Library items

Cultivating Qualities of Healthy Sex

Posted on January 14, 2022 by Wendy Maltz - Featured, Sex & Love

A great place to start in your journey toward healthy sexuality. This article includes a checklist to help you identify and explore the healthy sex principles and qualities you already have in play, as well as ones you’d like to acquire and develop further.

How we think about sex makes a difference in our ability to create and enjoy healthy sexual relationships.

In the early years of my career as a sex and relationship therapist, I gave workshops in which participants brainstormed positive qualities of sex. The ideas they shared impressed me so much so that for fun I designed and created a nightshirt that featured them written in a rainbow banner on the front. The nightshirt became a popular item at psychology conferences, especially for survivors of sexual abuse and others who wanted an easy way to replace old negative attitudes about sex with new positive ones. The selling point for the nightshirt was “Heal as you sleep.” While the nightshirt has come and gone, the qualities of healthy sex live on forever.

Learning about and cultivating these qualities can help you ensure that they are present in your sexual interactions. As you read the qualities below, identify which ones are present and true in your sexual relating and which ones you would like to cultivate and make stronger. If you identify qualities that are often lacking, you may want to concentrate on learning more about them and integrating these qualities into your lovemaking in the future.

Healthy sex is . . .

having choice
nurturing
built on trust
playful
loving myself
respectful
being honest
physically safe
feeling ready
caring
warmth
laughter
socially responsible
fun
shared intimacy
something I deserve
being friends
comfortable
expressing love
being equal partners
mutually desired
celebration
feeling good
honoring my pace
sensual touches
private
arousing
being patient
relaxing
open communication
enjoyable
satisfying
good memories
_______________ for me!

Sexual Healing from Sexual Abuse

Posted on August 30, 2021 by Wendy Maltz - Featured

“I hate sex. It feels like invasion of myself and my body by someone else. Life would be great if no one ever expected me to be sexual again.” – Tina, raped by her father as a child

“My penis and my heart feel disconnected. I use sex as a way to blot out pain when I’m feeling down. Masturbation is a lot easier than having sex with my wife. She wants a lot of kissing and hugging and I’m uncomfortable with all that closeness.” – Jack, molested by a neighbor as a young teen

Like Tina and Jack, many survivors of sexual abuse suffer from a variety of sexual problems. And it’s no wonder. Sexual abuse is not only a betrayal of human trust and affection, but it is, by definition—an attack on a person’s sexuality.

Our sexuality is the most intimate, private aspect of who we are. Our sexuality has to do with how we feel about being male or female, and how comfortable we are with our body, our genitals, and our sexual thoughts, expressions, and relationships.

When you were sexually abused— whether you suffered a gentle seduction by a loved relative or a violent rape by a stranger— your view and experience of your sexuality were affected by what happened to you.

The good news is that a variety of effective healing techniques now exist to help survivors overcome the sexual repercussions caused by abuse.

What are the sexual problems caused by sexual abuse?

The ten most common sexual symptoms of sexual abuse are:

1. avoiding or being afraid of sex
2. approaching sex as an obligation
3. experiencing negative feelings such as anger, disgust, or guilt with touch
4. having difficulty becoming aroused or feeling sensation
5. feeling emotionally distant or not present during sex
6. experiencing intrusive or disturbing sexual thoughts and images
7. engaging in compulsive or inappropriate sexual behaviors
8. experiencing difficulty establishing or maintaining an intimate relationship
9. experiencing vaginal pain or orgasmic difficulties
10. experiencing erectile or ejaculatory difficulties

What is sexual healing?

Sexual healing is an empowering process in which you reclaim your sexuality as both positive and pleasurable. It involves using special healing strategies and techniques to actively change sexual attitudes and behaviors which resulted from the abuse. The process of sexual healing often includes: gaining a deeper understanding of what happened and how it influenced your sexuality, increasing your body and self-awareness, developing a positive sense of your sexuality, and learning new skills for experiencing touch and sexual sharing in safe, life-affirming ways.

Sexual healing can take several months to several years, or more, to accomplish. It is considered advanced recovery work and thus, best undertaken only after a survivor is in a stable and safe lifestyle and has addressed more general effects of sexual abuse, such as depression, anger, self-blame, and trust concerns.

There are different levels of sexual healing work that a survivor can pursue; from simply reading about recovery to engaging in a series of progressive exercises, called “relearning touch techniques.” These exercises provide opportunities to practice a new approach to intimate touch. While some survivors are able to progress in sexual healing on their own, others find it essential to enlist the guidance and support of a trained mental health practitioner. Professional care is recommended because of the high possibility that sexual healing will stir up traumatic memories and feelings.

