About Paul
Bio
Rev. Paul Paiva, M.Div., M.A., is a former Roman Catholic priest who performs romantic and entertaining wedding ceremonies. He is a devout Christian who is sex-positive, meaning an acceptance that sexual pleasure is something that is beautiful and an essential part of being a human. He does pastoral couples counseling (not a licensed therapist), pre-marital preparation for engaged couples, and is a certified intimacy & sex educator who teaches the Erotic Blueprints™ from a Christian perspective, for singles and couples who want to ignite their passion, including those affected by religion-induced shame. He uses the Enneagram as a modality for couples counseling, and teaches the Enneagram as tool for personal growth for couples, individuals, and groups. Paul actively blogs, vblogs, and speaks on various topics on faith, intimacy, the Enneagram, and his upcoming memoir.
Background in Pastoral Counseling
When I was a committed, celibate priest, women and men came to me for pastoral counseling; many were married, engaged, or dating. Over the years I observed that these people knew more about Love than I did. In relationships, you talk, dialogue, compromise, and discuss. You learn empathy, how to listen, how to be selfless, how to be loving and caring. You may have differences in your values. Or differences in libido. Or have different political affiliations. As a celibate priest living in the rectory, because I was not in a romantic relationship, I was at risk for being complacent about my spiritual growth. My congregation put me on a pedestal. I could become arrogant, aloof, and uncaring, and I would likely not be challenged. That cannot happen in a thriving relationship. It is truly a beautiful vehicle for becoming a more loving human being.
Pursuits