality to Unity, liberation from the human kingdom and a passageway into the Divine.
• Tantra moves us out of involution and into the heart of evolution so that we keep growing.
• Tantra is amazing, incredible, inspirational and life changing!
• Tantra is a gift of sacred love 

Tantra and Relationships

Relationships are one of the most sacred and important aspects in our life. This includes the relationship we have with ourselves as well as friends, family and partners. Most people desire to be in a relationship that is based in connection, loving understanding, passion and harmony yet so many struggle with communication and intimacy issues, conflicts, and incompatibility; never really finding the Sacred Union that their heart and soul ultimately desires.

Bali Training 2018

What Tantra can do for you

• Tantra teaches know ‘thyself’ through self-realization seeing both of your higher nature and lower nature.
• Tantra teaches how to forgive, let go and move on
• Tantra teaches how to connect with your Soul
• Tantra teaches how to love yourself and honour your self-worth
• Tantra teaches how to bring Sacred Love into your relationship
• Tantra teaches how to love your body – your temple for it is your foundation
• Tantra teaches that the true nature of everything is Bliss
• Tantra teaches how to use your sexual energy as a medicine to rejuvenate and heal body, mind and spirit
• Tantra teaches the formula for amazing Sex; Sex + Love + Meditation + Consciousness
• Tantra teaches you how to be present in the moment and practice self-awareness, mindfulness and meditation
• Tantra teaches you how to be a better person and serve humanity with steadfastness, love and compassion
• Tantra teaches that life is not perfect because matter (in which our physical body is built upon) is not perfected yet.
• Tantra teaches you how to see reality clearly and find your path of liberation
• Tantra teaches that your material possessions will never bring you permanent happiness
• Tantra teaches that everything is ‘impermanent’ so live your life fully expressed in each moment
• Tantra teaches how to be confident, powerful, vital and orgasmic
• Tantra teaches how to take care of the earth for she is your mother
• Tantra teaches how to see your glamour’s (false beliefs, imprints and perceptions from the human world)
• Tantra teaches that fear is just an illusion
• Tantra teaches to do what brings you the most joy

Tantra is the journey to 'know thyself'

Module 1 is the journey of ‘know thyself’ which dives deeply into Tantra and Esoteric Philosophy and practices.  This module helps you to learn and discern what your higher self is and what is your triad, 'the personality' and how to train the personality to walk and unite with the soul.  There are also practices and meditations as well as reading material and videos.  It is important to remember that every single person will pursue their spiritual journey in their own unique way.  For some, that means ritual and rhythm making sure they have practices to follow each day.  For others, they may follow the path of reading and studying and for some their spiritual progress is when they slow down and learn to be. 

Module 2 teaches the Cakra System in the Esoteric Philosophy, how sexual energy is cultivated and the different ways to cultivate and harness this precious life force, plus a full demonstration of the beautiful healing and energizing Tantric An Mo Massage for you to practice on your friends, family and partner.

What you will learn:

• The philosophy and a general overview of Eastern and Western Tantra and a brief description of the meaning of Esoteric Teachings (Mystery teachings of the East)
• What is soul consciousness and what is the personality nature?
• The quality of your soul
• What is glamour on the spiritual path?
• Esoteric Astrology
• How to achieve stillness and live a life of Shanti (spiritual peace)
• Masculine YANG Shiva and Feminine YIN Shakti - meanings, concepts and energy
• Ritual – Mantra – Mudra
• The Stages of Psychic Growth
• The Cakra System - Gateways to Consciousness
• Pranayama – Concentration and Meditation
• What is Sexual Energy and how to cultivate to higher consciousness
• Communication skills to assist and empower you in every area of your life
• Yoni and Lingam Sensual Massage Demonstrations on props
• Sacred Tantra for Men
• Sacred Tantra for Women
• Sacred Tantra for Couples
• An Mo Sensual Tantric Massage
• The study of the Indriya's (Senses)
• Learning and navigating boundaries

Testimonials from our students

I’ve wanted to study Tantra for a long time and Cathy was exactly the right teacher for me. I have had many barriers to exploring my sexuality and in the safe space of her workshop, and with her wise and perceptive teachings, I felt very held and encouraged to relax, learn and grow. I love that the class goes deep in esoteric philosophy to build a strong foundation for the practices, and I love Cathy’s wild and wonderful stories that make class so much fun. I am so grateful to have her as my teacher.

