Frequently Asked Questions
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The terms "nudism" and "naturism" are often used interchangeably, but some distinctions are noted within the community:
Nudism primarily refers to the practice of social nudity, focusing on the act of being nude in group settings.
Naturism, while encompassing social nudity, is also seen as a lifestyle and philosophy that emphasizes living in harmony with nature, promoting body positivity, and fostering respect for oneself and others.
In some regions, "naturist" is the preferred term, especially in public contexts, due to its broader connotations.
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Nudism and naturism are about embracing non-sexual nudity, focusing on body acceptance, personal growth, and connecting with community and nature. In contrast, exhibitionism and voyeurism are sexual behaviors that involve seeking arousal or pleasure through exposure or observation, oftentimes without mutual consent. These are not related to the principles of nudism or naturism, which are built on respect, consent, and non-sexuality.
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Body positivity is about embracing and celebrating all body types, regardless of societal standards or expectations. It encourages self-love and the idea that everyone deserves to feel good in their body, no matter its shape, size, or appearance.
Body neutrality, on the other hand, focuses on accepting your body for what it is without attaching a positive or negative judgment to it. It emphasizes the importance of detaching self-worth from physical appearance and instead focuses on how the body functions and supports you in life.
In my practice, we integrate both body positivity and body neutrality, depending on what works best for you. For some clients, body positivity is empowering, while for others, body neutrality offers a more neutral, healing perspective—especially when working through body image challenges in nudism and naturism.
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If you're new to nudism or naturism and curious about these practices as tools for growth, you’re in the right place! Many clients explore nudism to address body image, build confidence, and improve self-acceptance. We'll take it one step at a time, moving at your own pace. For those already familiar with naturism, we dive deeper into personal growth and body positivity with the benefits of the nudist lifestyle.
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During coaching sessions, both the coach and client undress to a level that feels comfortable for them, ranging from partially to fully nude. There is no requirement to be fully nude unless the client is ready. The key is mutual respect and comfort, and both the coach and client should be in equal layers of undress, ensuring neither feels more vulnerable than the other. If the session is virtual, we maintain this balance, with both parties appearing similarly on screen.
For those new to nudism, you’re never required to be fully nude right away. We work together to ensure that you’re comfortable and have full control over your experience. Whether you keep your clothes on or choose to be partially or fully nude, your comfort is the top priority. The initial intake session is a great opportunity to start with clothing to discuss comfort levels, boundaries, and set expectations for future sessions.
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It’s natural to wonder if nudity in coaching ever has any sexual element. Beyond Bare is rooted in the principle that nudism and naturism are about body acceptance, not sexuality. While clients are welcome to explore issues related to sex and sexuality in a coaching context, there is no physical or sexual interaction between coach and client. Our focus is always on personal growth and healing in a safe, non-sexual space.
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Many men get concerned about this, and honestly, it can happen. The body sometimes reacts without our conscious control, and an erection is a normal, physiological response, especially if working through or discussing topics of sex and sexuality. It doesn’t indicate anything inappropriate, and there’s no need to feel embarrassed.
At Beyond Bare, I prioritize a non-sexual, professional environment where nudism is about body acceptance and personal growth. If an erection occurs, it’s simply treated as a natural bodily response. If needed, we can take a moment to pause, reflect, or practice mindfulness to continue exploring in ways that feel both comfortable and focused.
This is a safe space where real bodies and real experiences are respected, and it’s important to remember that this is not a source of judgment or awkwardness.
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Yes, nudist life coaching and counseling services are legal because these practices are non-clinical. Unlike therapy or psychiatry, coaching and non-clinical counseling do not involve diagnosing or treating mental health conditions, which is why no professional licensure is required.
But it's still important to note that life coaching and counseling are professional services that typically occur in a private and professional setting. So we always ensure that all activities follow professional ethical standards, including privacy and confidentiality, consent and boundaries, non-sexuality, and client wellbeing.
