Sexual Awareness: Your Guide to Healthy Couple Sexuality

Not only did I find this book outstanding in its information, flow, and helpfulness, I've already given my copy to a couple and am now ordering another.For those who are more conservative in their views, may I point out that I am what people would describe as a conservative Christian. Therefore, a couple things Barry writes are not in harmony with my beliefs and values. However, those are very, very few and, as he has always done, Barry treats our views with respect. From reading his research published in scholarly journals to reading his books to talking with him face-to-face, I find him balanced and typically dead-on target about how to help people overcome sexual difficulties and/or develop better love lives.Barry and Emily have done so well with Sexual Awareness that not only have I recommended it to couples, but have suggested to the head of the Psychology Department of a Christian university that though not written as a textbook, this book should be part of the curriculum for both undergraduate and graduate psychology students, particularly those training in marriage and family therapy.As Barry and Emily point out early in this volume, Sexual Awareness does not replace sex therapy. However, in my opinion, if both spouses work through the book together and do all the psychosexual exercises from each chapter, this book can play a significant role in leading them to develop a healthy love life and, if they have them, overcome many sexual difficulties.

This is a very good book that informs, gives permission and gives couples a good place to start in creating or recreating their sexual relationships. I recommend and use it often in my work with couples.

Book

Very informative

Well written and great presentation of material. Thanks!

I used this book for a class in college it was perfect for the task and would be a interesting read outside of a classroom setting as well.

Great read for any couple

I'm a therapist that works with individuals and couples struggling with a wide range of sexual concerns. Many people walk into my office confused about what "healthy sexuality" is. Things have gotten off-track for them and they're not sure where they should be heading. This includes young people who have mostly been exposed to pornography and feel that what they see there is "normal." On some level they know that this can't be right but they're not sure what else they should be trying. It also includes established couples who feel they have gotten into a rut sexually or feel restricted by unhealthy lessons from childhood ("sex is dirty," etc.).Unfortunately when people look for ideas about how to have a healthy and vibrant sex life they run into a lot of misinformation and gimmicks. The latest miracle potion, technique, toy, position, etc. that is supposedly going to guarantee an endless supply of mind-blowing sex for everyone forever. This is where this book really shines. It helps real couples improve their real sex life in their own unique way so that it truly is more enjoyable. It won't teach you some ancient secret trick to ultimate bliss, but it will help you communicate, explore, and engage with your partner is a new way that you will find exciting and rewarding. The book is not dogmatic, preachy, or intellectualized. It combines research and a wealth of professional experience with a warm and practical style that is easy to understand and apply. There are exercises to help couples learn and utilize the principles laid out in the book.So, as you can tell, I strongly encourage you to pick this up (!) if you are looking for a book on this topic. You won't regret it. And, it's not just for individuals or couples who are obviously struggling with some sexual concern. It's also for "normal/regular" couples who simply want to better understand healthy sexuality and improve their physical and emotional intimacy. I especially believe that young people who have grown up in the "age of abundant porn" need to read this. Young men and women come out of adolescence with so much misinformation and confusion about what they should be doing in the bedroom. This book doesn't proscribe "one way," but instead uses principles and exercises to help everyone figure out what works for them.