Saumya 2024

I was so excited to read some basic information about Tantra and 2 weeks before the course signed up for Module 1 and 2. In my head Tantra was all about energy and connections and just better sex! What I did not understand is what true connect meant when we started with exercises. I remember holding space for a woman I met on the first day and thinking this is truely a beautiful thing. When she had the chance to hold space for me I had feelings that I didn’t know exist show up for me. It was amazing, soul changing and I felt like things I didn’t even know that affected me had a real impact on me. 

I had some vivid dreams that showed me things that I was stuck on. Things I didn’t even know were weighing on me. It was amazing breakthrough. I was also in absolute awe of the Tantra massage. I was so scared to do it thinking how could I possibly provide such an amazing experience for one of my fellow class mates. I have never felt more privileged.  

I looked into Tantra as I have always wanted to do couples counselling and felt mainly stream just wasn’t right. I am now planning to add Module 3 and 4 to my learnings along with my previous diploma in Counselling and case management. I’m so grateful to have found Cathy and Sanctuary of Ananda to be able to reach my goals. 

Oh and I went and purchased myself a massage table so I can practise more Tantra massages and be able to offer this special gift to others. 

Forever grateful

Nicole Richardson 2024

Cathy’s module 1 and 2 tantra training was incredible! The course gave me a comprehensive and accessible understanding of tantra basics and it was delivered with love, compassion, and such beautiful energy. Cathy is a wonderful teacher with a wealth of knowledge. I could not recommend the course more highly! 

Cheers,

Belinda 2024

I felt special, welcomed and privileged  to participate and learn at the Tantra Module 1&2 course at the Sanctuary of Ananda.

It was wonderful to feel so safe and to learn so much from people who clearly live and breathe what they teach. 

I loved and tried to soak up all the knowledge and wisdom Cathy brought to us as well as plenty of examples of beautiful sharing of lived, personal experiences.

Cathy operates from a place of love and care and we were all encouraged to participate and learn in this loving and safe place.

I really appreciated the nutritious and delicious food, excellent company and relaxing, natural setting of the Sanctuary of Ananda.

This all contributed to a very satisfying 3 day experience.

You know it’s been an awesome course when no one wants the course to end or wants to leave the beautiful space and experience that we shared".

Andrew 2023

"I attended the Practitioner Training modules between April 2019 and February 2020 and received SO many diverse, rich and unexpected gifts! From the outset, I appreciated that the training focused on the authentic roots of Tantra, as opposed to just sensationalising the sexual teachings which you often see in the West. Cathy presented a smorgasbord of esoteric wisdom and knowledge, tantric practices and meditations and the purity of the heart-based intention transmitted through these teachings penetrated every single cell in my body! Throughout the modules, I experienced deep levels of healing and transformation in the form of increased awareness, emotional release, greater safety and joy in being embodied, increased connection to self, others and the cosmos, and experiencing the use of sacred touch as a portal for entering the present moment, honouring the human body and connecting with another’s Soul. 

I walked away with practical tools and techniques, practice in facilitating different session formats, and resources for follow up education. The module days and activities as a whole were beautifully woven together, allowing for a deep dive while simultaneously keeping you grounded and centred in order to confidently move through the course content and integrate the learnings. Cathy held an impressively safe group container, cultivating group cohesion and connection through exploratory but non-invasive sharing and activities. Cathy was approachable, engaging and open in sharing about her own journey, and has a gentle, light-hearted and nurturing nature. 

And if you’re lucky enough to attend a module that also includes Cathy’s guest teachers, 'A' and John, then you’re in for a Mack-truck style, multi-dimensional consciousness upgrade!!! Truly - you’d be hard pressed to find this calibre of teaching globally as well as the complimentary nature of their unique gifts and expression of wisdom".

Love and Gratitude Rachel 2018 - 2020

"I struggle to find words to describe the deep, life changing impact the Sanctuary has had on my journey. From the magical trainings of tantra and one on one counselling with the beautifully, intuitive and wise Cathy, to the deeply enriching Couples Retreat. It has all propelled me onto a path of unique spiritual self- discovery, healing and growth. The Sanctuary truly feels like finally arriving home. I cannot sing loud enough praises for the people (especially Cathy) and the transformative practices that Ananda has to offer all."

