We are ten women, ages 28 to 60, interacting in the nude. Accepting and loving our bodies is our first step toward sexual liberation. We discover we are not alone in our search for sexual expression as we support one another to explore pleasure creatively. While engaging in pleasure rituals designed to enhance sexual selfknowledge, we learn to play again. Positive images of each other's sexual response inspire us to take the next step on our sexual and spiritual path. Forming a circle, we practice different breathing patterns to increase our energy. We experiment with different positions and pelvic movements, using electric vibrators for clitoral stimulation. The erotic finale is a celebration of selfloving filled with authentic orgasms. Group massage follows, giving us relaxation and sensual touch without any sexual demand. Each woman experiences the gentle hands of four others simultaneously, with everyone both giving and receiving unconditional love. In the closing circle, we chant with a unified voice and release our orgasmic energy.

Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy Vol. 20, No.4

Review by Ken Rosenberg, M.D
Clinical Instructor
New York Hospital - Cornell University Medical Center
Private Practice, N.Y.C.

Betty Dodson's "Selfloving: Video Portrait of a Women's Sexuality Seminar" is noteworthy for its vivid documentation of women masturbating in a group under her masterful and nurturing guidance. As a sex therapist, I would advise iT for women who are learning to masturbate or who need to further explore and understand their sexuality. Her overall presentation of female sexuality is clear, sound, and extraordinarily enlightening.

Dodson shows us drawings and pictures of vaginas, noting the dramatic diversity among female genitalia. Then we watch each member of the group examine her own vagina using a mirror under Dodson's guidance in front of the group. Not only is this exercise educational for the women, according to Dodson, but it helps heal them of their shame and embarrassment about their genitals.

After relaxation techniques, Dodson introduces us to the cordless electric vibrators for clitoral stimulation. Especially useful are the visuals of the way that the women use the vibrators, all while Dodson encourages them to experience their feeling and fantasize. The masturbation is all done playfully and in good taste. For many women who are learning about their sexuality in the context of sex therapy, it will be an eye-opening and useful video to watch in the privacy of their homes.

Brief Reviews

"Dodson's Selfloving is her show-and-tell and what a joyride it is! Ten women gather for a course in celebratory solo sex. They share intimacies about their lives, compare the different shapes of each other's genitals, and in the grand finale, orgasm together. Most remarkable is that Dodson successfully tackles a topic taboo to many women and turns it into an event that seems as wholesome as a quilting bee." LIBIDO The Journal of Sex and Sensibilty

"Betty has created a masterpiece, an uncompromising, one-of-a-kind workshop/video. Her Selfloving is Everywomen's 'must have!' Everyman's too." EIDOS

"Betty Dodson has created a breakthrough video on female sexuality for adults. Selfloving is a healing, spiritual, educational, and enlightening journey for women of all ages."SIECUS Report, Sex Information and Education Council of the U.S.

"Rarely, if ever do we get to witness a group of women having real orgasms together. The resulting intimacy, shared with the viewer, is extremely potent." ON OUR BACKS

"Longtime masturbation advocate Betty Dodson, Ph.D., has out-sexed herself again. Her video, Selfloving, is a self-help session in a class of its own."PLAYGIRL entertaiment for women

"In 1987, Betty Dodson's book Sex For One told us that masturbation is a meditation on selflove. Now her new video Selfloving shows us. It's sex education in erotic form."Spare Rib, DARTMOUTH COLLEGE

"You need only to sit in on one of Betty Dodson's masturbation workshops -- as I did, via Selfloving, the videotape -- to see how much there is to learn, even for adults."COSMOPOLITAN

"The final 'erotic recess' results in one of the most amazing things I've ever seen on film. The camera moves around as if fascinated and, believe me, you will be, too!" FORUM Magazine

"The climax is an impressive group orgasm-fest that ought to be required viewing for everyone for its portrayal of authentic female ecstasy."FUTURE Sex

"Selfloving, a masturbation film for women comes from Betty Dodson, the best sex educator in the country. Dodson is the kindergarten teacher we all wish we'd had for show and tell. Her celebration of female sensuality is intelligent, life affirming and down to earth. Real women have real orgasms." THE WHOLE EARTH CATALOG

"Although Selfloving is geared toward empowering women, it has far-reaching potential for enlightening men as well. This could be the safe-sex, erotic-date tape of the nineties."Masquerade NEWSLETTER

"This is an important film about female sexuality which I would recommend to both women and men alike. Selfloving is very sexy and very moving, an emotional experience with a certain purity about it. Though it will definitely turn you on, this is not a "dirty" film. Give it to your mother, give it to your daughter, watch it alone or with friends but do watch it."Fetish TIMES

"Selfloving is an authentic portrayal of Dr. Betty Dodson's workshop on self-eroticism (calling it "masturbation" just scratches the surface of this complex, fun, and highly educational tape). This recent work explores the subject in all its wonderful, erotic variety."Blowfish Catalogs

"Betty Dodson orchestrates a symphony of woman-energy that will undoubtedly be seen and heard throughout the world. Selfloving is both educational and erotic! Now there's a rare treat. You can join the women in the video and make wonderful music together." EVE'S GARDEN

"This video is one I'd recommend to the whole of womankind. Provocative viewing, it urges that old goal of sexual revolution in its most potent and powerful form."Gay Times of London