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Safety is the highest priority, whether you are a seasoned nudist or new to this experience. All sessions are conducted with informed consent and a focus on maintaining a respectful, non-judgmental space. You are always in control, and you can end or modify your participation at any time if you feel uncomfortable.
In our initial consult, we begin with clothing on to learn about one another as well as build rapport and trust. During each session, we continue to focus on mutual respect, comfort, and ethical boundaries, ensuring a safe space with consent for both coach and client.
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While my expertise is grounded in working with men, this is an inclusive practice and I am open to working with women and gender-diverse clients as well. For now, I’m the primary practitioner at Beyond Bare, but I understand the importance of having diverse perspectives and experiences in this work.
If you're a woman or gender-diverse person interested in nudism and coaching, I’m happy to support you in your journey. Please check out the Women And More page for more info.
However, I also recognize that you may prefer a practitioner of your same gender or identity. That’s why, as Beyond Bare grows, I’m working towards bringing in a female or gender-diverse practitioner to offer additional support and perspectives. In the meantime, we can discuss your needs during the free consult to ensure you feel comfortable and supported.
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Yes, I am certified by The Integrative Wellness Academy (IWA), a program that focuses on a holistic, integrative approach to life coaching and counseling. Additionally, I have certifications in fitness coaching and nutrition coaching from The Nutrition and Fitness Academy.
Beyond my formal certifications, I’ve also pursued independent studies in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Somatic Therapy, and Parts Work. These studies enhance my ability to provide a more comprehensive and integrative approach to coaching and non-clinical counseling, ensuring that I support clients from multiple therapeutic perspectives.
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Life coaching is an unregulated profession, meaning that it doesn’t require licensure like therapy. However, I have sought certification through reputable programs like The Integrative Wellness Academy (IWA) to ensure that my coaching meets high professional standards.
While the International Coaching Federation (ICF) sets certain standards, they do not provide formal licensure, and I do not pursue ICF certification because their guidelines do not support integrative approaches that combine therapeutic modalities like those I use. My certification focuses on holistic practices, including non-clinical techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Somatic Therapy, and Parts Work, which provide a more comprehensive framework for supporting clients.
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Each session is unique and customized to meet your individual needs. We begin with a comprehensive intake session, examining your challenges from multiple angles, and then focus on the most significant issues for you. Sessions are tailored to your goals, whether they’re specific or open-ended, and we work together to explore what matters most to you.
Sessions are one hour and can typically be done weekly or bi-weekly, either virtually or in person (if you’re located in or near Denver, CO). Since coaching is more action-oriented than therapy, there’s an additional focus on practical steps to help you make real progress between sessions. Think of it like "homework," but these are actionable steps that lead to tangible change in your everyday life.
For newcomers to nudism, you can expect a gradual, comfortable process where you’re supported in exploring nudism as a tool for growth. Established nudists, on the other hand, tend to prefer to dive in quickly to deepen their coaching work with the benefits of non-sexual nudity.
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I use a sliding scale model to make coaching and counseling accessible, adjusting fees based on your income. Together, we will determine a rate that feels fair and appropriate for both of us. For more information, feel free to book a free consult.
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I used to be very active on social media (particularly Instagram) and for a time, it was very successful. However, I realized that posting pictures of our bodies on such platforms can sometimes tie our self-worth to ‘likes’ and ‘followers,’ which can be problematic. Social media algorithms often prioritize content with sex appeal, which further complicates efforts to keep the representation of our bodies non-sexual, as it inadvertently feeds into ‘thirst trap’ culture.
Honestly, over time, this created a strain on my mental health, so I made the decision to step away from social media altogether. Knowing that these challenges aren’t unique to me and are common in the social media landscape, I decided not to represent Beyond Bare on these platforms. I want to ensure that my work and my practice stay true to their values and aren’t influenced by the pressures of popularity or algorithms.
Additionally, this decision is a personal example of how I maintain healthy boundaries for myself, which is something I emphasize with my clients. By stepping away from social media, I can focus on fostering authentic, direct connections with clients and ensure that the focus remains on personal growth and healing, rather than external validation.