You don’t need to be in a relationship to do sexual healing work. Some exercises are designed for single survivors. However, if you have a partner, your partner needs to become educated about the sexual repercussions of abuse and learn strategies for participating actively and effectively in the healing process.

Here are some ideas for how to get started in sexual healing:

1. Learn about healthy sexuality

The first step in sexual healing is to learn to distinguish abusive type sex from healthy sex. If you commonly use words like, “bad,” “dirty.” “overwhelming,” “frightening,” “hurtful,” and “secretive” to describe sex, you need to realize that these are descriptive of “sexual abuse.” Healthy sexuality is something very different. It is characterized by choice, consent, equality, respect, honesty, trust, safety, intimacy, and sensual enjoyment.

In the books that you read and the movies you watch, decrease your exposure to abusive sex images and increase your exposure to examples of sex in which partners are responsible and express love and caring for each other.

2. See yourself as separate from what was done to you

We are all born sexually innocent. Due to sexual abuse or subsequent sexual behavior, you may erroneously believe that, sexually, you are bad, damaged goods, or merely a sexual object for someone else’s use.

Let the past be past, and give yourself a healthy sexual future. You are not strapped to the negative labels an offender may have called you or to the way you saw yourself as a result of the abuse. Now you have a choice and can assert your true self with others. Old labels will disappear as you stop believing them and stop acting in ways that reinforce them.

3. Stop sexual behaviors that are part of the problem

You can’t build a new foundation for healthy sex until you’ve gotten rid of sexual behaviors that could undermine healing. Sexual behaviors that need to go, typically include: having sex when you don’t want to, unsafe and risky sex, extramarital affairs, promiscuous sex, violent/degrading sex, compulsive sex, and engaging in abusive sexual fantasies. If you can’t do it on your own, seek help from 12-step programs and other supports. It takes time to break old habits and learn how to channel sexual energy in ways that nurture the body as well as the soul.

4. Learn to handle automatic reactions to touch

Many survivors encounter unpleasant automatic reactions to touch and sex, such as flashbacks of the abuse, fleeting thoughts of the offender, or strange reactions to something a sexual partner does or says during lovemaking. While these reactions are common, unavoidable, even protective, results of trauma, years later they can get in the way of enjoying sex. By developing understanding and patience you can learn to handle them effectively.

When you experience an unwanted reaction to touch, stop and become more consciously aware of the reaction. Then calm yourself physically with slow breathing, self-massage, and relaxation techniques. As soon as you can, affirm your present reality by reminding yourself of who you are now and that you have many options. You may also want to alter the activity in some way to make it more comfortable. Automatic reactions will diminish over time you become more aware of and responsive to them.

5. Familiarize yourself with touch techniques

You can use special touch exercises to help you relearn intimate touch in a safe and relaxed way. Different from traditional sex therapy techniques (which can be overwhelming to survivors), the “relearning touch” techniques provide a wide assortment of exercises from which to choose, as you feel ready. You can do some relearning touch exercises on your own, while others require a partner. (Detailed descriptions of the exercises can be found in Wendy’s book, The Sexual Healing Journey and video, “Relearning Touch” — to watch for free, click here

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is healing.jpg

These exercises help you develop skills such as: feeling relaxed with touch, breathing comfortably, staying present, communicating with a partner, having fun, and expressing and receiving love through physical contact. The exercises are progressive and follow a sequence from playful, non-sexual touch to sensual, pleasuring touch activities. When necessary, you can address specific sexual problems, such as orgasmic and erectile difficulties, by modifying standard sex therapy techniques using the new skills acquired in relearning touch.

You can repair the damage done to you in the past. You can look forward to a new surge of self-respect, personal contentment, and emotional intimacy. When you reclaim your sexuality, you reclaim yourself.

Watch The Sexual Healing Journey – Book Trailer

To read this article in Spanish (Sanar después del abuso sexual). click here

Interview by Elizabeth Smart

Posted on August 30, 2021 by Wendy Maltz - Featured

Elizabeth Smart, a nationally-recognized teenage kidnapping survivor and survivor advocate interviews Wendy in this exceptional two-part podcast discussion entitled, “Healthy Intimacy after Abuse.” It first aired in July of 2021.

Elizabeth reached out to Wendy because her podcast listeners were regularly sharing many concerns about sex. Their discussion is warm, candid, and peppered with stories from their own healing experiences as survivors.

Sexual healing is such an important area in sexual abuse recovery that Elizabeth and Wendy take time to get specific about helpful concepts, approaches, and interventions. They provide insights, ideas, and healing information. Elizabeth is remarkable in her ability to overcome her own challenges and then move forward and create her “Smart Talks” podcast forum where thousands of survivors of sexual abuse find comfort and help.