Breanna 2020

"I attended modules 1-3 of Cathy's Accredited Tantra Practitioner training and the experience was life-changing. With Cathy's wisdom, support and guidance I now feel at peace and in tune with myself, and confident to manage life's inevitable ups and downs. Cathy's knowledge of Tantra is vast and her approach to teaching is accessible and warm; she is patient, compassionate and joyful. Since completing my training, Cathy has continued to support me by responding immediately when I have a question or need professional advice.  I feel grateful and proud to call Cathy my teacher and I highly recommend the Accredited Tantra Practitioner training. I umm'd and ahh'd for a while before I committed to the training, but I'm telling you now- JUST DO IT! I have walked away from this course with a huge range of amazing and very practical resources to support me to pass on my new knowledge of this beautiful practice and serve my community.  Thank you for everything, Cathy." 

Meg Callander GDipSx, BAPHHP (Hons) 2019

I’ve been looking to study Tantra for a couple of years and when I found Cathy’s offerings I didn’t need to question my mind, because my body already knew it was the course for me. Cathy provides such a safe and trusting space of learning. I felt at ease to express myself with full permission, in whatever came up. We were guided through an abundance of tantric and esoteric knowledge, and provided with all the tools we needed to deepen our understanding, including a great reading list and a copy of her wonderful book. I loved how much theory was involved in the modules, it gave me such a strong backbone for my practice and provided me with deep understanding of the history and culture of Tantra. The class was small and intimate, and Cathy’s team made us feel completely at home. Shout out to Ania for holding such a beautiful space for us all. 

I can’t recommend Cathy and The Sanctuary of Ananda enough. The training they provided helped me access parts of me I’d never felt safe to, and going in with the intention of building my holistic toolbox for my coaching clients turned into a deep dive into the union within myself. The most potent way to learn this sacred practice. I learnt so many amazing practices and meditations that have benefited myself and my clients hugely. Learning An Mo Massage and Chakra Balancing Massage was so valuable, and receiving the massages in such a safe container was so potent to experience. Cathy’s wisdom and experience is second to none, combined with her deep and unconditional love for her students and her work, this is THE tantra course to choose in Australia. Her vision is truly magical, and the way she teaches is always from her heart. It was an honour and a pleasure to be initiated into the world of tantra with you, thank you Cathy and Ania! What a beautiful and healing space you have created.  

Rosa 2020

Dear Cathy,

Here’s a little note to thank you again for our Module 4 training in Perth last month. Every time we learn from you there is always so much new knowledge and wisdom shared in a learning environment that can be challenging and confronting yet supportive and nurturing at the same time.

Thank you for the way you hold space for the group and individuals within it. There truly is an art to holding and creating a space, to reading a room, and creating an energy that fosters group unity, and this is one of your many gifts.

On a practical note, all activities and teachings were well planned in terms of their timing and the balance of mind/wisdom-based teachings and heart/love-based teachings. The food was delicious and we loved sitting outside in the garden accompanied your friendly dogs Penny and Zeus.

There is so much to learn and unlearn and so much room to evolve as individuals and as souls seeking to contribute to service in the world. This can seem like quite the overwhelming task, but being in your light is a source of inspiration to keep moving forward, climbing out of the metaphorical village in the mud and making steps up, up, up to the temple on the mountain.

It’s always a privilege to learn from you and we are both so very grateful.

With love, M&M 2020

More Testimonials

My personal experience of the Practitioner Training with the Sanctuary of Ananda. 

I first signed up for the practitioner training during a period when my life was in turmoil. I really wasn’t sure exactly what I was after but I had known Cathy for a couple of years before this, and everything she represented seemed to be a lot more sensible (and a lot calmer) than what I was dealing with at the time. I can’t really tell you why I signed up, except to say that I was drawn to it deeply from within. 

