Everything is connected to sexuality. A broad statement, yet I believe that all of our living is built on sex and sexuality. Simply look around the environment and it is possible to see connections to sexuality. Most advertising is built on sexuality: "If I buy this thing, I will get the right partner, perfect job, or woo the person of my dream." The funniest jokes are often based on sexual innuendo. Two of the biggest social issues of the day are related to sexuality: same-sex relationships and abortion. Many of our fears about the future involve the question of whether or not we will find someone to love. Some of the biggest uncertainties in life are about trusting our partner and fearing that our partner might leave us. Our biggest existential pains are connected to relationship failures. The biggest scandals in the mainstream media are often sex focused. This book takes a different approach. What would it look like to expand the discussion on sexuality and "hear" all the messages we hear about sexuality? What would it look like if we sat down and discussed our sexual health issues with the important people in our life? What would it look like if each of us identified what is healthy in our life and actually took the responsibility to assertively get our needs met? What would a sex-positive approach to sexuality look like? The purpose of this workbook is to help individuals discover and address specific topics to help them move toward improved sexual health. The topics reflect what I think the research suggests are the most important topics. The information is simply the tip of the iceberg. I encourage you to seek out and find additional support and information, The rest of the introduction discusses how to use the contents of the book. My hope is that your find the journey toward sexual wellness challenging and even enjoyable.
About the Author: Welcome! The short version: PhD in counseling psychology, licensed as a psychologist working in the area of mental health, sexual health and chemical dependency. My experience includes 17 years work in residential, intensive outpatient, and outpatient settings providing individual, group and couples/family therapy. The long version: I love what I do. My passion is healing, courage and freedom. Most of my work is in the area of human sexuality where experiences of pain, fear, and hopelessness are too abundant. I find it a tremendous gift to work in the field. It is hard to fully express to clients and colleagues the gratitude I feel for the time where our journeys crossed. The books I've written are based in my work, training and needs of the client's. My goal is that you find a bit of hope in the resources.