Video

This forty-three-minute videotape was produced in 1988 by Wendy Maltz, Steve Christiansen, and Gerald Joffee. It features three couples, one with a male survivor, discussing sexual healing. The video is understandably dated – Wendy looks like a teenager! – it still conveys the types of challenges couples face when a partner in a relationship was previously sexually abused. Confronting an abuser is discussed in the video. Please note that it is not always a good idea, so it is best to only consider such a move under the guidance of a trained therapist. This video is helpful for partners who want to understand the impact of abuse on their relationship and how they can work with the survivor to heal.

Praise for Partners in Healing

“Well done, interesting and compelling. . . high impact, but not sensationalized.”
–Joseph Lo Piccolo, Ph.D., University of Missouri Sexuality Program

“A well-organized program. The couples are articulate and address a variety of problems. Wendy is excellent. . . a clear, natural and caring presentation.”
–Lonnie Barbach, Ph.D., author, For Yourself and For Each Other

“My clients have benefited greatly from exploring the issues so effectively raised by the video. Both therapists and clients will find the tape a valuable resource.”
–Eliana Gil, Ph.D., Outgrowing the Pain

*** Want to see demonstrations of the relearning touch techniques described in The Sexual Healing Journey? Watch Wendy’s follow-up video, “Relearning Touch: Healing Techniques for Couples,” here

Personal empowerment is a key focus to have when healing from sexual abuse. After all, by definition, sex abuse is an act that involves a tremendous loss of personal safety and control.

In the following four videos, Wendy Maltz shares beneficial messages to help survivors get started on a healing journey to reclaim their personal power and right to enjoy a healthy sex life, of their own making.

Created for the launch of El viaje para sanar la sexualidad, the Spanish edition of her book, The Sexual Healing Journey, these words provide understanding, encouragement, comfort, and hope.

Message 1 – You are not alone

If you were sexually victimized, you are not alone. It is a sad fact that millions of women and men have experienced this type of trauma and harm.  It is not unusual for sexual abuse to cause problems with sex and intimacy, years after the abuse, especially when you get in a steady relationship. But regardless of your circumstances, recovery is possible and can be achieved. 

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Message 2 – You can benefit from good resources 

Intimacy problems do not easily go away on their own. Sexual abuse survivors need to experience caring support and good resources, such as El viaje para sanar la sexualidad, to learn how to heal and create sex that is positive, and very different from abuse.

Message 3 – You don’t have to suffer in silence 

Sexual abuse survivors often suffer in silence, secrecy, and shame — blaming themselves for the abuse, and its impact, even though it was not their fault. Sexual healing involves developing compassion for yourself, taking control of your life now, and being able to create what you want for yourself and your intimate relationship.  

Message 4 – Healing from abuse is worth the effort 

Sexual healing can be challenging. But it’s worth the effort. You learn new ideas, develop compassion for yourself, and practice new approaches to touch and sexual sharing. The good news is that healing is possible, even in this intimate area. 

Sexual health is a gift you give yourself, your relationship, and by extension, your family, and community. When you reclaim your sexuality, you reclaim yourself.