If you had asked me then I would have told you I didn’t have any anger issues or unresolved frustrations. This of course is completely false, as I had just spent the last three months walking around with a storm cloud over my head. And for me, this was one of the greatest gifts in the course; getting in touch with myself. Getting in touch with my feelings and learning to recognise them, and learning to deal with them in a healthy way. Learning to become friends with myself and learning how to have a relationship with even myself. It seems crazy now, but I was so out of touch with my own soul that I was in denial about my own sadness. Of course I still have all these emotions as we all do but I can now work with and resolve them in a way that would have been incomprehensible back then. 

This aspect of the course alone is worth all I paid and then ten times more. The next trick after learning how to communicate and co-operate with yourself is learning how to communicate and co-operate with others. I have always been aware that I have a blunt side to my communication skills. I deal in fact and I “call it how I see it”. In the masculine world this is considered a positive attribute. But it is a very fine line between being frank and honest and being rude or judgemental. Most people I had worked with in the past would describe me as extremely good at what I do, but a very hard person to work with. I lacked people skills. If you don’t love yourself then it is very hard to love anyone else. Once you start on the path of respecting loving and listening to yourself then naturally you start to gain the ability to respect and listen to others. And this allows insight as to how to communicate with people who have a very different perspective from yourself. I now work in a field where I deal with a wide range of people on a daily basis and have the ability to appreciate, communicate and empathise with them all. I use the skills taught in the course daily. 

But the true test of communication is how you communicate with your partner. I have had relationships in the past when I thought I had loved that person, but they would tell you I was cold, standoffish, remote or distracted. I am now in a loving relationship that is like no other I have ever experienced. We both communicate lovingly, honestly, trustingly, completely, without reserve AND WITHOUT HURT. This is something completely new to me. I no longer have to scan my words before speaking to check for triggers. Now I just speak from the heart, and she knows it, and everything said only leads to more love and a stronger relationship. It’s also a much more enjoyable relationship as well!

100% I put this down to the lessons and experiences taught during the Practitioner Training. I no longer believe that people do or don’t make a marriage work through luck or some sort of spiritual/karma magic, nor through just some sort of old fashioned tough it out / stick with it attitude. It’s not about meeting the right person (although you do need to meet the right person for you); it’s about treating that person with love, respect and dignity. It’s about communicating from the heart and soul. It’s about forgiveness (for yourself and others) and trust. It’s about being the better person so that they can be the better person too. It’s about creating an upward spiral of love, rather than getting caught in a downward spiral of jealousy, spite and revenge. This is the true gift of the course; the ability to now create an environment where love can blossom unrestrained into something beyond words. 

Make no mistake; this course is all about love. Love for yourself, love for your partner, and love for the world we live in.

David Todd 2014 Remedial Massage - Musculoskeletal, Clinical and Relaxational Body Work

www.facebook.com/DavidToddRemedialMassage

I attended training with Cathy Wood at The Sanctuary of Ananda in January of 2016.  I had actually contacted Cathy late 2014 - hoping to train with her in June of the following year. Although this didn't eventuate due to my personal circumstances, Cathy's contact was ongoing with both patience and kindness. She was extremely understanding of how much I wanted to attend and her support was instrumental in making it happen at a later date.

Having experienced her training, I now feel empowered.  Cathy facilitates her courses with authenticity, heart and honesty.  she is concise and thorough - ensuring her students are able to digest the content she delivers.  Further to this, she goes above and beyond by making herself available to her students as they leave the proverbial nest, so you move forward feeling supported.

I highly recommend Cathy as both a facilitator and a practitioner.  I personally feel both blessed and changed for the better having experienced learning at The Sanctuary of Ananda. 

Beth 2016

www.bushbeachfarm.com.au

Hi Cathy

I just wanted to say again a big thank you, I really enjoyed the whole course. It gave me a few insights or revelations, as well as some great tools to use for myself and others. The complexity of the group was amazing, very diverse in many ways, but we all came together in the journey. Tantra is an amazing journey (even so far) and the way you teach it, with your experience behind you is beautiful. And it is far from the often accepted view of Tantra that it is all about sex. That is why I came to you rather than the East coast schools, and I was not disapointed.

Keiron 2016

Hi Cathy, 

Thank you again for the emails and information, I found the Practitioners course so rewarding and valuable in terms of lifestyle and peaceful existence in what is a crazy world as evidenced over the last few days as the London terror events have unfolded. 