Part 1 – The importance and process of sexual healing (Ep. 2.08)

Why sex is a challenging topic for survivors and what they need to feel safe
How to recognize the sexual effects of sexual abuse
How sexual healing is a choice and when you know you’re ready
How intimate partners are impacted by the original abuse
The importance of developing positive sexual attitudes and self-concept
How a couple can work together to heal

Listen to Episode 2.08 here.

Part 2 – Overcoming touch and sex problems (Ep. 2.09)

How to deal with unwanted automatic reactions to touch
Stopping unwanted sexual behaviors
Working together with a partner to heal
Relearning touch with creativity, communication, reconditioning
Addressing sexual functioning and fantasy concerns
The joys of sexual recovery

Listen to Episode 2.09 here.

Transcripts are available at elizabethsmartfoundation.org

Intimate Kisses

Posted on August 27, 2021 by Wendy Maltz - Featured, Sex & Love

Wendy turns up the heat in this collection of sexual love poems that explore a full-range of sexual pleasure.

Intimate Kisses: The Poetry of Sexual Pleasure, compiled and edited by Wendy Maltz. Foreword by Thomas Moore.

(New World Library, 2001, ISBN 1-57731-133-7 hardcover and 1-57731-133-7 paperback)

Order: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Intimate Kisses is an erotic, yet sensitive, collection of poems that describe sexual pleasure based on intimacy. This anthology follows Wendy’s first poetry collection, Passionate Hearts: The Poetry of Sexual Love. It takes a fresh look at sexual enjoyment through some of the richest, most penetrating poetry ever written. Included in this anthology are 120 poems by such renowned poets as Marge Piercy, Emily Dickinson, Robert Browning, Rumi, Nikki Giovanni, Sharon Olds, Octavio Paz, Molly Peacock, Anne Sexton, Dorianne Laux, Kenneth Rexroth, Jane Hirshfield, Galway Kinnell, and W.S. Merwin, as well as by dozens of newer voices.

A full-range of sexual pleasure is revealed, as the poems explore different aspects of sexual enjoyment; from anticipating intimacy, through experience, to the pleasure of reflecting back on satisfying sexual times together. These poems provide an excellent way to turn up the heat in a romance. Michael Grosso’s words: “Nothing is sexier than the naked mind-nothing more seductive than the inventive imagination.”

For a sampling of poems from the collection see our “Sexual Love Poetry” article, here

Praise for Intimate Kisses:

“I am grateful beyond expression for Wendy Maltz’s achievement. It gives me hope by calling on one of the more significant gifts of sexuality–the sensuous pleasure of well-selected, well-mated words.”
–from the foreword by Thomas Moore, author of Care of the Soul and The Soul of Sex

“I have bookmarked half the poems in this book! There is a poem for every mood, every sensibility. These poets help you ponder your own feelings about sexuality and relationships–and read deeper and more truthful into how you feel about what you have, and haven’t, experienced. Reading this book was a total pleasure.”
–Dr. Pepper Schwartz, professor of Sociology, University of Washington, author of The Great Sex Weekend

“These poems illustrate how rewarding sexual interaction is when a conscious connection exists between one’s heart, one’s genitals, and one’s lover. Sex that is enjoyable on many levels catalyzes personal energy and aliveness. It leaves us feeling relaxed in mind and body, as well as content in spirit.”
–from the introduction by Wendy Maltz

Private Thoughts: Exploring the Power of Women’s Sexual Fantasies

Posted on August 27, 2021 by Wendy Maltz - Featured, Understanding Sexual Fantasies

Get acquainted with Wendy’s informative, engaging and entertaining look at women’s sexual fantasies. Coauthored with Suzie Boss, this book reveals the fascinating world of women’s sexual fantasies, showing how they often hold the key to self-understanding and increased sexual pleasure.

Private Thoughts: Exploring the Power of Women’s Sexual Fantasies
by Wendy Maltz and Suzie Boss.

This timeless book was first released under the title In the Garden of Desire: The Intimate World of Women’s Sexual Fantasies by Broadway Books in 1997. It was quickly chosen as a special selection of the Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Clubs. Foreign rights editions include: British, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Italian, German, Dutch, New Zealandish, Chinese, and Canadian. It was later published by by New World Library and BookSurge under the title, Private Thoughts.

Available in a 2008 BookSurge paperback edition.
(BookSurge, 2008, ISBN 1-4196-9070-1, paperback).

To order: Amazon

Also available in e-reader format by New World Library
Amazon Kindle

Private Thoughts is based on groundbreaking research and eye-popping interviews with more than 100 women, ages 19-66. It explores the intimate world of women’s sexual fantasies: looking at where fantasies come from, how they function, what they mean, and how to change ones that are unwanted. It is entertaining and informative.

