Self-Help Smut Club
This is more than a book club! SHSC was born out of my therapeutic philosophy that there is more need for pleasure, joy, and community than there is a need for individualization and optimization.
I came to this conclusion after working with lots of folks, mainly women, who were constantly consuming “self-help” content and wanting to be “better” all the time. They were exhausted!
And so, I began “prescribing” smut. Smut is the type of genre that focuses on sex and relationships around sex in which the reader (or listener— no audiobook judgement here!) gets to be immersed into the fantasy or scene.
I found that the more my high-functioning, anxious, ambitious clients were focusing on pleasure, that they became less stressed,
Self-Help Smut Club was born officially in May 2025 and in January 2026, it was featured in the LA Times in a beautiful article written by Maddie Connors!
I have loved seeing SHSC grow and see how important it is to have IRL spaces to share feelings, connect with humans, and destigmatize what has been deemed “taboo”. Pleasure is important!
Photo by Juliana Yamada for Los Angeles Times
What You May Get Out of Self-Help Smut Club:
This club is a therapist facilitated space where folks can discuss the monthly book’s themes and scenes, as well as:
the importance of pleasure,
how self-care and community care are linked,
and why it is crucial to be discussing sex/pleasure/intimacy with others…
all in a safe space!
SHSC might be right for you if:
You are feeling tired and burntout
You have been focusing on “doing” instead of “being”
You can’t remember the last time you read a real book
You feel judged by liking smutty books
You’re finding it hard to find community that “gets” you
You’re craving spaces that let you be yourself
You want to feel more
When’s the next Self-Help Smut Club meeting??
Our next meeting is on Sunday, September 27 from 1 - 2:30pm!
We will be reading “To Catch a Raven” by Beverly Jenkins at our September meeting!
This book brings historical fiction to a spicy level! Perfect for all of us wanting to relieve American Girl books as an adult!
This meeting is limited to only 6 participants (due to space size!)
It costs $7 to cover office space and refreshments
Tickets are non-refundable to keep admin costs low
August’s meeting will be at the Mirror Moments Therapy office in Arcadia, CA
Please reserve your spot ASAP by clicking the link below!
September’s SHSC is happening on Sunday, September 27, 2026 in Arcadia, CA
***please note, this is a different event/location than the club held at Subtle Spaces, Silverlake***
Our book club pick is To Catch a Raven by Beverly Jenkins
Book synopsis:
“Lying and cheating may be sins to some people, but for Raven Moreaux, it is a way of life. She comes from a long line of grifters and couldn’t be prouder…Until she’s forced to help the government.
A former Confederate official is suspected of stealing the Declaration of Independence, and Raven, posing as his housekeeper, is tasked with getting it back. Her partner is the too handsome Braxton Steel. Masquerading as a valet/driver, Brax is also supposed to be her “husband.” He has his own reasons for doing this job, but when their pretend marriage ignites into fiery passion, they’ll have to put everything—including their hearts—on the line.”
Important information:
Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 1pm - 2:30pm
Location: Arcadia, CA (address provided after purchase) (parking is free)
Ticket is $7 to cover office space & beverage/snacks!
Tickets are non-refundable in order to keep admin costs down. Thank you for understanding.
Stay up to date by following along on Instagram!
Introducing the Silverlake chapter of Self-Help Smut Club!!
This club will be hosted by Subtle Senses, a holistic wellness community space that values restoration, clarity, and connection. I am so pleased to be expanding SHSC at this beautiful space.
RSVP HERE: SUBTLE SENSES AUGUST 30 MEETING
The first official Self-Help Smut Club book discussion meeting will be on Sunday, August 30 from 12- 1pm.
We are reading “Funny Story” by Emily Henry
See you there! Email caitlin@mirrormomentstherapy.com with any questions
Photo by Juliana Yamada for Los Angeles Times
Sample Book Club Gathering Timeline:
1:00 - 1:05pm: Welcome in, make a cup of coffee/tea, grab a snack & a book club one sheet. Make yourself a name tag with pronouns so that we know how to refer to you!
1:05ish - 1:15pm: Caitlin goes over community guidelines, the group introduces selves and answers the ice breaker question
1:15 - 1:30pm: get into how this particular book covers the self-help tropes (this looks like small groups in within the group discussing)
1:30 - 2:15ishpm: general discussion about the book! We cover all the parts we liked, didn’t, and what could have been improved. This discussion is guided by Caitlin to ensure that folks are feeling respected, heard, and get to share if they want. Caitlin is also asking questions and prompts to bring it back to the body— how did this smut make you feel??
2:15 - 2:30pm: wrapping up!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime via Instagram or email.
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We are hoping to offer this monthly! Ideally, this will be offered in multiple locations across LA so that you can join the meeting closest to you!
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Of course! You are always welcome, even if you didn’t finish (but we always want folks to finish if that’s the goal ;). As long as you have registered for the event and you don’t mind spoilers, please come!
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How generous! Yes, we would love to talk with you more to see if your space would be a good home for SHSC! Please email Cailtin to continue this conversation!
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First, that is so kind that you are considering therapy with me. I am honored to be in that position.
Second, if you are curious if we could be a good fit for therapy, I would love to set up a consultation call with you to talk more about what that would look like and to ensure that you would feel comfortable about us sharing these spaces (therapy and book club).
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Great question! No, a therapeutic book club is different than a therapy group. It is a therapeutic book club because it is facilitated by a therapist and we are using smut as a type of bibliotherapy (i.e. using literature to support mental health).
Because it is not a support group, it is not completely confidential and is not contained by the same ethics and structure as a therapy group.
Since this is not a therapy group, there is no mental health treatment happening, nor mutual therapy goals working to be met as a group.
If you are interested in starting therapy, I recommend any of the therapists in my referrals page!