I very much wanted to again thank you and Dave for being so welcoming and supportive throughout the training; it was a very intensive and emotional 5 days but well worth the undertaking in terms of new learnings and understandings.  Please pass on my kind regards and thanks to Dave when you next see him. 

The positive energy, unity and connectivity of the group overall was truly amazing and an experience that will be long remembered. 

To be honest, it did take me a few days to settle back into the normal day to day activities which was compounded, in my cased, due to some intense working environments, hundreds of emails and back to back meetings the week after the course including an unexpected trip to the Pilbara with a number of international project investors/proponent. 

The leanings from the training certainly helped me maintain my sanity over this period and gave me the inner peace to balance my days’ workplace pressures using the various exercises as well as connecting my inner-self they are fantastic stress reduction tools by centring and grounding on what are the important things in life. 

I am so thankful that I enrolled in the Tantric Practitioners training and I'm looking forward to Module 2 in January next year, so please put my name down!  

For your information, I hope to put into practice very soon the huge amount of learnings from the course (I've been reading to training books over and over) and have my first booking this afternoon.  More importantly, thanks to you I hope to be able to help others find their own spiritual pathway through Tantra to a journey full of enlightenment, peace and tranquillity to make their earthly existence a way to a better life in the next rebirth. 

Gus 2017

Dear Cathy,

I may take a while to write this, so apologies in advance if it is scattered. Firstly, I want to say a HUGE big thank you for sharing yourself, your journey and your knowledge.

As you know for over 20 years this has been my journey (although I had been stalled at the intersection). Not now! I cannot begin to explain what I have obtained from my recent course in Bali.

The confidence, the knowing and the drive to want to learn, help and share is sitting in my stomach at the moment, just waiting for the “right time” to be released. It’s like the huge ball of energy in my stomach that I get leading into a full moon. It is a beautiful energy that is so excited and wanting to be released but I know I need to hold back until I have myself in the right place personally and emotionally, along with work balance.

My mind races with the knowledge I have started to pick up on this path and I know this is only very early in its stage. When I try to explain to people what Tantra is, my heart gets so excited and full of love but the mouth can’t quite keep up with a sensible explanation.

I have a strong desire to want to help women (and couples) in their journey relating to Breast Cancer. Whenever I think about this path I get “Goosebumps” from the top of my head down. I know this is part of my path, and it will give me so much joy in the giving and support I can provide in allowing women and partners to connect with themselves and each other, especially in such demanding circumstances.  I know it is all about “timing” and everything happens when it is supposed to. My foundations are getting stronger every day on an overall level (emotionally, personally, financially and time).

I think often of different conversations and times at Bali and the retreat and I cannot begin to express how grateful I am at how you presented the course, asked us to challenge you and listened to us at every stage. I think you did an AMAZING job! People are so quick to criticise and not so to give credit. I felt the way you conducted the class, explained, challenged yourself, held space, and worked with many varied personalities is to be congratulated. At every point, I felt like a “kid in a candy shop” and in awe of what we were learning and the stories you shared. So many conversations resonated in one way or another and your explanations were relatable, and gave me many “ahhh haaaa’ moments. It made so many things fall into place that didn’t quite fit previously.

This is what my soul has been searching for, for so many years. I have never been angry or disappointed, but sad at what I have not enjoyed for the last 20 plus years. I can’t change that, but can definitely learn going forward and not allow myself to be “conformed” to other people’s expectations of me. They may not like it, but I know in being true to myself, I will like it.

I have followed you for a few years now and am so glad I finally took the leap out of the box and got on that plane to Bali. Thank you for your encouragement and support. It has given me the confidence and the knowing that I am strong enough to do this and anything I put my mind to. You will be seeing me again and some. 😊

Again, I am forever grateful to you and this journey I have started to embrace, rather than hide from. Look out world!
Much love and admiration to you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, to my highest self and beyond.

Tereasa 2017

I want to provide you with an alternative answer to the question: What is tantra for me?

Tantra for me is Cathy. You are the personification of Tantra: a beautiful human being - with all the imperfect, real, raw, painful, joyful astral emotions and experiences, striving to expand higher, and to be soul. Striving to bring light to the world. 