Private Thoughts helps readers to:

Understand different types of fantasies
Feel more comfortable with their sexual fantasies
Talk with a partner about sexual fantasies
Overcome problems with sexual fantasy
Enjoy and enhance their erotic imagination

Foreword by Beverly Whipple Ph.D.
Ch. 1- Our Most Private Thoughts
Ch. 2- Describing Our Fantasy Style
Ch. 3- Where Sexual Fantasies Come From
Ch. 4- How Fantasies Help Us
Ch. 5- Recognizing Fantasy Traps
Ch. 6- Deep Discoveries
Ch. 7- Guided Explorations
Ch. 8- Healing and Changing Unwanted Fantasies
Ch. 9- Sharing Fantasies with Lovers
Ch. 10- Creating Favorite Fantasies

Praise for Private Thoughts:

“At last, a wonderful and important book that reveals the full power of women’s sexual imagination–to play, to excite, to haunt, to heal. I will recommend it widely.”
–Gina Ogden, Ph.D., author of Women Who Love Sex

“Private Thoughts teaches women to listen to our deepest longings, to honor our visions, and to recognize that our fantasies can be our guides and teachers on the path to wholeness. Read the book and you will find new ways of becoming a fulfilled and ecstatic lover.”
–Margo Anand, author of The Art of Sexual Ecstasy

“Interesting, sometimes titillating, often funny. . .genuinely revealing.”
–THE OBSERVER (London)

“. . .everyone will benefit from the demystification of sex. [Private Thoughts] covers uncharted waters.”
–LIBRARY JOURNAL

“Oh yes! How we need these wonderful, lively, erotic fantasies! Private Thoughtsencourages us to know ourselves, deeply and passionately. In a world full of advertizing and media images of sex, it’s refreshing, revitalizing, and empowering to hear real women talk about their discoveries and pleasures.”
–Ellen Bass, coauthor of The Courage to Heal

“Fascinating, reassuring, empowering! Maltz and Boss lead us toward sexual self-acceptance by showing us the infinite variety in women’s sexual fantasies, as well as steps we can take when our fantasies trouble us.”
–Carol Rinkleib Ellison, Ph.D., author of Women’s Sexualities

“A wonderful book. . .an exciting contribution. . .Private Thoughts provides validation for millions of women who may worry or wonder about their sexual fantasies.”
–Beverly Whipple, Ph.D. coauthor of The G-Spot

Passionate Hearts

Posted on August 27, 2021 by Wendy Maltz - Sex & Love

Wendy’s first poetry collection became an Amazon #1 bestseller with poems that inspire and celebrate healthy sexual intimacy.

Passionate Hearts: The Poetry of Sexual Love, compiled and edited by Wendy Maltz

(New World Library, 2007 edition, ISBN-13: 978-1-57731-567-4 paperback, also ISBN-10: 1-58831-567-7 hardcover) Foreword by Molly Peacock.

Order: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Award-winning best-seller!

Passionate Hearts is a unique collection of 117 poems that inspire and celebrate healthy sexual intimacy. In these poems, sex is described as sensuous, safe, mutually desired, respectful and caring. Culled from the works of classic and contemporary poets such as Mollie Peacock, Sharon Olds, Gary Soto, e.e. cummings, Marge Piercy, Raymond Carver, Galway Kinnell, Pablo Neruda and Tess Gallagher, these poems celebrate the joys of sexual connection and expression throughout the life of a relationship, from early courtship to mature love.

“Poetry speaks a universal language,” writes Maltz in the introduction. “Unlike longer prose, which tends to relate more specifically to a character, poems evoke images that resonate for each of us, regardless of gender . . . Because sex itself is a momentary but profound experience, poetry is a perfect medium for exploring the meaning, mystery, and beauty of sex.”

In April of 1997, the Library Journal named Passionate Hearts the #4 Bestselling Poetry book in America. And Passionate Hearts was named AMAZON.COM’S BEST SELLING TITLE OF 1998 in the category “Sex in Literature.”

For a sampling of poems from the collection see our “Sexual Love Poetry” article here

Praise for Passionate Hearts:

“A lovely collection of contemporary poetry celebrating the tender mystery central to our lives: one human being delighting in another.”
–John Welwood, Ph.D., author Love and Awakening

“Passionate Hearts should be at the bedside of every couple.”
–Harville Hendrix, Ph.D., author Getting the Love You Want

“A provocative source of passion and pleasure. . . an essential addition to any sexuality library.”
–Patricia Love, Ed.D. coauthor Hot Monogamy

“Hot, but also heartfelt. . . an excellently edited selection. We are given visions and vignettes as satiating and stirring as the act itself.”
–Personal Growth Editor, RECOMMENDED READING Amazon.com

