We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Vielka Kano. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Vielka below.
Vielka, appreciate you joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
I grew up in a small town in Costa Rica where most people followed traditional values and the country is 90% catholic. My dad was a psychiatrist and he was different. He liked us to wear bright, fun clothes -no dresses allowed- and kept our hair short so we could run and climb trees easily. He wanted us to be free and not worry about what people usually do.
Because of the way I was raised, I learned to be confident and to do things that weren’t usual. This really helped me later in life, especially when I decided to become a sex therapist. In our town, talking about sexuality was a big taboo. But, because I was used to breaking rules and not doing what everyone else did, I wasn’t afraid to tackle this taboo topic.
Vielka, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Growing up in Costa Rica’s Catholic traditions, I was surrounded by strict societal norms dictating proper behavior for young women. Wearing short skirts, bold red lipstick, or laughing too loudly were all considered inappropriate behavior for a “lady.”. This environment was very restrictive and left me with vague notions of what a healthy, fulfilling relationship should look like. On top of that, I was a tomboy, playing basketball and hanging with the boys going on jungle explorations for fun.
When I got older, I decided to study psychology. But I was surprised to find out that my courses didn’t really teach me about human sexuality. The only thing I had to learn from was a monthly Cosmo magazine, which was fun to read but didn’t give me all the information I needed. Because of this, my first relationships, even though they started with lots of passion, began to lose their excitement. I really wanted a deeper connection, but I didn’t know how to bring back that special feeling of desire.
Determined to bridge this gap in my knowledge, I embarked on a journey that led to becoming a Certified Sex Therapist through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). This certification was more than a professional accolade; it represented a profound shift in both my personal and professional life.
I immersed myself in ancient teachings like Tantra and Taoism, gaining insights into the deep connection between emotional and physical intimacy. This journey transformed not just my understanding of relationships, but my entire being. It was a revelation to see how spirituality and sexuality, intertwined, could elevate my self-love and enhance my ability to love others. This journey became a source of inspiration, illuminating a path to a richer, more connected existence.
As I gained this newfound knowledge and experience, a powerful sense of purpose took hold. My mission became crystal clear: to create a movement of loving, kind sexual freedom and empowerment. With each life I touched, each story that became interwoven with my own, I spearheaded a crusade for passionate awakening and helping couples feel connected again in ways they have not been in years. I was guiding others to find their own path to liberation and joy in the realm of sexuality. This was not just my profession; it became my calling, my contribution to a world in deep need of understanding the true essence of connection and love.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
S*x is more than just a physical act, even in casual encounters. It’s a profound expression of trust and vulnerability.
Through my journey, especially during my Tantra training, I discovered that true pleasure begins with emotional openness. It starts with the willingness to trust another person, to let go, and to fully surrender. I remember days filled with tears, releasing deep-seated emotions of sadness, guilt, and shame. This emotional cleansing made us tender, and open to feeling even the slightest touch deeply. It’s this openness, this vulnerability, that unlocks the door to heightened sensitivity to pleasure. The secret lies in being receptive to a broader spectrum of feelings, allowing ourselves to experience pleasure on a much more intense level.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
My background as a yoga instructor and meditation practitioner greatly influenced my approach to intimacy. This training taught me the art of mindful sex, enabling me to stay present and reconnect with my body, especially when my mind gets cluttered with thoughts. It also taught me the value of slowing down, to truly feel and savor every sensation. Each touch and each kiss becomes an experience to savor, allowing me to immerse fully in the moment and deepen the connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Vielkakano.com
- Instagram: Vielkakano
- Facebook: vielkakano
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vielca-mcbride-76590a80/
- Youtube: Vielka Kano
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/vielka-kano-austin
- Other: Will be in the 90-day fiance show in 2024 as a sex therapist helping a couple