You are one of the most genuine and caring people I have met. 

As a woman, you taught me something invaluable: that it is possible to give love and beauty and care without throwing oneself away.

You are the proof for me that sex is not the way of seeking for that love. Love is within.

Alessia 2017

I recently completed the Tantric Practitioner training in Perth with Cathy.  Her wisdom, commitment and open heartedness is a rare find.  On the first day Cathy told us that the reason that we think we are here is usually not the real reason and that we’d find out as the course progressed.  I remember thinking that I’d done enough soul work, releasing and letting go to know the reason, but I was wrong.  

My soul had brought me there for something completely unexpected.  Cathy was right, it was nothing that I could have ever envisioned, and it has completely transformed my life.  My spiritual path has been lifted to a new level thus far unknown to me and my heart is filled with joy in the present moment and my new vision for the future. 

Thank you Cathy, your humble, wise, loving soul is a joy to behold. 

Chrissy 2017

Signing up for the Training courses at The Sanctuary of Ananda was something that I did for myself rather than for an accreditation.  Cathy has an incredible unique and confident teaching approach that allowed me to learn more about myself as well as providing me with the tools to continue self- reflection and self-discipline confidently. The Sanctuary of Ananda is itself an inviting and safe place where ideas that I had previously only ever read about were discussed and demonstrated at length from an incredible variety of perspectives. Well worth the commitment.

Michael Taylor, 2017

Almost a month ago my partner and I completed the Sanctuary of Ananda's tantric practitioner training course in NSW with Cathy Wood. Having completed some very personally beneficial one-on-one sessions and a couple's retreat with Cathy previously I was delighted to find that she was planning to run the training in NSW. And, after speaking with Cathy on the phone regarding the course content, my partner was also keen to attend.

From the very first evening of the training, we felt at ease in Cathy's presence and assured of her intention to create an authentic, safe, and heart-felt training. What we really appreciated was the delivery of the teachings, which were explained beautifully with several examples used and experiences shared by Cathy. We also liked her guidance to ponder the aspects taught without necessarily taking them as truth. We were encouraged to listen in, ask questions, explore our reactions to concepts, practice them if they felt intuitive right, engage in further study, and keep asking questions or seeking support even beyond the training (for example we were all invited to join a private Facebook tantric practitioner support group or to make contact with Cathy as required). Cathy also checked in with us after the training was completed and we had been back in our homes for a few days.

What Cathy does spectacularly well is hold space for a large group but also individuals within the group. She was always available to discuss different aspects privately in breaks or in the evenings with those on the course. And she took care to engage the assistance of two helpers on the course, Beth and Keiren, who were also there to hold space for the whole group as required.

I personally felt safe to confront some of my personal self-esteem and body image issues with guidance and support from Cathy. And as a result I feel I have cleared some significant issues I have had since I was young. My partner was highly complementary of Cathy's approach to supporting me in this aspect. Only a very skilful and trustworthy teacher can do this in the appropriate fashion.

As a couple, we found the teachings very beneficial in terms of strengthening our relationship and providing us with a practical framework to refer to when experiencing difficulties in communication or emotional states. We have also been given some simple practices that we can do separately or together as a couple. We now have manuals, a series of recommended books, and practices to continue to refer to and explore, which is wonderful. We also know that we can contact Cathy if need be to discuss the teachings, seek advice, and to progress in our tantric studies.

We would highly recommend this training and cannot speak highly enough of Cathy's professionalism combined with the beautiful heart quality of unconditional love that she embodies - a perfect combination for this type of training. The training was also fun and joy-filled and there were many laughs had along the way within the group.

Thank you Cathy.