“Beautiful collection. . .These poems capture the heat of physical intimacy without sacrificing the warmth of emotional connection.”
–Poetry Editor RECOMMENDED READING Amazon.com

“Beautiful. . . will inspire as well as arouse. . . these poems are sexually and emotionally explicit, yet accessibe and touching in their honest intimacy.”
–Traci Borhani, reviewer

New Age Publishing and Retailing
“Wow!. . . This is the kind of book that puts you in that certain mood and makes you want to pick it up again and again.”
–Noelle Denke, reviewer

The Light Connection
“This is no casual collection of love poems, but an intense gathering of poems which celebrate sexual intimacy and spiritual warmth.”
–Diane C. Donovan, reviewer The Midwest Book Review

The Porn Trap

Posted on August 27, 2021 by Wendy Maltz - Featured, Porn Problem Recovery

Find out why this groundbreaking, comprehensive self-help guide has become a must-read for anyone wanting to keenly understand the problems caused by pornography and what steps can be taken to overcome them.

The Porn Trap: Overcoming Problems Caused by Pornography, Wendy Maltz LCSW, DST, and Larry Maltz LCSW (Harper, 2010) paperback.

Order: Amazon | Amazon Kindle

Barnes and Noble Barnes and Noble Nook book

Compassionate and empowering, The Porn Trap is the first book to address the full range of pornography-related problems, which have skyrocketed since the explosion of the Internet and other electronic media. Based on interviews and dramatic true stories, this book provides help for everyone from the recreational “dabbler” to the compulsive addict, as well as partners of porn addicts. Wendy and Larry Maltz present readers with a wide range of simple but effective healing strategies and techniques.

The Porn Trap helps readers to:

Identify and evaluate the impact of porn
Decide whether it’s time to quit using porn
Learn how to stop using porn
Rebuild self-esteem and restore personal integrity
Heal a relationship harmed by porn use
Develop a thriving and satisfying sexual life without porn

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
INTRODUCTION

PART ONE: BECOMING AWARE
1. The Hidden Power of Porn
2. First Encounters
3. The Porn Relationship
4. To See or Not to See – The Consequences of Porn
5. Partners in Pain
6. Hitting Bottom

PART TWO: HEALING
7. Getting Motivated to Quit Porn
8. Six Basic Action Steps
9. Handling and Preventing Relapses
10. Healing as a Couple
11. A New Approach to Sex
12. True Freedom and Fulfillment

RESOURCES
INDEX
ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Praise for The Porn Trap:

“An excellent, thoughtful, and hopeful guide providing effective help for those who struggle with our newest and most challenging mental health problem–pornography addiction.”
–Patrick Carnes, PhD, author of Don’t Call It Love and In the Shadows of the Net

“The Porn Trap is the defining resource for helping people with porn problems. Written with great compassion, it inspires hope and presents a clear path for healing.”
–Claudia Black, PhD, author of Deceived

“Larry and Wendy have done a masterful job of defining the problem of porn and giving the reader a marvelous plethora of treatment options. This is a must read for anyone who cares about someone hurt by porn addiction. For those struggling themselves, this book is a lifesaver!”
–Dr. Ted Roberts, pastor, counselor, and author of Pure Desire

“An extremely helpful and much needed resource for a very destructive addiction. The Porn Trap includes clear and practical guidance for healing the emptiness caused by porn. I highly recommend it.”
–Harville Hendrix, PhD, author of Getting the Love You Want and Receiving Love

“This intelligent book brings a healing voice to an issue that too often divides and devastates partners—it goes way beyond ‘just say no,’ to offer heart-opening guidance that will help you explore new dimensions of sexual desire and intimacy.”
–Gina Ogden, PhD, author of The Heart and Soul of Sex and The Return of Desire

“The Porn Trap is a very helpful book for those who find pornography to be destructive in their lives.”
–Ralph H. Earle, PhD, author of Lonely All the Time

“With clarity, compassion, and understanding, Wendy and Larry Maltz help readers comprehend the magnitude of the problem and porn’s highly addictive nature. Their vast knowledge of healing and regaining a healthy sexuality embedded in a true relationship, provides readers with a wise and helpful guide.”
–Charlotte Sophia Kasl, PhD, author of Women, Sex, and Addiction and If the Buddha Dated

“Groundbreaking. This is the best book on the market to help compulsive porn users and the people who love them to confront and change this destructive pattern.”
–Barry McCarthy, PhD, author of Men’s Sexual Health and Rekindling Desire

“Insightful, well-written, and practical. The Porn Trap is the authoritative text for understanding and overcoming the negative impact pornography has on self, intimacy, and others.”
–David Delmonico, PhD and Elizabeth Griffin, MA, authors of In the Shadows of the Net and Cybersex Unhooked

