An era in Danish sexology is coming to an end. Joan Ørting – one of the country's best-known sexologists and pioneers in the field of sexuality and relationships – has decided to phase out her educational activities after almost 20 years. She plans to close her teaching facility, Villa Wilder in Christianshavn, in the summer of 2026.
"I have been training sexologists and couples therapists for almost 20 years, mostly in Copenhagen, but also in Ribe, Aarhus, and Odense. It has been an educational experience and a great responsibility. Now that I am turning 65, I feel that the time has come to start a new chapter in my life,"she writes in a post on Facebook.
Over the years, Joan Ørting has had a significant impact on the way we talk about sex and love in Denmark. Her teaching has inspired and trained hundreds of sexologists and couples therapists, and she has done so with an openness and warmth that has made her popular and beloved—but also controversial at times.
One of her best-known contributions is the introduction of the five erotic languages – a model that helps couples and individuals understand their own and each other's sexual needs. The five erotic languages, which Ørting has used in both teaching and books, are based on the idea that we love and are turned on differently: Some need closeness and security, while others are turned on by the wild, the playful, or the spiritual. With this model, she has given many people a new language for their sexuality – and helped couples meet in understanding and curiosity.
"I also have my 20th anniversary to celebrate. It's in March next year. We're going to have a party – and quite a few Friday bars – before I close the door to Villa Wilder for the last time,"she continues.
The decision to stop comes after a period of media coverage and criticism. In January, 11 former students came forward and accused Ørting of inappropriate therapy. Shortly after, her former partner Jakob Olrik called her "dangerous" in an interview on Radio4. The debate quickly turned into a media storm that put her methods and approach under the microscope.
Joan Ørting has made it clear that the decision to stop was made long before the criticism hit the media and that her departure is about life stages – not external pressure.
Joan Ørting has not yet revealed what the next chapter will entail.