With love, Melanie and Martin, 2018

When the student is ready, the teacher appears. I had been studying Tantra through books, internet, and research for quite some time. I had come across many other teachers, education programs, certificates, but they didn’t feel right. They felt like it was all focused on the physical component of Tantra. I finally went to a workshop run by one of Cathy’s past students. She put me on to Cathy, and as soon as I did my research I fell in love. I could tell, not only from the workshop, but also just by emailing and talking to Cathy that she was who I needed to be seeing. Cathy and her teachings came at a time when I needed to connect to my heart even more. I thought I was already doing this, but after her Bali retreat, it made me realise how much more room I had to grow. This beautiful gift of teaching that she provides us to go on and share this amazing practice and knowledge has assisted with the work I do. The result of being under Cathy’s wing, has allowed me to also share my passion of opening the community to living from their heart. One thing I liked about my more recent trainings with Cathy is she acknowledges she is still always learning and has introduced us to her teacher. Often, people in this line of work don’t wish to share who their teacher is so they can stay on the pedestal as the ‘guru’. Since having both Cathy and her teacher as my guides, I have grown in ways that I could never imagine personally, spiritually and through business. I can’t recommend her enough! Thank you Cathy, you beautiful, heart opening, soul.

Kathlene (Kat) Stewart, Tantra & Yoga Practitioner & Consultant 2018

I begin by thanking you Cathy for making the Tantra Practitioners Course available for me.  Before my journey with you I was feeling a little misguided and confused, I had struggled to understand what my purpose truly was and where my heart lay.  I always wondered what I was here to learn and how I can make that a lifestyle.  I knew deep down that connection and love were so very important to me so I chose to follow my instinctive feeling and look into the art of Tantra.  I came across many teachers and schools and a lot of glamourous, sex orientated teachings.  I knew Tantra had a lot more to teach than just the art of sex.  It was then I came across your Sanctuary of Ananda and saw a beautiful picture of you and your smiling face.  I instantly felt a strong connection and knew this was what I was searching for.

What a blessing it was to hear your voice and have our first phone call.  You had found me.  So off I went to Ubud, Bali for 8 intensive days of training with so many other amazing souls which I now call family.  It was challenging, emotional, eye-opening, raw and healing.  The venue was so serene, we were blessed by a Balinese priest, I was able to dive deeper into meditation and had mastered true mindfulness.  My life has never been the same since.  You have taught me to open my heart and mind to the beautiful world of Tantra.

I admit, it hasn’t been an easy road, I have had to let go of a lot of past trauma and patterns.  Release pain, guilt, shame and judgement and acknowledge all my triggers that take me to my village in the mud.  But with your guidance I no longer see these lessons scary or confusing, I now have strength and knowledge to overcome these and use them to grow.  I am no longer this small girl in the world.  I am a woman, a divine goddess and I am in my divine masculine and my divine feminine.  I own who I am and I look forward to continuing my tantric studies with you and following my path of love, devotion, joy and harmlessness.

You have changed my life and for that I am thankful.

With love,

Kimberlee, Townsville QLD AUS 2018

"I attended modules 1-3 of Cathy's Accredited Tantra Practitioner training and the experience was life-changing. With Cathy's wisdom, support and guidance I now feel at peace and in tune with myself, and confident to manage life's inevitable ups and downs. Cathy's knowledge of Tantra is vast and her approach to teaching is accessible and warm; she is patient, compassionate and joyful. Since completing my training, Cathy has continued to support me by responding immediately when I have a question or need professional advice. I feel grateful and proud to call Cathy my teacher and I highly recommend the Accredited Tantra Practitioner training. I umm'd and ahh'd for a while before I committed to the training, but I'm telling you now- JUST DO IT! I have walked away from this course with a huge range of amazing and very practical resources to support me to pass on my new knowledge of this beautiful practice and serve my community. Thank you for everything, Cathy."

Meg GDipSx, BAPHHP (Hons) 2019

For the past 3 years I have dipped my toe in to Tantra.  Reading books, attending workshops and finally, I decided it was time to get some formal training.  Cathy’s philosophy and way of teaching Tantra is what I would describe as the ‘real deal’ her trainings are not based around the glamour of the Tantric Industry and she provides such a depth of knowledge towards the Tantric Arts a 5-day training with Cathy only leaves you wanting more.

Life post Module 1 and 2 with Cathy and The Sanctuary of Ananda has given me a clearer sense of self, and deeper understanding of my sexual energy and how to use breathe for my overall vitality.  My meditation has become a daily practice which provides so much solidarity, and gives me a place to work out the tricky challenge’s life throws at us.

Thank you, Cathy, for all you have given me, I know this is only the beginning of my Tantric journey.

Lauren Blundell, Relationship & Intimacy Coach 2019

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