“The Porn Trap offers much needed insight, direction and hope to men and women struggling to escape the net of fantasy, sex, and addiction.”
–Robert Weiss, LCSW, CSAT, author of Cruise Control and Untangling the Web

“Smart and straightforward — without unnecessary politics, finger-pointing, or moralizing — The Porn Trap is sure to provide aid and comfort to many men and women.”
–Pamela Paul, author of Pornified

“Porn is like junk food–it provides little in the way of real nutrition for your sexual health. If you or your partner are suffering as a result of consuming these empty calories, this important and timely book shows you how to push away from porn and start experiencing the genuine nourishment of real love.”
–Ian Kerner, PhD, author of Sex Detox

“The Porn Trap is an important contribution to understanding porn use and recovering from porn addiction. I highly recommend this book.”
–Jennifer Schneider, MD, author of Untangling the Web and Back from Betrayal

“Informative and compassionate, The Porn Trap shows how porn problems can sneak up and trap you in compulsive sexual behavior before you even realize what’s happened. The average reader as well as the seasoned therapist will gain a clear understanding of how to address the problem that now affects millions of people.”
–Barbara Levinson, PhD, RN, LMFT, Center for Healthy Sexuality

El Viaje para Sanar la Sexualidad

Posted on August 27, 2021 by Wendy Maltz - Sexual Abuse Healing

Esta guía de recuperación es un clásico muy aclamado que ayuda a las y los sobrevivientes de abuso sexual a recuperarse del pasado, mejorar sus relaciones y descubrir los placeres de la intimidad sexual.

El viaje para sanar la sexualidad: Una guía para sobrevientes de abuso sexual

(The Sexual Healing Journey: A Guide for Survivors of Sexual Abuse)

¡Una lectura aclamada ahora disponible en español!

(Acclaimed resource now available in Spanish!)

Nos da mucho gusto anunciar la edición en español del clásico libro innovador para la recuperaicón sexual de Wendy Maltz. El viaje para sanar la sexualidad: Una guía para sobrevientes de abuso sexual, tercera edición.

(We are excited to announce the ground-breaking Spanish translation of Wendy Maltz’s classic recovery book, The Sexual Healing Journey: A Guide for Survivors of Sexual Abuse, 3rd edition)

Versión inglesa (English version)

Llega oportunamente esta guía de apoyo para sobrevivientes Latinas de abuso sexual y sus parejas. Prólogo escrito por una especilista Mexicana en temas de sexualidad y salud mental. Este program ayuda paso a paso a reecuperarse de las repercusiones negativas que deja el abuso sexual. Además esta edición en español contiene un listado de lecturas y material de apoyo en español.

(This timely, comprehensive guide fills an important need for female and male Spanish-speaking survivors of sexual abuse, their intimate partners, and support people. It features a forward by a Mexican-born mental health counselor, a step-by-step program for healing the negative repercussions of abuse, and a special section listing Spanish-language healing resources)

Haz clic aquí abajo para ordenar ahora

(Click below to order now)

Amazon:

En fromato rústico (paperback):

En formato digital (in digital format):

ISBN -10:6075620718

ISBN-13:978-6075620718

Elogios anteriores del libro

(Past praise for this book)

¡Muy recomendado!
(Highly recommended!)

¡Un excelente recurso!
(An excellent resource!)

Un libro obligatorio de leer para sobrevivientes, terapeutas y para quienes les importa
(A must-read for survivors, therapists, and those who care. . )

Un tesoro, bien pensado y claro
(A treasure, thoughtful and clear)

Ningún otro libro se acerca a este libro en términos de su campo de aplicaión, compasión y consejos concretos
(No other book comes close to this one in terms of scope, compassion, and concrete advice. . .)

Wendy Maltz es una aclamada autora internacional y experta en temas de sexualidad con más de 35 años de experiencia clinica en sexualidad y problemas de pareja. (Para más acerca de Wendy Maltz, en español)

(Wendy Maltz is an internationally-esteemed author and sexuality expert with over 35 years of clinical experience treating sex and relationship concerns. For more about her in Spanish, go here)

Evelyn Salinas es politóloga y psicóloga social en México y tiene 15 años de experiencia trabajando en el campo de la sexualidad humana. Actualmente es directora de salud mental en Centro Latinoamericano en Eugene OR.

(Evelyn Salinas grew up in Central North Mexico and is the Mental Health Program Director at Centro Latino Americano in Eugene, Oregon)

Casa editorial HarperCollins México. Disponible en versión impresa y electrónica a partir de junio del 2021 en México, EEUU y Canada en librerias famosas.

(HarperCollins México Publishers, June 2021. Available in paperback and e-formats in Mexico, USA, Canada, and more, via major booksellers)

Presentación El Viaje para Sanar la Sexualidad

Acompáñanos a conversar con Wendy Maltz, HarperCollinsMexico facebook live interview about El viaje para sanar la sexualidad:

HarperCollinsMexico Facebook Live 7-29-2021 Interview

Entrevistas con medios de comunicación contactar a Wendy Maltz a info (@) healthysex.com o a Andrea Hernandez Rincon, gerente de marketing, en HarperCollins México Publishers — Andrea.HernandezRincon@harpercollins.com

(Media interviews available upon request. Contact Wendy Maltz at info (at) healthysex.com or Andrea Hernandez Rincon the Marketing Manager at HarperCollins México Publishers — Andrea.HernandezRincon@harpercollins.com )

Para más articulos y videos sobre sanacíon y el libro en español:

Haga clic aquí

(For more articles and videos on sexual healing and the book in Spanish, click here)

Pasa las voz para quienes leen en español:

(Help us get the word out to Spanish-language readers)

Descargue, imprima, publique y envie esta página por correo electrónico (Download, print, post, and email the following one page flyer):

Comparta el siguiente breve anuncio en Facebook y otros medios sociales

(Share the following short announcement on FACEBOOK and other social media):

The Sexual Healing Journey

Posted on August 27, 2021 by Wendy Maltz - Featured, Sexual Abuse Healing

Clear, comprehensive, and empowering. This revised recovery classic helps survivors heal from sexual abuse and reclaim sex as pleasurable and positive.

The Sexual Healing Journey: A Guide for Survivors of Sexual Abuse (3rd Edition) by Wendy Maltz LCSW

William Morrow/HarperCollins, 2012, Newly revised and updated (3rd) Edition, ISBN: 978-0062130730 paperback (also available in digital form) provides survivors and their partners with a comprehensive healing program that goes beyond traditional sex therapy. More than 200,000 sold.

Order English: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Order Spanish: Amazon

Audible.com (digital audio version)

The Sexual Healing Journey helps survivors to:

• identify the sexual effects of abuse
• create a positive meaning for sex
• develop a healthy sexual self-concept
• gain control over upsetting automatic reactions to touch and sex
• stop negative sexual behaviors
• improve intimacy with a partner
• learn a new approach to touch and sex
• resolve sexual functioning concerns

______________

The Sexual Healing Journey – Book Trailer

Wendy Maltz describes the origin and contents of the revised classic sexual abuse recovery book in the video below.

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Special Announcement: The Sexual Healing Journey is now available in SPANISH. El Viaje para sanar la sexualidad was released by HarperCollinsMexico publishers in June 2021, it can be purchased in paperback and electronic versions through major booksellers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Edimsa, and through other major booksellers in Mexico, USA, Canada, Japan, Germany, Australia, and other countries.

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You can view the relearning touch exercises described in The Sexual Healing Journey by watching the video “Relearning Touch Techniques.”. Maltz’s “relearning touch exercises” are specifically designed for survivors of sexual abuse. They offer playful, nonsexual ways to learn how touch can be relaxed, safe, and pleasurable–a mutual expression of caring and respect. Says Maltz, “No one should have to suffer through life sexually damaged because of something that happened in the past. Healthy sex is something everyone deserves and can achieve.”

Praise for The Sexual Healing Journey:

“This book still stands as THE MOST IMPORTANT RESOURCE available to survivors concerning sexual functioning and sexual healing. THE SEXUAL HEALING JOURNEYoffers essential hope and compassion in addition to understandable explanations and exercises that improve self-awareness, communication, touching, sexual contact and sexual intimacy. I highly recommend it to all practitioners and I routinely suggest it to clients and their significant others as an indispensable resource.”
–Chris Courtois Ph.D., author of Healing the Incest Wound

“This is AN EXCELLENT RESOURCE! Wendy Maltz deals directly with the negative effects of sexual abuse while managing to stay a strong advocate for healthy sex.”
–Mitchell Tepper, Ph.D., Founder of the Sexual Health Network and SexualHealth.com

“This book is a classic — a proven guide to reclaiming the healthy sex and love life that is rightfully yours. I highly recommend it!”
— Pat Love, Ed.D., co-author of How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It and Never Be Lonely Again

“The new updated edition of The Sexual Healing Journey continues with its hopeful and practical message that survivors of childhood sexual abuse can move beyond the burden of the past and into the healing journey of the present. It is a must read for survivors and professionals alike.”
— Kenneth M. Adams, Ph.D., author of Silently Seduced and When He’s Married to Mom

“Wendy Maltz has always been wise, but this major revision of The Sexual Healing Journey reflects decades more of clinical experience, and is even wiser. With gentleness and clarity, Wendy provides a time-tested program for changing attitudes about sex, disarming triggers, and reclaiming sex within a context of healthy loving.”
— Mark F. Schwartz, Sc.D., Clinical Director of the Castlewood Treatment Center and former director of the Masters and Johnson Institute

“With the compassion and caring that bespeaks her own healing journey, Wendy Maltz has given us a treasure: her clinical anecdotes are poignant, her instructions are thoughtful and clear. THE SEXUAL HEALING JOURNEY will always have a space on my bookshelf, it is a must-read for survivors, therapists and those who care.”
–Clyde W. Ford, Ph.D., author of Compassionate Touch

“A MUST-READ for any survivor who wants to experience the pleasures of a safe and loving sexual relationship. Thank you, Wendy, for providing this gentle, empowering guide!”
–Marylin Van Derbur, former Miss America, incest survivor

“This book is a powerful and effective means of restoring and enhancing sexuality in the aftermath of sexual abuse. Wendy Maltz’s practical, plain-spoken approach, and specific exercises are a helpful adjunct to therapy, as well as a valuable guide for people who want to address these issues on their own.”
–Al Cooper, Ph.D. Director San Jose Marital and Sexuality Center, staff psychologist Stanford University

“THE SEXUAL HEALING JOURNEY allows the sexual abuse survivor to let go of shame and pain from the past and embrace a healthy sexual self. It is a book of heart, hope and answers, and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.”
–Claudia Black Ph.D., author of It Will Never Happen to Me

“This highly useful book provides much needed comfort, reassurance, and practical information for survivors of abuse who wish to reclaim healthy sexuality and for the people who care about them…AN INVALUABLE RESOURCE.”
–Yvonne Dolan, M.A., author of Resolving Sexual Abuse and One Small Step

“The Sexual Healing Journey is a much need resource for individuals and couples struggling to create healthy, joyous, safe, and loving sexual lives in the aftermath of sexual abuse. Hopeful, clear, practical, and thorough, it makes the process of reclaiming the pleasure of healthy sexuality seem possible and accessible.”
–Ellen Bass, coauthor of The Courage to Heal

“The Sexual Healing Journey is a precious gift for male and female surviors and for those who care about them.”
–Mike Lew, author of Victims No Longer

“Men and women who have despaired that their sex lives would never change will find hope and answers in this friendly, encouraging, and essential guide.”
–Laura Davis, coauthor of The Courage to Heal and Allies in Healing

“Wendy Maltz takes her readers carefully, step-by-step, through a program of self-healing. Survivors of sexual abuse, their partners, and their therapists will benefit enormously from this reassuring guide.”
–Lonnie Barbach, Ph.D. author of For Yourself and For Each Other

“Here is the first book to offer sound and detailed guidelines for sexual healing. Wendy Maltz stands out for her remarkable combination of wisdom, creativity and heart. Beyond providing comfort and hope for survivors of sexual abuse, she shows us how specific changes can be achieved. What a rare, useful and encouraging contribution!”
–Harriet Goldhor Lerner, Ph.D., author The Dance of Anger and The Dance of Intimacy

“Wendy Maltz is one of our most gifted healers and she has written a beautiful book. Practical, useful, and long-needed, it will be a gift to many.”
–Patrick Carnes, Ph.D., author Don’t Call it Love and Out of the Shadows

“This encouraging self-help book opens the way for you to initiate your own sexual healing journey. You will find information and nourishing exercises to help you stop unproductive interactions and start experiencing the pleasure of a mutually fulfilling, intimate sexual relationship.”
–Laura M. Brotherson, Certified Family Life Educator, author of And They Were Not Ashamed, and host of “The Marital Intimacy Show”

“Highly recommended! The Sexual Healing Journey is a must read for all survivors of sexual abuse who feel sexually damaged. It offers hope, as well as concrete tools that help survivors develop healthy sexuality. No other book comes close to this one in scope, compassion, and concrete advice.”
— Laurie Betito, Ph.D., Psychologist, Sex Therapist, and host of Canada’s “Passion Radio Show”

“A timeless healing treasure! With this new edition, The Sexual Healing Journey continues as an excellent guide for survivors seeking to embrace and enjoy sexual intimacy with their chosen life partner.”
— Hank Estrada, male survivor advocate and author of UnHoly Communion

“This superb text provides clear and helpful tools for survivors, intimate partners, and therapists addressing sexual problems caused by sexual abuse. The stories offer hope and illuminate the path to healthy, loving sexual functioning.”
— Susan Lee, Ed.D., Director of The Florida Postgraduate Sex Therapy Training Institute and The Sex Therapy Postgraduate Training Institute of New York